A recent interaction with a well behaved Lhasa Apso got me wondering about the training required for these dogs. In the past, I have seen a few well trained Lhasa Apso dogs, but just as many that were not trained so well. That fact made me question if the dog could have been taught better with some time and patience, or if these dogs have such a stubborn nature that training is much more difficult. I did the necessary research to find the solution.
So, are Lhasa Apso’s easy to train? Training a dog requires consistency and patience, but a Lhasa Apso, in particular, does have a bit of a stubborn temperament. A person well versed in training would probably find it easy to train a Lhasa Apso. Someone that is new to training or has not done it before might discover that it is harder than it looked to be.
House Training a Lhasa Apso
Teaching a Lhasa Apso to avoid having accidents in the house is a matter of consistent enforcement and praise. It is also important to be realistic in your expectations, as learning this skill and having the bladder capacity to do it takes time. There are numerous methods to try when it comes to house training a Lhasa Apso. Each technique has proven to work with dogs in general, but if you find that your Lhasa Apso is not grasping it, another method may be required.
Perhaps the most popular method is crate training. This begins with purchasing a crate that is the right size for a Lhasa Apso. The crate should be big enough for him or her to stand, sit, or lay. The dog should also be able to turn around comfortably. However, if the crate is too big, a Lhasa Apso will be more likely to have accidents in their bed.
To make the crate feel more like a bed (and space the Lhasa Apso will want to avoid soiling), put a blanket and a few toys in it. Most dogs do not want to sleep in their mess and will be more motivated to wait it out.
To teach a Lhasa Apso bladder control, put him or her in the crate and take them outside every hour. During their time outside, be sure to stay with them and observe. It is imperative that the Lhasa Apso receive praise when they relieve themselves out in the desired area. Giving them vocal praise, petting, and a treat allows a clear understanding that what they’ve done is good and appreciated.
The Lhasa Apso will need to be put back in the crate for an additional hour, then brought outside again when the hour has passed to go out for a potty break. A training session like this should go on for a few hours each day, but also remember to interact with the puppy and provide quality play time.
Over time, the time spent between potty breaks will need to increase naturally. If the Lhasa Apso seems to be doing well at an hour, increase to an hour and a half, then 2 hours. Do not rush the process; give the puppy at least 4-5 days at each time interval.
Within a few months, most Lhasa Apso dogs will be able to go a few hours without the need for a trip outside. However, it is essential to listen to or watch for the dog’s cues for when he or she wants to go out. Ignoring any whining, scratching at the door, or even sitting by the door could regress any progress made.
Another method of house training is the use of newspaper or puppy pads. It is easiest to place the paper on a hard floor, such as hardwood or tile, as it is easiest to clean. The Lhasa Apso puppy will usually relieve themselves in the same area each time, allowing the owner to make the paper area smaller. If there are accidents in other areas of the house, it is best to clean extremely thoroughly, as the dog will smell it and think that it is a proper spot to urinate.
Although the puppy may continuously relieve themselves on the paper, it is essential to take them outside and provide extra praise when they “go” in the yard. This can help to enforce that the yard is preferred, but the paper is the place to go if they can’t hold it.
Another method for house training requires constant supervision. If you are able to be home with your new Lhasa Apso throughout the entirety of their puppyhood, it may work for you. By keeping your puppy near at all times, you should be able to spot when they are about to have an accident. Usually, this comes with sniffing around and circling the same area repeatedly. If this action is seen ahead if time, you can quickly pick up the puppy and bring him or her outside immediately.
Knowing that the puppy does indeed have to “go,” allows you almost to guarantee that they will receive praise when outside. It is smart to take the puppy out at regular intervals, obviously, but watching for the signs means that they have a better chance of relating “outside” to “potty” and not just going outside every hour to play.
Consistent training and praise is the best way to house train a Lhasa Apso. It is imperative that the dog is never struck or hit as punishment for accidents in the house. Doing so will damage the relationship and overall trust between owner and Lhasa Apso. It will also make all areas of training far more difficult.
Teaching a Lhasa Apso Commands
There are many commands that a Lhasa Apso can learn to understand and perform. The most common commands are often “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “lay.” Teaching these commands require a similar technique, but may involve a little extra help. Each command is best started by stating the command that the Lhasa Apso is just beginning to perform on their own. For example, if the Lhasa Apso is moving to sit down, say, “Sit,” so that the dog can associate the action with the word.
To speed up the process of teaching a Lhasa Apso to sit, treats are encouraged. It also helps to use a hand gesture to give the dog something extra to relate the action too. When the command is given along with a gesture, such as pointing a finger downward, wait for a moment to see if the dog takes any action.
If he or she does sit, provide a treat and plenty of praise. If the Lhasa Apso does not sit, state the command again (along with the hand gesture) and push gently on the hindquarters. From a seated position, you might teach the “lay” command by bringing the treat closer to the floor. In time, the dog will be able to follow the commands.
“Stay” is a harder command to teach. It is generally easiest to show the treat, then close it in your hand. Give the command to “stay.” If the dog jumps at your hand, simply say, “No.” When the Lhasa Apso is able to stay for a few seconds without leaping or moving, give him or her the treat. As time goes on, increase the time the pup waits and the distance to the treat. Remember to use the command each time.
