Tibetan Mastiffs are known for their impressive size, thick coat, and protective nature. While they may look intimidating, these dogs are intelligent and trainable, and can learn a wide variety of tricks and commands. In this article, we will explore the tricks that Tibetan Mastiffs can do, as well as tips for training them.
Tricks Can Tibetan Mastiffs Do
Tibetan Mastiffs are a large and majestic breed of dog that originated in Tibet. They are known for their impressive size, thick coat, and protective nature. While they may look intimidating, Tibetan Mastiffs can be trained to do a variety of tricks and commands. Here are some of the most popular tricks that Tibetan Mastiffs can do:
Sit: This is one of the most basic commands that all dogs should learn. To teach your Tibetan Mastiff to sit, hold a treat above their head and say “sit.” As they look up at the treat, their hindquarters will naturally lower to the ground. When they are in a sitting position, give them the treat and praise them.
Stay: Once your Tibetan Mastiff has learned to sit, you can teach them to stay. Start by having them sit, then say “stay” and take a step back. If they stay in place, give them a treat and praise them. Gradually increase the distance and duration of the stay.
Shake: To teach your Tibetan Mastiff to shake, hold a treat in your hand and say “shake.” When they paw at your hand, give them the treat and praise them. Repeat this until they learn to shake on command.
Roll Over: To teach your Tibetan Mastiff to roll over, have them lie down on their side. Hold a treat in front of their nose and move it in a circle over their head. As they follow the treat with their nose, their body will naturally roll over. When they are on their back, give them the treat and praise them.
Play Dead: To teach your Tibetan Mastiff to play dead, have them lie down on their side. Hold a treat in front of their nose and say “bang” or “play dead.” As they follow the treat with their nose, gently push their shoulder down to the ground. When they are lying on their back, give them the treat and praise them.
Speak: To teach your Tibetan Mastiff to speak, wait for them to bark naturally, then say “speak” and give them a treat. Repeat this until they start to associate the word “speak” with barking. You can then use this command to get them to bark on command.
High Five: To teach your Tibetan Mastiff to give a high five, hold a treat in your hand and say “high five.” When they paw at your hand, give them the treat and praise them. Repeat this until they learn to give a high five on command.
Spin: To teach your Tibetan Mastiff to spin, hold a treat in your hand and say “spin.” Move the treat in a circle around their head, and as they follow it with their nose, their body will naturally spin. When they complete the spin, give them the treat and praise them.
Tips for Training Tibetan Mastiffs
Training a Tibetan Mastiff can be a rewarding experience, but it requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Here are some tips for training your Tibetan Mastiff:
Start Early: It is best to start training your Tibetan Mastiff when they are young, as they are more receptive to learning and less set in their ways.
Use Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, is the most effective way to train a Tibetan Mastiff. Avoid using punishment or physical force, as this can damage the bond between you and your dog.
Be Consistent: Consistency is key when training a Tibetan Mastiff. Use the same commands and techniques every time, and be patient as your dog learns.
Keep Training Sessions Short: Tibetan Mastiffs have a short attention span, so it is best to keep training sessions short and frequent. Aim for 5-10 minute sessions several times a day.
Use High-Value Treats: Tibetan Mastiffs respond well to high-value treats, such as small pieces of cheese or meat. Use these treats sparingly, but as a reward for good behavior.
Use a Clicker: Clicker training can be a useful tool for training your Tibetan Mastiff. The clicker makes a distinct sound that your dog will associate with a reward, making it a clear and consistent way to communicate with them.
Be Patient: Training a Tibetan Mastiff can take time and patience. Don’t get frustrated if your dog doesn’t learn a trick right away, and always end training sessions on a positive note.
Conclusion
Tibetan Mastiffs are intelligent and trainable dogs that can learn a variety of tricks and commands. By using positive reinforcement, consistency, and patience, you can teach your Tibetan Mastiff to sit, stay, shake, roll over, play dead, speak, give a high five, spin, and more. Remember to keep training sessions short and frequent, and to use high-value treats as a reward for good behavior. With time and effort, your Tibetan Mastiff can become a well-trained and obedient companion.
