Tibetan Mastiff

　　The Tibetan Mastiff has a strong body, prominent features, a handsome appearance, and a very imposing image. It is the dog that is most loyal to its owner for life, which is why it is said to recognize only one owner throughout its life. So, have you ever thought about how to train it into the form you want?

　　Training Essentials

　　Mastering the essentials can successfully train a Tibetan Mastiff.

　　1. Inducement

　　Inducement means using food, tools, or other items that interest the mastiff to attract its attention and motivate it during training. For example, using a toy the mastiff likes as the target for retrieving training. The problem with this method is if the item is changed or there is no food reward, the command may not be effective. Therefore, attention should be paid to the following three points:

　　1. The timing of using inducement must be grasped well and combined with a certain intensity of compulsion, so as to ensure smooth training and maintain the dog's enthusiasm. Avoid replacing commands and gestures with inducement.

　　2. Avoid forming bad associations due to inducement by alternating different tools so the dog understands the training purpose.

　　3. Use tailored approaches according to the dog’s nervous type and characteristics; inducement can be used more for calm, quiet, less excitable dogs, and less for excited, agile dogs.

　　2. Compulsion

　　Compulsion uses mechanical stimuli and threatening tones to make the dog complete the training. Generally, all Tibetan Mastiffs and all training contents involve compulsion, especially when training progress stalls. But pay attention to the following two points:

　　1. When using compulsion, apply it in a timely manner, not too strong or frequent. Otherwise, if the dog's fear reaches a certain level, it will affect reinforcing the training content and the relationship with the owner. The dog must know that punishment and reward are related to training; success will definitely bring rewards (such as petting).

　　2. The strength of compulsion varies according to different subjects and should be used flexibly to avoid adverse effects.

　　3. Prohibition

　　This is a measure taken to stop the mastiff's bad behavior. It can be a stern command or mechanical stimulus. For example, when the dog urinates everywhere, a stern phrase should be used to stop it, and the wording should be consistent so the dog knows that such words mean stop. When using prohibition, the following two points should be noted:

　　1. The owner's attitude must be serious when stopping bad behavior, and the stop must be timely. The most effective time is to stop immediately when the dog shows bad behavior. Being serious does not mean scolding or hitting. When the dog stops at the command, reward it.

　　2. For dogs that respond slowly but prohibition is effective, mechanical stimuli should also be used to strengthen memory.

　　4. Reward

　　Reward is a method to reinforce correct actions, consolidate trained abilities, and adjust the dog's nervous state. Methods include feeding, petting, allowing free roaming, and praise (issuing the "good" command). Generally, at the initial stage of subject training, to quickly form conditioned reflexes and consolidate learned actions, feeding and petting combined with praise should be used as rewards. Pay attention to the following points:

　　1. Rewards must be timely and different methods should be used according to different situations.

　　2. The owner's attitude during reward must be kindly and approachable.

　　3. Rewards should not be confused with normal mealtime. (Source: PetsZone)