If you have decided to become a Lhasa Apso owner, it is likely that your daily routine is about to change. Knowing what to expect from the first couple of years with a Lhasa Apso can help prepare you for adjustment. In the coming paragraphs, you will come to understand the likely scenarios you will experience with your new Lhasa Apso.
What should I expect in the first 24 months of owning a Lhasa Apso? Bringing a Lhasa Apso into your home means purchasing numerous items to start with, veterinary care, training, preparing travel plans, and a lot of grooming. Knowing how much you might spend in the first couple of years, plus the timeline for training can educate you on the ways of being a Lhasa Apso owner.
The schedule for Lhasa Apso owning is pretty standard for bringing any dog into your home. The differences lie in the amount of grooming and the amount of exercise needed. However, by discovering exactly what to expect, you will be more prepared financially, with your time, and any additional concerns that you might not think of at first.
(Also, check out answers to related questions you may have at the end of this article)
Costs Involved with Lhasa Apso Ownership
Most people understand that owning a dog brings a long term price with it. Despite this knowledge, very few new dog owners know the extent of it. When you bring a Lhasa Apso into the family, there are a variety of costs that you can expect to pay. In the first 24 months, you can expect costs involved with the purchase of necessary items, veterinary care, and additional optional paid services.
When purchasing items for your Lhasa Apso, you must consider that he or she is a nearly 15-year commitment if brought into the family during puppyhood. Because of this, you might consider the quality of the items that you purchase. It is unlikely that toys will last 15 years, but longer-term items like a crate might be worth investing in.
In addition to a crate, your Lhasa Apso will need food and water dishes, quality food and treats, a collar or harness, a leash, identification tags, toys, and a dog bed. These purchases can total upwards of $200 initially. You may also pay for some supplies to puppy proof your home. The recurring cost of food and treats will become more predictable over time as you learn your Lhasa Apso’s eating habits. The cost of food and treats is also dependent on the level of quality and if your little friend has any allergies. Some Lhasa Apso dogs require special food due to allergens.
Allergens are often determined by a veterinarian after symptoms such as frequent scratching or red skin become a concern. However, veterinary care is not limited to only when issues arise. In fact, many vets ask that puppies are seen monthly until his or her weight is regulated. This allows the vet to provide the proper dosage for flea and tick medications, as they are based on weight. While a puppy is still growing, it is safest to obtain his or her weight prior to giving the medicine.
Your Lhasa Apso will also require the necessary vaccinations. These are on a schedule and are a large part of your pup’s vet bill in the first couple of years. Between vaccinations, flea and tick medications, regular office visits, and spaying or neutering, you can expect to pay approximately $1,200 in the first year alone. By the end of the second year, it is likely that you will have paid nearly $2,000. Of course, this estimated cost does not include any surprise incidents or illnesses.
Unexpected veterinary care costs can attribute for up to an additional $300 each year on average. While spending this much each year is not a guarantee, it is smart to be prepared for the unexpected expense. It is also not a guarantee that the unexpected costs only amount to $300. This is where many Lhasa Apso owners opt to purchase pet insurance.
Pet insurance is becoming more and more popular with pet owners. Premiums range from a few dollars to a couple of hundred dollars each month. While just regular veterinary care would not benefit from most policies, pet insurance is usually wonderful for unexpected expenses in care.
Although the total cost for owning a Lhasa Apso in the first 24 months has already reached a couple of thousand dollars at this point, there are additional optional expenses that many Lhasa Apso owners choose to pay for the convenience.
One optional expense is grooming. Many Lhasa Apso owners opt to do their own grooming, whereas several others would rather pay for the service. Having a Lhasa Apso means doing a lot of grooming. In fact, if you were to do the grooming yourself there is a whole process involved.
The process of grooming a Lhasa Apso depends on how you plan to keep his or her fur. Since the breed is known for the long and flowing locks, many owners prefer to keep it at floor length. However, the amount of grooming required for a coat of that nature is substantial. This is why some owners prefer to keep their Lhasa Apso dog’s fur-trimmed short.
