Below, we answer frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Tibetan Mastiff fencing and related questions.
While it is common sense for all responsible dog owners to maintain adequate containment for their pets, with the Tibetan Mastiff breed, a properly fenced yard is a requirement!
If a securely fenced yard is not provided, most responsible breeders will not consider any home for one of their puppies. This isn’t simply an idea; it’s a firm recommendation. There can be no exceptions, according to the TMBRN. While you may locate a breeder ready to sell you a TM pup without the fencing requirement, his or her motivation is most certainly profit-driven, and the decision is rarely made in the best interests of the dog or the breed.
Allowing a guardian breed to run uncontrolled on your property, whether it’s a wide-open yard or acreage, is neither smart nor responsible. These dogs are not just prone to roaming, but they are also fiercely protective of their house, yard, and family. No breeder likes to hear that a puppy he or she bred was hit by a car, went missing, was attacked by a stray dog or wild creature, or attacked a stranger or UPS driver.
The cost and effort involved in installing a fence are simply a part of caring for a Tibetan Mastiff. Please choose another breed if this is not something you are prepared to undertake.
Despite the fact that the Tibetan Mastiff is not a hyperactive or always active breed, it does require space to run. The typical suburban yard is 60 by 60 feet, but larger is preferable.
This breed is not recommended for apartment or townhouse life. A large, securely fenced yard is required!
At least 5 feet tall, but 6 feet is preferable, and made of chain link or wood. A privacy fence is good for reducing, but not eliminating, barking.
The TM Breeders Response Network believes that invisible/underground/electric/radio fencing is not a sufficient containment solution for the TM breed on its own. There are a variety of reasons why this form of fencing is dangerous for this breed.
The following is a small list of issues to be concerned about:
If the motivation is high enough, many TMs can withstand the shock. Yet, instead of risking another shock, the dog will be trapped outside of its own yard.
It has no effect on other animals, children, or anyone entering your yard. With a guardian breed like this, this is not a good idea.
It is impossible to predict if the shocks supplied would increase aggression.
For a more detailed explanation, please read our article here.
Dogs have a strong instinct to seek shelter in their dens. They genuinely want a warm, comfortable environment where they can feel protected and secure. Something just big enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down.
Your Tibetan Mastiff will find a safe sanctuary and a place of privacy in the crate. It can also help with self-control and confidence-building. It’s not a parking spot or a means of punishment. Over and above the time spent sleeping in the crate at night, it is not recommended to keep your TM in a crate for more than 4 to 6 hours at a time. A good rule of thumb for pups is no more than one hour every month of life.
Crating speeds up house training, reduces destructive chewing, and keeps them from ingesting potentially toxic substances. Tibetan dogs can be extremely destructive as puppies and even as adults. When you are unable to supervise your T Mastiff puppy or dog, it is a great tool to have. Both your house and your TM will be safe with a crate.
Your dog may need to travel, be boarded, or visit the veterinarian, all of which may need your dog being at ease in a crate or kennel.
Chaining is never a good idea for any dog, but it is especially bad for Tibetan Mastiffs. Aggressive behavior can be developed and escalated through chaining. When dogs can’t reach or get to anything and are repeatedly jerked back or held by a tether, they become frustrated.
In a guardian breed like the T Mastiff, this persistent frustration might lead to aggression. A securely fenced yard is required once more!
Yes, absolutely. While the risk of your TM being hit by a car in traffic is reduced in a remote location, you should still keep your dog on a long leash. You can never be certain that you and your dog will not run into another hiker or group of hikers – with or without their own off-lead dogs – no matter where you are hiking.
You just have no control over any scenario if your Tibetan Dog is not on a leash. If your TM believes you are in danger, he will take action to protect you. Some TMs have a weak prey drive, but the majority have a strong one. Your dog may readily locate and hunt wildlife such as rabbits or dear if you are wandering in a secluded area. Your only chance without a leash is that he will return to you at some point.
With a guardian breed, you have to be concerned about more than just vehicles and the road. You must consider any situation in which letting your dog off the leash could endanger him or others. Only by using a leash can you be certain that your TM will remain safely by you in the face of any distraction or scenario.
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