I have always loved dogs, and Lhasa’s are my favorite, but I have heard about its aggressive nature, so, I took some time to research and find out.
So, is Lhasa Apso aggressive? Lhasa Apso is strong-minded, stubborn and likes to be domineering dogs. Lhasa’s are not fond of rules, and when they feel pushed or bullied, they can snap and bite. It is advised to be gentle but firm with a Lhasa, but they can mistake play to be a threat and become aggressive. Lhasa’s can be trained to be great pets and interact with children.
If you aim to own one of those cute Lhasa’s, then identify a very reliable breeder that have excellent breeds with exceptional character, because a bad quality breeder may result in an aggressive, snappish and ill-mannered pet.
One of the ways to avoid triggering an aggressive response from a Lhasa is not to discipline it cruelly. Lhasa can be independent-minded and refuse to obey instructions sometimes. During training or any other activity with a Lhasa, don’t lose your cool.
They are firm. If not trained right, Lhasa Apso’s can snap and don’t be deceived by the cute and cuddly nature of the Lhasa, it is a dog that can only be appropriately handled by skilled dog owners because they require endurance, regular training, and gentle discipline.
Do you know the funniest, yet tricky thing about owning a Lhasa Apso? Is that this nibbling, mild aggression and biting seem to look like fun, and it also looks cute and adorable as a puppy.
Why Lhasa Apso’s May Be Aggressive
This strong-willed and sometimes independent-minded dog was initially bred as guard dogs in the monasteries in Tibet where they were fondly known as ‘’Bark Lion Sentinel Dog.’’
Despite their cute, cuddly look, the best way to handle, and even play with a Lhasa Apso is to be gentle, but firm, because they can exhibit aggressive behavior at the least expected time.
Don’t in any way hit a Lhasa, either playfully or with the intention to correct a wrong action, because this will most likely be met with aggression.
They are exceptional watchdogs and always ready to alert the owner of any intrusion, and this they do with loud barking, but you should take proper care in training your Lhasa to be sociable and friendly with strangers, because it has a tendency of doing the guard dog duty too well that it might result in unwanted aggression toward strangers.
Things to watch out for in a Lhasa
- Lhasa may not be the ideal dog for inexperienced beginners;
- Lhasa’s they should be trained, if not it will become stubborn and aggressive;
- Lhasa’s are good with kids, but they can snap if not trained. Lhasa’s benefit by being around kids early in life;
- When a Lhasa feels threatened or pushed, they will snap or even bite;
- Lhasa’s need patient training to effectively teach them to be sociable and avoid aggression.
How to Train a Lhasa Apso To Make Them Less Aggressive
Understating the personality of Lhasa Apso is the key to training them to be the little lovely cute dog you desire. Their temperament is kind of unpredictable, and even among the Lhasa’s, personalities tend to be a little different, but they all exhibit the same behavior.
The most effective way of training a Lhasa is to apply a rewarding method and giving it a treat once in a while to persuade it to be of good behavior.
See also ARE LHASA APSO’S EASY TO TRAIN
When training a Lhasa, be very careful not to use harsh methods because they will react negatively with an aggressive reaction, so using delicious treats, coupled with petting and rewards to train them to behave appropriately with you and strangers will be most effective.
If you are training a Lhasa, a degree of firmness is required from you, because if you are not firm during training, your Lhasa will most likely exhibit a nipping, yappy, and might even behave aggressively. I will personally advise you to try and win your dog’s assurance and respect to effectively train your Lhasa to be sociable and friendly in its behavior.
When you have won the respect and confidence of your dog, then establish your leadership and train your Lhasa to obey you and follow all the orders you give to it.
This breed of dog is brilliant and perceptive, so don’t show any form of weakness by exhibiting affection where you ought to be firm, especially when you need your instructions to be obeyed.
What to do when training your Lhasa Apso
- Begin the training of your Lhasa immediately it comes into your home, and if you have a family then I will advise you gently initiate the first contact with them, this will make him feel loved and at ease.
- Trust doesn’t come so comfortable with the Lhasa, so don’t be surprised if you notice some hesitation and lack of trust in the early stages of ownership. So gently train him to get used to you and follow your orders by building his confidence.
- When training, try to effectively introduce body language, hand signals, and gentle but firm verbal commands to pass your message effectively to your Lhasa.
Things to Look Out for if You Want to Own a Lhasa Apso
Despite their stubborn, independent-minded and sometimes aggressive nature, owning a Lhasa is a lovely experience, because this cute dog is amiable, loyal, a good companion and watchdog if adequately trained.
See also: ARE LHASA APSO’S STUBBORN?
- Temperament. Lhasa possesses a mind of its own, and its independent nature makes it not too easy to train or even raised to be the calm and friendly dog you desire, though given time, and with patience and willpower you can achieve it.
- Lhasa’s tend to bossy, headstrong and controlling. So you have to be firm and assume leadership, and make them know that your instructions must have to be obeyed. Though you should not do this with much force, because it can trigger aggression from them.
- Laying down rules and instructions should not be done with aggression from your part, because if your Lhasa feels threatened with your method of correction, it will likely snap or growl at you aggressively.
- Lhasa’s considers kids as below them in the hierarchy in the home so they won’t take any form of clumsy play such ear squeezing, and hair-pulling as fun, they will react aggressively by snapping or even biting.
- Lhasa’s are very suspicious especially with strangers, though some are sweet and very pleasant with everybody. So you need to train your Lhasa to be very friendly adequately.
See Also: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO OWNING A LHASA APSO
Related Questions
Are Lhasa Apso territorial?
Lhasa Apso’s loves to be territorial, so don’t be surprised if they try to dominate the house, and place their mark anyplace they step into. Lhasa’s love attention and cherishes being adored and treated as the center of attraction in the home.
The male Lhasa conforms more readily to its environment, and if you as the owner don’t like strangers, then your male Lhasa will protect that territory against strangers.
The female Lhasa loves to defend and guard their area more than the male, the females are more prone to aggression, and far less accommodating to strangers into their area when compared to males. If the situation is right, female Lhasa’s are always ready to protect the owner against any harm.
What are the pros and cons of Lhasa Apso?
Even though Lhasa can be stubborn and aggressive at times, these little cuties have some very adorable and loving attributes, though they still come with some cons. So I did a little research, here are some pros and cons I found about Lhasa Apso:
- Pros. They are smart, friendly and witty. They have a lively personality. Lhasa’ make perfect companions.
- Pros. They are very easy to groom, they require minimal exercise, and Lhasa’s don’t shed their fur.
- Pros. Lhasa Apso’s are excellent watchdogs, and they give absolute love to their owners
- Cons. They can be stubborn, strong-willed, and they can willfully refuse to obey instructions
- Cons. Lhasa’s are not the ideal cuddly dogs, they love to be independent, headstrong, and can react when teased inappropriately.
- Cons. Lhasa’s are the masters of their own mind, so in most cases, they prefer to have the very last say on anything.