If you opt to cut your pup’s coat, it is recommended that you wait until he or she is at least 10 months of age. It requires this amount of time to fully develop a mature coat. A mature coat is necessary to keep a Lhasa Apso dog’s sensitive skin protected.
When keeping the coat of your Lhasa Apso long, you should expect to comb out the dog’s fur a minimum of 3 times a week. Some owners prefer daily brushing, as the long coat can get easily tangled throughout the day. When doing so, use a spray bottle to mist the fur to allow brushing with less static and less pulling.
You will also need to bathe your Lhasa Apso every other week. After bathing, it is imperative that the fur gets completely dry by way of a brush and hairdryer. If moisture is left behind, your Lhasa Apso is likely to develop dry and itchy skin. It is also important to clean and dry the pup’s ears, as infection can occur.
If you choose to keep your Lhasa Apso trimmed, a bath is still necessary every few weeks. It is recommended that the coat still receive maintenance, such as trims and brushing, on the same schedule as the baths. While it takes less time to dry a shorter coat, the grooming process will stay relatively the same.
Since grooming a Lhasa Apso as often as it is needed can be incredibly time-consuming, many owners choose to pay a groomer for the daunting task. While the cost of groomers varies by location and experience, the average cost lies between $30 and $90 per grooming session. Considering the frequency of grooming necessary for a Lhasa Apso, you would be looking at an additional $1,500 per year.
Another optional cost for Lhasa Apso owners is the option to put your pup in puppy daycare while you are at work. If you work a regular 9 to 5 job, a doggie daycare center might not be necessary – especially if you are able to go home to let him or her out during your lunch break. However, if you find yourself working 12 hour days, a daycare might be a great option for your dog. The cost of doggie daycare averages $400 each month in the United States. That is an additional $4,800 per year.
Rather than sending your Lhasa Apso to doggie daycare, some owners hire a dog walker to check in on their pup during the workday and take them for a stroll. Many walkers will take your Lhasa Apso out for just $15 per walk. Of course, you would have to be comfortable providing the dog walker a key to your home, but this is an option many Lhasa Apso owners choose to take. For one walk per day for a 5 day work week, you’d be looking at $75 a week, or $3,900 yearly.
An additional cost to consider is how much it will be for you to go on vacation. For example, if you choose to take your Lhasa Apso with you, you can expect to pay an additional fee for your hotel room. If you leave your little friend behind in the care of someone you trust, it is likely that you will pay around $20 each day for basic care. Many dog sitters or puppy hotels have higher rates for more comfortable accommodations.
You might also pay for training classes for both you and your Lhasa Apso. There are a variety of classes available to dog owners, from classes at pet store chains to private instructors. The cost varies in these sessions, as each training class has its own pricing based on a number of factors. However, if you decide to take your Lhasa Apso pup to a training class, be prepared to pay for the entirety of the class upfront. It is rare that classes allow single session payments unless it is from a private trainer.
While many of the above expenses are likely to continue beyond the first 24 months, they are an important aspect of understanding what to expect from your life as a Lhasa Apso owner. The first 24 months are an indicator of what is to come in the following years.
Lapso Apso Training in the First 2 Years
Even if you opt for courses in assisting with your Lhasa Apso’s training, putting in the time to teach your pup is imperative. Once you leave the course, you will likely have learned the skills to continue training on your own. In most cases, the common obedience classes last 6-8 weeks. This means that further training at home is often recommended.
Typically the first thing a puppy will learn is where to potty. If your Lhasa Apso is still having accidents where they are not supposed to, proper training is the only way to fix the issue. Many owners prefer crate training over all other housebreaking methods. Because of a Lhasa Apso dog’s stubborn temperament, positive reinforcement is the best option.
Crate training is not a quick, magical fix, but rather a lengthy process. You will need to set aside time to work on training, preferably an hour or two at a time. It is also important to provide your Lhasa Apso with a crate that they can consider a bed. Line the bottom with cozy blankets and a few toys. By making the space homey, the pup will be less likely to urinate or defecate in their space.
