Tibetan Mastiffs aren’t your average dog — and that’s exactly what makes them so special. Originally bred to protect livestock in the harsh conditions of the Himalayas, these strong-willed guardians have a reputation for independence and loyalty. 

So how do you train a dog that was built to make its own decisions? We’ll unpack what makes Tibetan Mastiffs tick — from their temperament and common training quirks to how real food can support sharper focus and a calmer, more responsive mind. Whether you’re at the beginning of the journey or refining your approach, there’s plenty here to help you build trust and connection that lasts. 

Read more: Tibetan Mastiff breed insights: care, personality & expert tips

Tibetan Mastiff temperament and trainability 

Tibetan Mastiffs are known for their independence, intelligence, and guarding instincts. While very clever, they are not naturally eager to please, which can make training more challenging than with more people-pleasing breeds. Their strong will and natural suspicion of strangers mean early socialisation and consistent training are essential. 

They’re not the type to perform tricks for praise alone. To train a Tibetan Mastiff, you need to earn their respect — and that takes time, trust, and a lot of patience.  

With positive reinforcement, consistency, and a good understanding of their motivations, Tibetan Mastiffs can become well-mannered and reliable companions.  

Health considerations that can affect training 

Tibetan Mastiffs are generally a hardy breed, but some health issues can impact training and behaviour: 

Joint conditions like elbow and hip dysplasia can affect Tibetan Mastiffs. In these conditions, the ball and socket of the joints don’t fit together properly. Instead of moving smoothly, they grind and rub, leading to inflammation, pain, and reduced mobility. Over time, this can result in arthritis or more severe damage.  

Joint discomfort often shows subtly at first, like slower movement or hesitation during training — before becoming a more serious barrier to exercise and focus. 

Try this:  
You can support your dog's joint health with ingredients containing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties like turmeric, ginger and omega-3s from fish oil —  ingredients found in Lyka meals. 

Lyka’s Joint Supplement also contains active ingredients like Green-lipped mussels and curcumin extract to promote joint health.  

Read more: Hip dysplasia: how can your dog’s diet help?

Obesity, or excess weight gain, can impact Tibetan Mastiffs, resulting from overfeeding and under-exercising. Carrying extra kilos can put stress on joints, decrease motivation to exercise and impact your dog’s ability to focus during training. Over time, excess weight can also affect mood, energy levels and overall health.

Try this:  
Opt for custom-portioned, nutrient-dense meals that provide steady energy without excess calories, like Lyka.  

Read more: Lyka's vet guide to healthy dog weight (with charts and video) 

If your Tibetan Mastiff is showing signs of resistance or seems unusually reactive, consult a vet to rule out any underlying health issues before continuing with training. 

How real food fuels your Tibetan Mastiff’s focus 

Just like us, dogs learn best when they’re feeling healthy, balanced and energised. Diet plays a big role in your pup’s ability to focus, stay calm, and retain information.  

Tibetan Mastiffs benefit from: 

• Steady energy sources like butternut squash and purple sweet potato, which have a low glycaemic load and help release energy slowly.  

• Essential fatty acids like DHA and EPA (omega-3s from fish, mussels, or fish oil) support brain health and development, memory, and learning.  

• Fresh, bioactive nutrients, from ingredients like blueberries and shiitake mushrooms support immunity, skin health, and overall wellbeing.  

“A fresh food diet packed with brain-boosting nutrients supports your dog’s ability to learn and adapt. Omega-3s, especially DHA, are critical for memory and cognitive function.”  

– Dr Alex England, Lyka Veterinarian, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice)   

Learn more about Dr Alexander England and his veterinary experience. 
 

All Lyka meals are formulated by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to provide complete and balanced nutrition for learning, growth, and everyday health.  

Read more: What do Tibetan Mastiffs eat? Breed-specific nutrition tips  
Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training 

Exercise first for improved focus 

Tibetan Mastiffs have moderate energy levels but benefit from daily walks and mental stimulation. A bit of pre-training exercise helps burn off excess energy, setting the stage for a more focused session. 

