Bruce welcomes and reminds

I had time to say goodnight to Harvey and Chivas when I arrived. I skipped Bruce because it was already late and he was already sleeping in his home at the other lot. I thought I would save my hellos in the morning.

Naturally, the morning after, we were both excited to see each other. At 7 am, I went at the other lot and found him playing with Harvey and Buddy. When he saw me, he immediately ran, leapt and did his signature hugs with all his weight directed at me and his slobbering on my shirt. If I've forgotten how heavy he is, well I was sure reminded. There goes my morning attire.

His weight is starting to show for a Bullmastiff breed. He's turning 5 months this Sunday and I could have sworn he was not this big when I left for Cebu. Observing him, he already looks like a full grown dog, weighs like a full grown dog, that acts like how a puppy should. He's more playful, more protective and more excited. His weight is not an ordinary weight of a dog his size. He is naturally big boned with a meaty disposition, so you could just imagine his effort of jumping and putting his weight on you. If you're not prepared, you would be toppled. 

With his size, we still see the importance of training him. Don't get me wrong. He is a very friendly, cuddly and affectionate dog, but without guidance, he will at some point seize the freedom too much until he creates havoc and his size will become, instead of an asset, a liability.

As owners, we have the responsibility of managing him and teaching him what not to do. Unlike Harvey and Chivas, their size make them more manageable. But with Bruce, some strict order and command would have to take place. We cannot afford to have a huge dog doing anything he likes and acting however he likes. It would be chaos, destruction and frustration for all those involved. We love Bruce so we want to develop him to his full potential, and we also want to learn how to manage him so as not to find reasons to be disappointed of him.