Using the command for “come” is also reinforced by saying it every time. You might even call for your Lhasa Apso to come from across the room by stating the command and showing him or her a treat. If the dog does come, offer the treat. If they do not, show the treat again and repeat the command. Once the command is learned, treats can be given less frequently.
Training Against Barking
Originally, Lhasa Apso dogs were used as guard dogs for Tibetan monks. Because of this, they often bark at every little noise they hear or any one person they might see. Stopping this habit usually begins with socialization.
Introducing a Lhasa Apso to numerous friends and other animals goes a long way in training against frequent barking. In fact, if someone were to ring the doorbell and then come into the home and immediately provide attention to the Lhasa Apso, the dog would be more accustomed to the doorbell and the person. Doing this same thing several times in a row will help to wear down the Lhasa Apso’s defenses and decrease barking. It may take several attempts at this to see a change, but consistency is the best method.
Discovering what makes the Lhasa Apso bark will help to determine what he or she needs more exposure to. Providing that exposure in a controlled environment, then praising the dog when he or she doesn’t bark is the most promising way to put an end to barking. Giving the “no” command will also reinforce the idea that the Lhasa Apso should refrain from barking.
Training for Dog Sports and Shows
Dog sports and shows require a lot of extra training, but the training mentioned above must be completed first. Agility is a dog event that requires a healthy Lhasa Apso that enjoys the exercise. If you are unsure if your dog is healthy enough to do this type of activity, please consult with a veterinarian before beginning training. Once cleared, the Lhasa Apso can start an agility training class or, if you are fit as well, you can begin training the dog yourself.
A puppy has yet to develop fully, meaning their muscles and bones are not however ready for big jumps or a real agility course. This does not mean that a Lhasa Apso puppy cannot train. In fact, puppyhood is the best time to start. Rather than using a course, however, having the puppy walk on numerous types of flooring or on small objects close to the ground helps to prepare them for the actual class. For example, walking from grass on to a wooden plank is a great starting point. Even hopping over the plank allows the Lhasa Apso to be more prepared for when their little body is ready for the bigger course.
For training purposes, you can create your own agility course in your own backyard with materials purchased from a hardware store or online. However, doing so can cost thousands of dollars, so many owners prefer to take their Lhasa Apso to a trainer. If you and your Lhasa Apso plan to do agility long term, purchasing your own course may be an investment well worth it.
During training, provide the Lhasa Apso with the treats or praise required to get them to learn the course. In training, the time needed for these things is not as important as they are during a show or competition. When it’s time to compete, the praise and treats must wait until the end of the run. Preparing your Lhasa Apso for the run with no treats is recommended before the actual competition.
In addition to treats, teaching your Lhasa Apso agility requires patience. Many dogs will have a fear of an obstacle that needs mastering. Sometimes dogs learn to conquer the fear by following another dog through the obstacle. Other times it requires a lot of treats and coercion. Either way, a Lhasa Apso will only learn if patience is offered.
Training a Lhasa Apso as a Service Dog
If your Lhasa Apso is well socialized, not too protective, smart, and less than 6 months old, he or she may make a great service dog. The first step to a service dog is having them spayed or neutered, as these instincts hinder their service. Then, your dog will need to know the basic commands (as discussed in the above paragraphs).
An excellent service dog is usually clicker trained, which is a small device that makes a clicking noise utilized each time the dog does something right. This helps to tell the dog it’s time to behave and work.
Since a service dog is often needed for both leashed and free-roaming work, he or she should be taught to be well behaved during both situations. A clicker can assist with this or consistent praise and rewards for good behavior can do the job.
A friendly dog might find it hardest to ignore other people or animals, but it is a requirement for a service dog. The best way to train for this is to expose the Lhasa Apso to other people and dogs and reward them when their attention is on you alone. A dog will always want to do the task that earns a reward over the one that doesn’t.
Using the same method, a service dog must also be taught to retrieve items for you, relieving themselves only on command, or following (or leading, in the case of a seeing eye dog) closely. Despite the need for multiple skills, a service dog should also know when it is time to play. This is often accomplished by teaching a command by clicking and rewarding.
Training a dog can be a lengthy process. In fact, training is never-ending. In other cases, a dog may need to be retrained in old age. However, by utilizing the methods discussed in this article, most dogs are capable of learning nearly anything. Teaching your Lhasa Apso to follow commands, do tricks, or be a service dog is also a great bonding experience. If you put in the time to do so, your Lhasa Apso will also become a great friend.
Related Questions
Do Lhasa Apso dogs have a lot of behavior problems?
Behavior problems are not a common concern for Lhasa Apso owners. Although this breed of dog is a breed Barker, they can be trained not to.
See also: ARE LHASA APSO’S AGGRESSIVE?
Do Lhasa Apso’s bite?
Biting is not a common occurrence for Lhasa Apso dogs. Like any dog, a Lhasa Apso can be provoked, but generally chooses to bark far before any bite.
Do Lhasa Apso dogs make a good family pet?
Lhasa Apso’s make an excellent family pet. This is especially the case if the dog has been with the family since puppyhood.
See also: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO OWNING A LHASA APSO