How is the breed suited for guarding, exhibition, and obedience work?
As a flock guardian breed the TM prefers to be a homebody, and puppies should be introduced to the perimeters of their turf early on and at regular intervals to help define and to cultivate their desire to protect their own property. If dogs are isolated and not socialized regularly, their tendency may be to bolt for open spaces in an eagerness to explore and familiarize themselves with an area, but they are not runners nor roamers. Their concept of their home turf goes beyond the fence line, and underground electric fencing with a shock collar is useless in this breed. Between their desire to explore their turf and their high pain tolerance, they would rather endure the voltage. A minimum of a six foot high fence around a quarter to half of an acre area or more is recommended. Outside the yard, if your dog is to remain faithfully at your side, it will have to be trained to do so and kept on a leash.
