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Do I have enough time for a dog? TM’s need daily interaction
with their human families to remain happy and contented companions.
They also need exposure to a variety of stimuli and regular
socialisation with other animals and people to remain well adjusted
dogs. |
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Do I have adequate space and housing? TM’s tend to be relatively
inactive inside and moderately active out of doors. However, a TM
requires at least a garden that includes a secure fence. |
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Can I afford veterinary care, and am I willing to take my
dog for a health check at least once a year? Am I prepared to spend
out on spaying or neutering, on treatments such as vaccines and
worming medication, and to take my dog to the vets if he gets sick or
injured? |
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Am I prepared to feed a high quality diet? TM’s are large breed
dogs and have special dietary needs. Feed a high quality diet formulated for large breed dogs. Do not supplement your dog
with calcium unless directed by your veterinarian and do not allow
your dog to become overweight or grow too quickly. |
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Am I willing to be patient with house training? TM’s are
naturally clean animals and house train quickly but accidents will
happen. |
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Am I willing to be patient in training? TM’s are intelligent and
fast learners. However, they can be strong willed and stubborn. Am I
prepared to find an obedience or puppy training class? Although formal obedience is
not something TM’s excel with, obedience training is a highly
recommended as a way to form a bond with your puppy and to set the
right tone. |
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Am I prepared to deal with the highly, territorial nature of my
an adult TM? TM’s generally get along well with guests and strange
animals. However, they must be properly introduced. |
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Am I prepared to deal with nocturnal barking? The TM has a deep,
booming bark that announces his "on duty" status. You cannot leave
your TM out late in the evening. |
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Am I prepared to be the top, alpha dog in my pack? TM’s
generally accept and get along well with people and other animals.
However, they sometimes can display dominance. |
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The trials of puppy-hood can last several years. Can I deal with
my property being chewed or possibly destroyed? A TM puppy loves to
chew, especially wood! Am I prepared to provide lots of safe toys? |
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Am I willing to assure my children properly treat, hold, care
for and respect a puppy? When raised with children TM's are very good
with them. However, children must be taught to care and respect
their new family members. Am I prepared to take responsibility for
this dog and its needs as this is NOT something that can be left to
children? |
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Am I prepared to keep my breeder informed about the dog’s
achievements or problems? A good breeder wants to know how his
puppies are fairing and is available to help and assist new owners
with any problems or concerns. |
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What if I go on holiday, have to travel for my job, move or
have a significant life situation change? Am I prepared to deal with
the frustrations of finding housing that allows animals or find a
suitable person to care for my dog while I am gone? Am I prepared to
continue to accept the responsibility for the dog despite these
changes? |
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Am I committed to this dog for its entire lifetime? TM’s
typically can live to 15. Am I prepared to make a commitment
for the life of the dog? |
