Dogs and cats are mortal enemies, but there are few cases where dogs get along with cats. I looked into breeds that are good with cats because I was curious if Lhasa Apso’s are one of them.
Are Lhasa Apso’s one of those dogs who are good with cats? Most Lhasa Apso’s are NOT good with cats. However, Lhasa Apso’s can be good with cats if they are brought up together and their owner trains them both to get along with each other.
Dogs and cats, in general, do not get along too well and so it is tough to make these two fur balls to be friends. Besides, Lhasa Apso’s are known to be cautious with strangers so if a cat is a stranger, which we are sure to be because as we have said, cats and dogs are mortal enemies, a Lhasa Apso for sure will not get along with a cat.
When Can Lhasa Apso’s be Good with Cats?
While most dogs bark and become out of our control if they see a cat, they can actually be persuaded to be friends with them. This doesn’t only apply to Lhasa Apso’s, but it refers to any dog breed. And this does not apply only to cats as strangers but also to other animals and human visitors.
Lhasa Apso’s are also jealous which makes them really difficult to please if they have competition when it comes to the pet owner’s attention, in this case, a cat.
As pet owners, we are responsible not only for taking care of our fur babies but also to educate them especially when it comes to discipline. Train your Lhasa Apso, or any of your dogs in the house, as early as possible to become used to other animals including cats.
If you’re here because you have a cat and planning to get a Lhasa Apso or you’re here because you have a Lhasa Apso and planning to get a cat, either way, expose them together while the dog is still a puppy. Here applies the belief that any dog brought up with a cat can get along with it well.
Here is a list that you can do to make a Lhasa Apso good with a cat.
Get it used to be around cats
Start maybe in public places where you usually take a walk. Try to make your Lhasa Apso take a good look at the cat and if you feel like aggression will start, try to get its attention back to you.
Try anything that you can do to distract its attention from the cat. Do these every time you go for a walk. Then it will eventually learn that cats are okay to be around them.
Give them separate territories
If you are planning to have them both in the house, make them different areas. Lhasa Apso’s like to have their own den so make them one that is only for them.
Cats like to climb to make a tree house for them or use baby gates to separate their territories in the house. Once you think they are used to being together, introduce them.
Consider the age of your Lhasa Apso
If your Lhasa Apso is an old one, get a kitten. A dog that is old cannot tolerate another old furry but it will less likely to attack a younger one.
Train your Lhasa Apso to obey the command ‘leave it.’
Before considering taking a cat to the house, be sure that your dog can obey the command ‘leave it.’ This is an excellent command to make your dog not to attack a cat.
Get professional help
If you are still hesitant about this, consider consulting a professional. Ask anything to know before getting both fur babies under one roof.
Training your Lhasa Apso takes a lot of time, and a lot of patience as this breed is also known to be independent. It is known to have the ability to think and act without being told by its owner. Do not be too hard on them, though. Be calm and have patience.
A dog and a cat can get along really well if they are brought up together in a harmonious and loving environment.
What is other dog breeds good with cats?
You may be here because you already have a cat and planning to get a dog. Here is a list of other dog breeds that may be perfect to be a friend to your cat.
Beagle – This breed is the first on my list because many people say that this is an amiable dog. It is known for its cheerful attitude that it befriends any animal it sees. The Beagle loves to have a lot of playtimes. Put happy-go-lucky and a-lot-of-playtime together, and you have a perfect friend for your cat.
Golden Retriever – Like the Beagle, Golden Retrievers are also very friendly dogs. This breed is easy to train because they love obedience. Now if you tell it not to attack your cat, it certainly won’t if you taught it well.
Papillon – This dog breed is also a happy and friendly one. A Papillon is a small dog making it great to be a lap dog that loves to cuddle with anyone and everyone. A Papillon loves it even more if it has many friends including cats.
Pug – A Pug is known to be a lovable dog breed. And because it is adorable, it can quickly adapt to its environment. If you give it that much of attention, it won’t mind sharing a house with a cat.
Collie – This dog breed is known for its ability in herding. It is a very intelligent breed. It will be reliable to have this with your cat because that is what they are trained for – to work with other animals.
Are Lhasa Apso’s Good with Other Dogs?
Lhasa Apso’s are good with other dogsas long as they are socialized well while they are young. It is like dogs to love other dogs anyway. Here are a few tips in socializing your Lhasa Apso to other dogs.
1.Know your Lhasa Apso
I am not referring to just knowing the general trait of a Lhasa Apso. What I want to point out here is to understand the personal characteristics of your own Lhasa Apso as a dog before letting it socialize with other dogs. See if your dog is calm or aggressive around other people in your house. If they are calm, then they can be introduced to other dogs.
2.Ask the help of a friend who has a calm dog
If one of your friends has a dog which is calm, and he can control easily around others, it would be a perfect starter for your Lhasa Apso in socializing.
3.Do not force socializing
If it seems as though your Lhasa Apso cannot be calm on the first, second or third try of introducing on the first day, it means that you will have to try another day. Try to calm your Lhasa Apso on its own before the introduction.
4.Teach your Lhasa Apso the commands ‘sit’ and ‘stay.’
These are the basic commands that you can teach your Lhasa Apso, and so these should not take a lot of time in teaching. These are perfect commands that they can obey during introduction so that socializing can be more natural.
Things that you should know before getting a Lhasa Apso.
What are the things that you should consider before getting a Lhasa Apso? I have listed below the pros and cons of having a Lhasa Apso that may help you decide if you really are ready to have one.
See also: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO OWNING A LHASA APSO
Pros:
- They are very loyal watchdogs. Very keen, observant and take their watchdog responsibility very seriously.
- Very protective of its family.
- Lhasa Apso’s don’t require a lot of exercises.
- Their coat may become really long, but they don’t shed a lot.
- Very smart.
- They have a long life span of 12 to 18 years.
Cons:
- They can be stubborn because they think they are bigger than they really are.
- They are strong-willed, so they need a strong-willed owner as well who can manage.
- Requires a lot of grooming but easy to groom.
- They are not the kind of lap dogs who are cuddly and needy because they pose themselves with dignity and independence.
- They have a mind of their own, so they require a lot of patience.
See also: 5 SIMPLE WAYS TO GROOM YOUR LHASA APSO
Related Questions
Are Lhasa Apso’s good as family dogs? Lhasa Apso’s, in general, are excellent family dogs. They are good with both the children and the elderly.
What type of food do Lhasa Apso’s like best? Among dry, wet, homemade and store-bought dog foods, Lhasa Apso’s like dry dog food. Watch out also for allergies as most Lhasa Apso’s are allergic to grains in their dog food.