Tibetan Mastiff UK Behaviour and Training Support Services

11/09/2025

This is my second general neutering blog, to be shortly followed by a supplemental one specific to TM's. This is free and well research info so feel free to share it is important and people should be aware! All blogs can be found in full at hindeshounds.co.uk

28/05/2025

This is a general neutering blog I have carefully researched and created and have just added to my website as an update to my previous blog on the subject. It is as relevant for TM's as it is for any other dog, hence posting it here. I am eager to ensure as many people as possible access this information. Please review and feel free to share. It is a series of three, two more related blogs to follow, the next one looks at how neutering may affect behaviour.......it is not just physical health that we need to think about when neutering!

Neutering your dog is a significant decision, and as a responsible pet owner, you’re likely seeking guidance that goes beyond a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ At Hindes Hounds, we believe in providing balanced, research-backed insights to help you make the best choice for your canine companion. Thi...

11/05/2025

05/05/2025

A Quick Note on Advice and Support on This Page 🔹

As more people find this page and begin sharing their experiences with Tibetan Mastiffs, I wanted to take a moment to say thank you. It’s clear that so many of you are working incredibly hard to understand and support your dogs, and I truly appreciate the openness and thoughtfulness in the comments and messages I receive.

That said, I also want to clarify the role of this page. I will be sharing general posts, reflections, and MUTT-based insights (that’s Mutual Understanding and Trust Training, my behaviour framework) to support people in understanding their TM’s emotional world and instinctive behaviour patterns.

🧠 These posts are not designed to replace individual assessment. Some behaviours—especially things like reactivity, guarding, or nipping—can escalate over time, and while peer support and community input are valuable, they are not a substitute for qualified behavioural guidance.

I’m often asked to comment on specific methods or strategies, and while I deeply appreciate the trust, I do need to be cautious. Behaviour is nuanced. What’s effective or appropriate in one case may be risky in another, and it wouldn’t be ethical—or helpful—for me to offer detailed guidance without seeing the full picture.

So please know that if I respond in a more general way, it’s not that I don’t care—it’s that I care too much to give advice without context.

If you’re ever unsure or would like to explore whether more structured support might be helpful, I offer a brief initial chat and would be happy to hear from you.

Thank you for being part of this growing, thoughtful, TM-aware community.

—Pamela
Hindes Hounds -Canine behaviour and training services
NB photo courtesy of Syrenn Gibson Lewis

01/05/2025

As a result of a query below I thought it might be helpful to pop up this short guide:-

🐕 “My Tibetan Mastiff growls at strangers – what should I do?”
It’s a question I get asked a lot, and it’s a really important one—especially when you’re living with a breed that’s as instinctive and strong-willed as a TM.

🔹 1. It’s not bad behaviour – it’s communication.
When a TM growls, they’re not being difficult or trying to take over—they’re saying, “I’m uncomfortable, and I’m not sure you’ve got this.” That deserves thoughtful attention, not correction or dismissal.

🔹 2. Guarding is part of who they are, being a guardian is in the dna. It has been their purpose for thousands of years, but without proper support, they may feel like they always need to step in—even when it’s not appropriate. That can create a cycle of tension for both dog and human.

🔹 3. I’m not trying to ‘train out’ their instincts.
TMs don’t need to be “fixed.” They need help understanding when to step forward and when they can rely on you to deal with things. It’s not about suppression—it’s about trust.

🔹 4. Obedience won’t get you where you want to be.
You can’t manage this kind of behaviour by just giving more commands, you might at best suppress it temporarily and at worst make it worse. Tibetan Mastiffs aren’t wired to respond to instruction for its own sake—they respond to calm, kind and consistent leadership they trust. That’s why I use the MUTT method: Mutual Understanding and Trust Training—which focuses on relationships, not rigid training routines.

🔹 5. A few things you can try right nowi if you dog is not good around strangers :
✅ Don’t let strangers approach them directly—create calm space
✅ Step in early and lead them away with confidence if needs be
✅ Stay neutral—your own emotional state matters more than you think
✅ Use consistent routines to reduce stress and make life predictable

🔹 6. Behaviour change happens at both ends of the lead.
Your TM won’t fully hand over their role—and nor should they. However they can learn to share the responsibility if they feel safe enough doing so. That means working on your responses just as much as theirs in relevant situations.

If any of this resonates and you’d like to chat about what’s going on with your own TM, feel free to message me. I offer a short initial call (free of charge) to help you explore whether a consultation might be useful.

🛈 Please note: This is general guidance only. Every dog is different, and responsible advice always starts with a proper assessment. MUTT begins with listening, not assumptions.

29/04/2025

Honouring Tibetan Mastiffs Roots as Guardians

Tibetan Mastiffs are truly ancient guardians - of property, their families and their territory. Their independance isn't a flaw; its a reflection of their rich history. Connecting with them requires patience and respect, not commands. Curious how to honour the guardian instincts? Stay tuned✨✨🐾

12/02/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FM3BJZhttps://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FM3BJZEdR/EdR/

If you have found your way here please jump into our general group forum where you will find many helpful TM owners sharing information, experiences and simply sharing their lively TM's. It is a UK based group but we have interested members from across the globe. If you are looking to promote your dogs, please do not apply to join.....it is a support group not a self promotion group.