Tibetan Terrier Puppy Checklist

Before Puppy Comes Home

Tibetan Terrier Prep: DNA Test Verification and Grooming Setup

Before your Tibetan Terrier puppy arrives, two preparation steps stand above the rest: verifying the breeder's DNA test documentation (PRA, NCL, and PLL at minimum), and having grooming tools in hand with a plan for building grooming tolerance from day one. The breed's sensitivity means grooming habits established in the first weeks pay dividends for the next 15+ years.

Pre-Purchase DNA Test Checklist

Verify before you commit to a puppy that both parents have been tested for:

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA test — both parents clear or tested. PRA causes progressive blindness with no treatment.
• Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL) DNA test — both parents tested. A serious inherited neurological condition.
• Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) DNA test — both parents clear. PLL can cause sudden acute eye pain and rapid vision loss — the most time-sensitive of the three eye conditions.
• OFA hip evaluation — both parents
• OFA thyroid clearance — both parents
• CAER eye exam — annual for breeding dogs

A breeder who cannot provide documentation for all of these — particularly PLL — is not the right breeder for this breed.

Essential Gear Checklist

• Medium crate (30–36 inch) with divider
• Soft dog bed or crate mat
• Stainless steel food and water bowls
• Flat collar + ID tag (engrave on arrival day)
• Harness for walks
• 4–6 ft leash
• Pin brush and slicker brush
• Wide-tooth steel comb
• Detangling spray
• Blunt-tipped scissors for paw trimming
• Dog-safe shampoo and conditioner for double coats
• High-value training treats
• Puzzle toys and enrichment toys — the breed benefits from mental engagement
• Enzymatic cleaner

First Vet Visit and Health Monitoring

What to Establish at the First Vet Visit

First Vet Visit (Within 48–72 Hours)

• Full physical exam
• Vaccine schedule verification
• Parasite prevention
• Microchip if not done by breeder
• Baseline eye exam — ask the vet to note the appearance of both eyes. This establishes normal baseline for comparison if any eye concerns arise later
• Get pet insurance before this visit. PLL is a condition that can appear in young adults and requires same-day emergency care — being insured before any documentation is created protects coverage

Eye Monitoring Throughout Life

Because of the breed's PLL risk, establish a habit of observing both eyes:

• Normal: clear, bright, symmetrical eyes with no discharge other than minimal clear tearing
• Concerning and requiring same-day vet contact: sudden squinting of one eye, pawing at an eye, cloudiness in the eye, visible redness, or the eye looking different from the other one
• PLL emergency signs: any combination of the above in a young adult dog (typically 2–6 years, though PLL can appear at any age). Do not wait overnight. Call ahead to an emergency vet and go immediately.

Annual eye exams (CAER certification) are recommended for breeding dogs and are worthwhile for all Tibetan Terriers as a breed with known hereditary eye conditions.

Paw Pad and Foot Check Habit

Establish the habit of checking the paws from puppyhood: lift each foot, look at the pads, check between the toes, examine the paw hair. This serves two purposes — it builds handling tolerance that makes the adult dog easy to examine and treat, and it normalizes the monthly trimming of paw pad hair that prevents slipping. Start this routine from the first week even if no trimming is needed yet.

Socialization and Training

Raising a Sensitive, Devoted Companion

Socialization: Gentle but Consistent

Tibetan Terriers are sensitive dogs — they notice everything and respond to how they're treated. The socialization window of 8–16 weeks is important for building confidence and reducing the wariness that, in an under-socialized dog, can become reactive or fearful behavior as an adult. The key: positive exposure, never forced interaction.

• Diverse people: different ages, heights, uniforms, accessories — let the puppy approach when curious rather than forcing greetings
• Diverse environments: different floor surfaces (wood, tile, outdoor pavement, grass), urban sounds, different indoor spaces
• Friendly dogs in controlled settings — puppy class is excellent for structured socialization
• Practice being alone for short periods from the first week; Tibetan Terriers bond closely and need to learn that departures end in returns

Training a Gentle, Capable Dog

Tibetan Terriers are intelligent, willing, and sensitive. They learn quickly with positive reinforcement and shut down with harsh correction. Short, positive, varied sessions are far more effective than long repetitive ones.

• Core commands from the first week: sit, down, stay, come, leave it
• Crate training — Tibetan Terriers adapt well; introduce with treats and meals in the crate before closing the door
• Loose-leash walking from the first walk
• Handling exercises: daily touch of paws, ears, mouth, all over the body — makes grooming, vet exams, and veterinary treatment substantially easier throughout the dog's 15+ year life

Managing the Puppy Coat Transition

At around 9–12 months, the soft puppy coat gives way to the adult coat. This transition period requires daily brushing — the mixed coat types mat significantly faster than either alone. Plan for this period:

• When the coat starts to feel cottony or matting more easily than before, increase brushing frequency to daily
• If the coat becomes difficult to manage at home, see a professional groomer immediately — waiting allows mats to reach the skin, which requires shaving
• Many owners find it helpful to schedule an appointment with their groomer at the start of this transition for guidance on managing the specific coat their dog has