During training time, you would keep your Lhasa Apso in the crate. Every 10-20 minutes, you should take the pup outside and give him or her the chosen command to use the bathroom. Common commands include “go potty” or “eliminate.” Once the pup does so, it is important to provide immediate rewards. This can be in the form of vocal praise, petting, or treats.
By returning the Lhasa Apso to his or her crate and ensuring that he or she has plenty of water and food, you can then take the pup out in another 20 minutes. Consistency reinforces the idea that eliminating outside gets them treats.
Potty training a puppy can take several months of consistent positive reinforcement. It is also important to remember that a puppy has a small bladder and, therefore, is unable to hold it for long. When the pup is out of his or her crate, be sure to keep an eye on them for sniffing around or circling like he or she is looking for a spot to go. Prevent the accident before it happens. Be reasonable when it comes to your expectations. Many dogs take 6 months to a year to become fully housebroken.
Another training that belongs to the timeline is often leash walking. A Lhasa Apso only requires a total of 30 minutes of exercise each day. The exercise is best if it doesn’t cause the pup to overexert themselves, as their short snouts can cause breathing issues. This means short walks are great for a Lhasa Apso, so leash training is often imperative.
Teaching a Lhasa Apso to walk on a leash can be a simple task with a few tricks of the trade. Be sure to keep the leash short, as it will encourage your pup to walk beside or behind you. This tells the Lhasa Apso that you are in charge. If he or she begins to pull, stop walking immediately. Do not move again until the pup is back at your side. Once he or she returns, provide a treat as some positive reinforcement. Over time, your Lhasa Apso will be a professional at walking on a leash.
Because of the history of the Lhasa Apso breed, barking is common. Since many owners find this to be an annoyance, you can train your dog to bark less. It is easiest to do this kind of training as soon as possible. If you wait until your Lhasa Apso is a bit older, it will be difficult to reverse old habits and create new ones.
Lhasa Apso dogs are bred to be alert dogs. In order to cut down on the barking, utilize overexposure to the thing that makes the dog bark coupled with positive reinforcement. For example, if your pup barks at people walking down the street, ask a friend to walk in front of your home repeatedly. As the friend walks, use a command such as “no” when the pup begins to bark. You might also try to distract your pup from the person in the street with affection and treats.
It is likely that this will take several training sessions with multiple people walking in the street, but it is possible to eliminate the Lhasa Apso dog’s need to bark. The pup will also be less likely to bark if he or she is socialized with a variety of people and animals. It is possible that the pup perceives unknown factors as a threat, so ensuring that the dog is familiar with all barking triggers will help to diminish barking altogether.
By placing the focus of training your Lhasa Apso early on in his or her life, you are helping the pup to grasp what is expected from them. This helps both you and the dog to be happier and will develop a wonderful bond that extends beyond the first 24 months.
Necessary Lhasa Apso Care
Caring for a Lhasa Apso for the first two years of his or her life is a job that is to be taken seriously. This means getting him or her to veterinary appointments as needed, ensuring that he or she is getting enough food and water, and providing the pup with a safe environment.
Regular veterinary care is important for the health of your Lhasa Apso. In fact, in the first 24 months, your dog will need nearly 20 shots or medications for vaccines. Most Lhasa Apso dogs need frequent visits as puppies, then they can be seen a bit less as they grow into adulthood. However, the vaccination schedule should be kept so that no dangerous, yet preventable, disease finds your small friend.
In the first 8 weeks of life, your Lhasa Apso will need vaccinations for DHPP, Bordetella, Leptospira, Lyme, and two strains of the influenza virus. Between 10 and 12 weeks of age, puppies need another DHPP, Leptospira, Lyme, both influenza virus vaccines, and a rabies vaccine. At 15 weeks old, your Lhasa Apso will get another DHPP shot. A year later, all of these vaccines, with the exception of the DHPP shot, will need to be given again. This makes for a busy few months for veterinary visits.
In the first 24 months of Lhasa Apso ownership, you will need to determine how much you should be feeding your pup as he or she grows. By the time a puppy is 24 months old, growth should be complete and the amount of food that he or she eats should be regulated. However, in the time leading up to the 2-year mark, your pup will have increasing needs.
