The Tibetan Spaniel grows to only 10 inches high, in most cases, with a weight of about nine to fifteen pounds. These facts alone would make the dog a prime candidate to be a good escape artist. However, what really makes it masterful is that it can use its paws to open things, like a cat can, and it does just that when prying open fence boards, gates, and doors that are somewhat ajar.
The dog should be kept in an enclosed backyard if you want it to spend some of its time outside. Granted, it won't stay out for long because it can rapidly get lonely. It does suffer from separation anxiety and seeks constant companionship. However, if you place a doggie door available for it, it may go out for a quick romp and just as quickly return. The fenced in yard is mostly for its protection. The dog is so small, it can become prey to larger dogs in the neighborhood. Even a feisty cat can have a good go at this dog and leave scratch marks on the snout of this ever-curious dog.
If the dog is taking a long time to come back in, you can be certain it has found a way to take off. It does like to explore its environment, but only on its own terms. It won't wander far, but it can give you a start to realize the dog has somehow gotten out. It will most likely dig under the fence, or simply find a way to squeeze out of it. It may even have bolted out of your door as you stood talking to a neighbor.
The Tibetan Spaniel is very playful. Once it is loose and knows you are chasing it, it will consider this great fun. It will bound about happily as you try to gather it in, unawares that it is putting itself in danger. It only knows that it has your undivided attention and it has been smart enough to get out. It may even stand a distance away from you, wagging its tail and taunting you about the fact that it is out. It will quickly tire though as the breed doesn't have a whole lot of stamina for long runs.
The dog is highly intelligent and if you act somewhat upset that the dog is gone, it is likely to come up to you calmly to make sure you know it hasn't abandoned you. It will be upset if it thinks it has caused you some distress. This won't keep it from trying this game again and you will most likely only get it to come back once pretending to be upset. They catch on fairly quickly.
|