Ideal options include: 

• Leashed walks in secure areas (avoid off-leash until reliable recall is established) 

• Backyard play sessions with puzzle toys or fetch 

• Controlled socialisation walks for mental enrichment 

Make sure the exercise is engaging but not exhausting — a focused Mastiff is a more trainable one. 

Training tips for Tibetan Mastiffs 

Training a Tibetan Mastiff requires a calm, confident approach and an understanding of their unique mindset. 

Keep sessions short, sweet, and full of positive vibes. Here’s what works best: 

Positive reinforcement 

This is the gold standard for training. Marking good behaviour with rewards like praise, affection, treats, or continued interaction, teaches your pup how to behave and supports a strong and positive relationship. 

Double up on rewards to mark excellent responses from your Tibetan Mastiff, like praise and a pat, or praise and a treat. 

Find their favourite motivator 

Discovering your pup’s hierarchy of high-value rewards is a great way to keep your Tibetan Mastiff motivated. Is it a nibble of roast chicken, their favourite squeaky toy, or playtime with you? 

Train at the right time 

Sometimes dogs don’t have the energy or desire to learn, especially if they’re too tired, too full, or hot and bothered. 

Mental enrichment through training can be tiring for dogs, so find the right time to train and stop if you notice your dog starting to lose focus or fatigue. 

Stay consistent 

Consistency is key to training. Not just in setting your expectations, but in using the same verbal and non-verbal cues. 

Be playful and engaging 

Dogs are sensitive souls that can pick up on your mood. Keep your sessions fun and your positive energy will be contagious. 

Watch their body language 

If your pup starts to show signs of stress or tiredness, give them a break. If they’ve reached saturation point, it can be counterproductive to persevere. You can always come back to the training at another time. 

Training your Tibetan Mastiff puppy 

Tibetan Mastiff puppies are intelligent, curious — and already fiercely independent. Early training is essential to prevent stubborn habits from forming. 

What works? 

• A regular toilet routine 

• Positive crate training for safe sleep and downtime 

• Early and controlled socialisation with people, dogs, sounds, places, and situations 

Tibetan Mastiffs are especially sensitive to harsh corrections, so stick with force-free methods that build trust and confidence. 

 Read more: Bringing a new puppy home: everything a new puppy parent needs to know

Training your adult Tibetan Mastiff 

Just because your Tibetan Mastiff’s out of puppyhood doesn’t mean the training stops. In fact, ongoing mental stimulation is essential to keep their mind sharp and behaviour balanced.  

This might look like: 

• Reinforcing polite greetings at the door  

• Learning new tricks or games  

• Adjusting to life changes, like moving house  

• Training for mobility support, like using a ramp in senior years  

Dogs have neuroplasticity, meaning their brains adapt and change making them lifelong learners. Keep training light and engaging, and celebrate progress — no matter how small. 

When to call in a trainer or behaviourist 

Not sure if your Tibetan Mastiff’s quirks are just stubbornness — or something deeper? 

A trainer is your go-to for obedience, manners, and routine behaviours. A qualified behaviourist, on the other hand, is best for issues like: 

• Reactivity  

• Anxiety or phobias  

• Aggression  

• Resource guarding  

They work closely with your vet to address underlying causes and create a tailored plan. The earlier you seek support, the easier it is to create lasting change. 

“If training your dog is very challenging, it may be worth considering a trainer or a behaviourist. A trainer can help you identify what may be triggering their behaviour and show you how to help your dog cope in those situations.” 
— Laura V, qualified dog behaviourist 

New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together 

Training your Tibetan Mastiff is a journey — one that requires consistency, creativity, and compassion. Whether you’re navigating house training with a stubborn puppy or teaching your senior dog new routines, every small win is a step toward a calmer, more connected life together. 

And remember, a well-fed brain is a trainable brain. Supporting your Tibetan Mastiff’s learning with fresh, real food meals helps unlock their full potential. 

Lyka nourishes hundreds of Tibetan Mastiffs across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.