The Lhasa Apso is a small, ancient breed of dog originating from Tibet, where they were often referred to as “lion dogs” due to their resemblance to the mythical Tibetan snow lion. They were once exclusively bred for the nobility and the monasteries, serving as watchdogs and companions. The breed has since gained popularity worldwide, but are they stubborn dogs? This question is important to consider for prospective owners, as understanding a dog’s temperament is crucial to providing them with a suitable home environment and a successful training experience.
Why are Lhasa Apso’s so stubborn?
To answer this question, it is important to understand the breed’s history and natural instincts. Lhasa Apsos were bred to be alert and watchful, which made them excellent guardians of their Tibetan owners’ homes and properties. Their innate ability to think independently and make their own decisions helped them effectively perform their duties as watchdogs.
This independence can sometimes be mistaken for stubbornness, as the Lhasa Apso can be strong-willed and determined. They may not always respond immediately to commands, which can lead to the perception that they are being deliberately difficult or obstinate. However, what might be perceived as stubbornness is often a result of the dog’s natural instincts and independent thinking.
How do you train a Lhasa Apso not to be stubborn?
The key to training a Lhasa Apso is understanding their unique temperament and working with their natural instincts, rather than against them. Here are some tips to help you train your Lhasa Apso effectively:
- Start Early: Begin training your Lhasa Apso as early as possible to establish good habits and a strong bond between you and your dog. Puppies are more receptive to learning and socialization, so take advantage of this crucial period.
- Positive Reinforcement: Always use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior. Reward your dog with praise, treats, or toys when they follow your commands or exhibit desirable behavior. Avoid punishment-based techniques, as they can be counterproductive and lead to fear or aggression.
- Consistency: Be consistent with your training methods and commands. This will help your Lhasa Apso understand what is expected of them, reducing confusion and making it easier for them to learn new behaviors.
- Patience: Remember that the Lhasa Apso is an intelligent and independent breed. It may take them longer to learn certain commands or behaviors compared to other breeds, but with patience and persistence, they will eventually get it.
- Socialization: Expose your Lhasa Apso to various environments, people, and other animals from an early age. This will help them become more adaptable and less likely to be stubborn or fearful in new situations.
- Build Trust: Establish a strong bond with your Lhasa Apso through daily interaction, play, and grooming. A strong relationship built on trust will make your dog more receptive to your commands and more likely to follow your lead.
How dangerous is this breed when angered?
While they are not known for being particularly aggressive, they do have a protective and loyal nature. When angered, they might bark or display defensive behaviors, but they are not typically a dangerous breed, especially considering their small size. It’s important to socialize and train them from an early age to prevent aggression or fear-based behaviors.
As for trainability, Lhasa Apsos are intelligent dogs, but they can also be independent and stubborn. They may not be as easy to train as some other breeds, but with consistent, patient, and positive reinforcement-based training methods, they can learn and obey commands. Like with any dog, early socialization and training are essential to help them grow into well-behaved and balanced adults.
What are Lhasa Apso’s origins?
This breed is native to Asia. They are one of the oldest breeds of dog in the world and are one of the closest kin to the wolf. Bred around 800 B.C.E as protectors to Tibetan Buddhist monasteries; they were used to alert monks of unwanted intruders and were loyal companions to the monks. They protected the sacred town of Lhasa in Tibet. This earned them a high ranking in Buddhism.
There is a belief that a Lamas could enter the body of one of these pets while waiting to be reincarnated. So, in Buddhism, they’re a vessel. They’re called Apso Seng Kyi in Tibet, which translates to, “Bearded Lion Dog.” This is due to their long thick coat of fur, that resembles that of a lion’s mane. In Tibet, this was a sacred breed of dog. We know this because they were never sold, only given as gifts. This is an essential part of their history because it shows how highly they were regarded.
In the 1900’s they were brought from India to England, where they were referred to as the Lhasa Terrier. The first pair of Lhasa Apso was brought to America in 1933, and in 1935 the Kennel Club seemed them part of the terrier family. However, in 1959 they were placed in the non-sporting group. In the 1980s, a litter was transported to Canada. Since then, they have been loved and adored all over the world.
What are the responsibilities of owning a Lhasa Apso?
These four-legged friends require at least three walks a day. Each turn is lasting around 20-30 minutes. Otherwise, these small pups will become obese. This can cause other health issues, and leave your pal in quite a bit of discomfort. Make sure that you are feeding your furry friend the proper diet. Since they are a smaller breed, half a cup of kibble and smaller dog foods are recommended. Another responsibility is to make sure that you get your dog to the vet on a regular schedule. This is very important for any breed of dog.
Along with regular veterinary care also be sure that they are being groomed regularly and adequately. This is very important because they shed and this can be problematic for anyone who is allergic to pet dander.
Be sure to encourage proper behavior; seeing as they are very territorial. This can be done by offering the dog a treat when they do something good, or perform a simple command. Make sure that you give the dog a chance to socialize as a puppy. This will help the training process, and help make these four-legged friends more comfortable around people, kids, and other animals. This breed can be lovely, and fun pals.
Lhasa Apso’s require lots of attention to grow and blossom into the spectacular companions they can be.
Related Questions
Is Lhasa Apso hard to train?
Lhasa Apso can be entirely independent and stubborn, which makes it slightly tricky. However, it can be done with lots of positive reinforcement. They will eventually begin to warm up to you and become the household pet of your dreams.
See also: ARE LHASA APSO’S EASY TO TRAIN
What health problems does Lhasa Apso have?
Hip dysplasia, eye issues, juvenile renal diseases, and progressive retinal
See also: 7 LHASA APSO HEALTH PROBLEMS
How long does Lhasa Apso usually live?
On average, Lhasa Apso can live in their mid-teens, so around 12-14 years. This is a ripe age for dogs and makes this breed great as a family pet. Especially with their protective background. The lifespan of your pet depends on how well the pet is taken care of. The longest one has lived to the ripe age of 29 years old. This goes to show that they can live very long, happy, lives.
See also: LHASA APSO LIFESPAN