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Tibetan Mastiff FAQA service provided by The Tibetan Mastiff |
Before You Buy List of Categories
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- Can I do off-lead activities with my Tibetan Mastiff?
- I know the question about off-leash was asked and I understand about off-lead situations in high traffic areas. What if we are away from traffic and are in a remote region? How about if we're hiking in the mountains or the woods and away from a traveled road? Is a leash still required?
- I have heard or been told that you can never expect to have visitors in your home with this breed. Is this true?
- Exactly how destructive is this breed?
- Does the Tibetan Mastiff eat a lot?
- Does the Tibetan Mastiff constantly drool like some other large breeds?
- Do Tibetan Mastiffs like to play/swim in the water?
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Can I do off-lead activities with my Tibetan Mastiff?
Off lead activities are NOT recommended for this breed. Their independent nature and tendency for lack of responsiveness to obedience commands make off lead activities problematic at best and tragic at worst.No matter how well you think your Tibetan Mastiff is trained, there is no amount of shouting "COME" that will make a difference if they feel that you or they are threatened.
At best their headstrong nature will simply lead them over the next hill to investigate causing you to either lose your dog or at worst possibly suffer as a hit by car. Tibetan Mastiffs are best kept on-lead.
An article about properly containing your Tibetan Mastiff can be found here.
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I know the question about off-leash was asked and I understand about off-lead situations in high traffic areas. What if we are away from traffic and are in a remote region? How about if we're hiking in the mountains or the woods and away from a traveled road? Is a leash still required?
Yes. Most definitely. While the potential for your dog to be hit by a car in traffic may be averted in an isolated area, it is still recommended that you keep your dog on a long leash. No matter where you are hiking you can never be sure that you and your dog will not meet up with another hiker or group of hikers - with or without their own dogs off-lead.If your Tibetan is off lead you simply have no control over any situation you may encounter. If your TM feels that you are threatened in any way he will move to protect you. Some TMs have very little prey drive but most have a healthy one. If you are walking in an remote area, your dog could easily spot and chase wildlife such as deer or rabbit. Without a leash your only hope is that he will come back to you at some point.
It's not just cars and the road you have to worry about with a guardian breed. You have to think of any situation In which having your dog off lead could cause a liability to him and to others. A leash is the only way you can be 100% sure that your TM will be safely beside you in the face of any distraction or situation.
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I have heard or been told that you can never expect to have visitors in your home with this breed. Is this true?
Not true! Because they are a guardian breed, the Tibetan Mastiff can tend to be suspicious and reserved with new people and things. They will naturally tend to be protective and territorial about your property and person.Only the most familiar of family members may simply walk in without being announced. Casual visitors cannot be expected to just "drop in" without a supervised introduction.
Although this is an integral characteristic of the breed, it becomes the responsibility of the owner to expose and socialize their dog to visitors in their home. A Tibetan Mastiff given plenty of early and positive exposure to people and children coming into the home is an important and crucial step.
Good dog manners and proper socialization starts early in puppy hood. A well-mannered, well-socialized Tibetan Mastiff should pose no problem to announced visitors in your home!
While choosing and breeding for correct temperament is important, make sure you contact your breeder for "at home" tips and strategies to ensure early socialization success.
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Exactly how destructive is this breed?
Because they are intelligent and bore easily the Tibetan Mastiff will find things to amuse himself if left to his own devices. They are especially fond of wood but anything from clothing to electronics have been reported as damaged items.Good supervision and redirection to proper chew toys is very important during teething and often well into adulthood.
Supervision, crate training, and access to plenty of appropriate chew items is strongly suggested. Large branches left out in the yard make excellent chew toys for a Tibetan Mastiff.
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Does the Tibetan Mastiff eat a lot?
The Tibetan Mastiff eats surprisingly little in relation to their large size. Historically, this may stem from the meager and stark living conditions routinely found in ancient Tibet.Naturally, growing puppies will require more food; but most adult Tibetan Mastiffs can maintain a healthy weight on less food than other breeds similar in size.
So, for example, an adult would need approximately 4-5 cups of premium kibble or 1-2% of the dogs' body weight for a raw or home prepared diet.
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Does the Tibetan Mastiff constantly drool like some other large breeds?
The Tibetan Mastiff should be what is called "a dry-mouthed breed". In other words they should not have a constantly wet mouth. They can drool after drinking water, if they are nervous or panting from the heat.
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Do Tibetan Mastiffs like to play/swim in the water?
This varies from dog to dog but in general the Tibetan Mastiff is NOT a water dog. A few will love it but most will simply remain toe dippers.
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