You should determine what kind of diet you want to feed your Lhasa Apso. While many owners prefer to buy quality dog food, there are some that prefer to make their Lhasa Apso pup’s food in their own kitchen. No matter what you decide providing your dog with the appropriate amount of calories each day is a big part of being a Lhasa Apso owner.
When it comes to a Lhasa Apso, it is most common for a grown dog to eat around 500 calories per day. However, a 4-month-old Lhasa Apso puppy weighing only 7 pounds should consume around 330 calories a day. Be prepared to provide your Lhasa Apso with the food that they need as they grow into the 14-pound dog that he or she will become.
Constantly double-checking that your Lhasa Apso is living in a safe environment is a big part of the beginning stages of ownership. By removing hazards from your Lhasa Apso’s reach, you are helping to keep your little friend safe in their own home. This includes a variety of items, but not limited to chemicals, electrical cords, trash, medicine, and food.
Much like baby-proofing, it is important that your home is puppy proofed prior to the dog’s arrival. There are some things that will continue to be adjusted as you learn the lengths to which your pup will go to get that box of cereal. However, by being proactive in your puppy-proofing, many accidents can be avoided.
You will need to lock any doors that contain chemicals or cleaning products. If this is not possible, try to move the items high and out of reach of the small dog. Any electrical cords that are easy to reach should be zip tied and moved away from the pup’s common areas. There are also cord covers that can be purchased to help deter the dog’s attention to the cords. As with many dogs, a Lhasa Apso might try to get in the trash. Ensure that the can has a lid and cannot be gotten into easily. Medicines should be stored away from areas the dog will be and behind closed doors or out of reach. Lastly, keeping human food far away from your Lhasa Apso can help to prevent any poisoning.
There are some other dangers to consider as well. Some plants are considered poisonous to dogs. With a small dog like a Lhasa Apso, the poisoning can be even more detrimental. This is why both indoor and outdoor plants around your home should be researched.
The outside area needs to be puppy-proofed as well. This typically means checking for gaps in fencing and searching the yard for any potential hazards. If no fence is available, it is best to keep a leash on your Lhasa Apso as they use the bathroom, since any number of hazards can be found away from your property.
While the hazards a dog can get into are seemingly many, removing all dangers from the home will help to keep your Lhasa Apso safe. The first 24 months are likely to be the hardest, especially as puppies are far more curious than the much lazier adult dogs, but providing a safe environment to your dog is now your responsibility as a new owner.
Lhasa Apso Recap
Although the first 24 months of Lhasa Apso ownership can be the most difficult for you, the owner, they are also often the most rewarding. By bringing a new puppy into the family, you are not only giving a little dog a home but keeping them fed and safe throughout their lifetime. The first 2 years will prove to be the most expensive, as veterinary visits coupled with the purchase of all necessary equipment will add up to thousands of dollars quickly.
In addition to training, the first 24 months will require countless training hours and patience, but you will see a positive change in your Lhasa Apso. While the frustration of accidents and the learning process will occur, using positive reinforcement will allow your puppy to learn and develop a strong bond with you.
In the beginning, the care required will likely be a learning curve. By the end of the first 2 years, it is likely that your daily routine and care for your Lhasa Apso will be like second nature. Lhasa Apso dogs live to be in their teens and will provide you with a companion for years well beyond the first 2 if proper care is given.
Related Questions
Will I have to retrain my Lhasa Apso in old age? It is possible that your Lhasa Apso develops health issues related to memory such as dementia. At times it is necessary to teach your dog what he or she once knew well.
What should I expect in my Lhasa Apso’s senior years? Achy joints and blindness are just a couple of potential issues that might occur in an older Lhasa Apso. Like people, older Lhasa Apso dogs can find themselves with a variety of health concerns in old age.
At what age can I adopt a Lhasa Apso? In most cases, it is required that a Lhasa Apso puppy be at least 8 weeks old prior to leaving its mother. It takes at least this long for a puppy to be weaned. Some breeders wait a bit longer to sell the pups.