Advanced Training Techniques for Dogue de Bordeaux: Unleashing Their Potential

Sarah K.

Table of Contents

The Dogue de Bordeaux—also known as the French Mastiff—is a dog that commands attention. With their massive build, wrinkled face, and intense loyalty, this ancient breed is more than just a powerhouse; they’re a gentle giant with a deeply emotional core. While many admire their guarding instinct and calm nature, few realize just how intelligent and trainable they can be when given the right tools and challenges.

If you’ve already laid the foundation of obedience with your Dogue de Bordeaux, it’s time to dive deeper. Advanced training doesn’t just refine commands—it enhances communication, builds trust, and ensures your Bordeaux becomes the well-rounded guardian, companion, and family member they were born to be.

Understanding the Dogue de Bordeaux Temperament

Before jumping into complex techniques, it’s essential to understand the mindset of the breed. Dogues are intelligent but independent, and they tend to think before reacting. They’re not the fastest learners in the sense of repetition, but once they understand something, it sticks.

They also have a strong guarding instinct—a trait that makes them both wonderful protectors and potential liabilities if not properly socialized and directed. Training for this breed must be rooted in consistency, fairness, and patience.

Raising the Bar Beyond Basic Obedience

Basic obedience commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” are just the beginning. Advanced training refines these commands and helps your dog respond in real-life situations filled with distractions.

Start by proofing your commands:

Ask for “stay” while someone rings the doorbell.
Practice “come” in a park when birds or squirrels are around.
Train “leave it” with high-value items like food on the ground.

The more situations you expose your Bordeaux to, the more reliable their response becomes.

Impulse Control: The Key to a Calm Giant

Given their size and strength, teaching your Dogue to control impulses is more than a convenience—it’s a safety requirement.

Focus on:

Wait at doors: Prevents bolting and promotes patience.
Leave it: Especially helpful during walks or around children.
Settle: A cue that tells your dog it’s time to lie down and relax.

Practice impulse control daily. Keep sessions short but consistent, and always reward with praise or treats to reinforce calm, controlled behavior.

Advanced Leash Work: Walking with Confidence

A well-trained Dogue de Bordeaux on leash is a joy to walk. But it takes more than a basic heel to master public settings.

Introduce:

Directional walking: Teach “left,” “right,” “slow,” and “stop.”
Loose leash walking in high-distraction areas.
Reactive dog management: Train your dog to look at you (using “watch me”) instead of reacting to barking or lunging dogs.

Use treats or toys to reward check-ins. Over time, your Dogue will learn that staying connected to you is the most rewarding part of any walk.

Building Complex Command Chains

This breed may not be as quick as a Border Collie, but they’re more than capable of learning multi-step tasks.

Try chaining commands like:

“Go to mat → Down → Stay until released”
“Heel → Sit → Watch me → Release”
“Fetch → Drop it → Go to crate”

These command chains challenge your dog mentally and promote sharper focus. Use marker words like “yes” to reinforce accuracy, and keep sessions positive.

Scent Work and Tracking Fun

Don’t let their laid-back appearance fool you—Dogue de Bordeaux have excellent noses and enjoy games that involve sniffing and searching.

Introduce:

“Find it” games with treats hidden around the yard.
Scent discrimination, where they choose your scent from multiple items.
Basic tracking, such as following a trail you’ve walked while dragging a treat bag.

This kind of nose work burns energy, satisfies instincts, and adds purpose to your dog’s day.

Guarding with Guidance: Controlled Protection

With their natural protective instincts, the Dogue de Bordeaux needs to learn how to act appropriately as a guardian.

Train:

Alert barking on command, such as “Who’s there?”
“Enough” or “Quiet” to stop barking once the threat is gone.
Controlled greetings with strangers at the door or on walks.

By giving structure to their guarding behavior, you ensure they’re acting under your leadership, not their own assumptions. This makes them more trustworthy and confident in their role.

Obstacle Confidence and Body Awareness

Given their bulk, Dogues may not seem like agility stars—but body awareness exercises can boost their coordination, reduce injury risk, and enhance training engagement.

Set up basic obstacle courses with:

Low hurdles
Tunnels
Ramps or planks
Balance platforms or wobble boards

Use treats and a calm voice to encourage participation. Avoid overexertion, but do offer plenty of praise for effort and exploration.

Training for Public Etiquette

A massive dog like the Dogue de Bordeaux draws attention in public. Advanced training ensures your dog is a polite ambassador for their breed.

Teach:

“Go greet” and “All done” for controlled meet-and-greets
Calm sits in crowds, vet offices, or pet stores
Restaurant or patio behavior, such as lying calmly at your feet

Carry treats for reinforcement, and always reward calm behavior in exciting environments. Your dog will soon understand how to behave like a true gentleman or lady.

Clicker Training for Precision

While many think clickers are just for puppies or high-energy breeds, they work beautifully for Dogues too. The sound provides clear, instant feedback and helps mark correct behaviors.

Use the clicker for:

Refining duration in “stay”
Shaping new behaviors like “touch” or “bow”
Capturing desired behaviors like calm posture or eye contact

Clicker training taps into your dog’s mind and helps build confidence, especially in more subtle training exercises.

Enrichment to Prevent Mental Rust

Advanced training isn’t just about commands—it’s also about keeping your Dogue de Bordeaux mentally sharp.

Rotate:

Puzzle toys and treat dispensers
New walking routes and sniff-friendly zones
Interactive games like “hide and seek”

A mentally satisfied dog is a well-behaved dog. Especially for large breeds that spend a lot of time lounging, keeping the brain busy helps prevent behavioral issues.

Final Thoughts: Unlocking the Heart Behind the Muscle

The Dogue de Bordeaux may look imposing, but beneath the muscle lies a deeply affectionate, emotionally intelligent dog who wants nothing more than to please the people they love.

With advanced training, you’re not just teaching commands—you’re nurturing their confidence, channeling their instincts, and strengthening your bond. The reward? A companion who’s not only well-behaved but deeply in tune with you—your routines, your emotions, your life.

Don’t settle for “just enough.” Unleash your Dogue’s full potential—and enjoy the incredible journey that follows.