How to Train a Lhasa Apso

Introduction: Understanding the Lhasa Apso Personality

Lhasa Apsos, characterized by their flowing coats and regal demeanor, have been cherished companions and watchful protectors for over a thousand years. Originating from Tibet, these dogs were often found in monasteries, serving as sentinel dogs. Their assertive and independent nature means they’re not just lap dogs; they’re keen observers and can be somewhat aloof with strangers. While they’re undeniably intelligent and eager to please their primary caregivers, their stubbornness can sometimes come into play during training sessions. Their strong bond with their families makes them loyal companions. Knowing the essence of a Lhasa Apso is vital when considering how to approach their training.

The Importance of Early Socialization

For a breed like the Lhasa Apso, which can be reserved or even wary of unfamiliar faces, early socialization is of paramount importance. Their natural instinct is to be alert and, sometimes, suspicious of strangers, which can be curbed with appropriate exposure during their puppyhood.

To raise a well-rounded Lhasa Apso, expose them to a myriad of people, environments, and other animals while they’re young. Familiarizing them with various everyday sounds, from the doorbell to the noise of traffic, helps prevent nervousness or excessive alertness later in life. Puppy classes can be invaluable, providing structured environments for learning and interactions with other puppies and people.

Regular outings, be it to the local park, the vet, or even just a stroll in a busy area, can greatly aid in their adaptability. Positive reinforcement, like treats and praise, should be used generously to reward calm and desired behaviors during these excursions.

Basic Command Training

Training a Lhasa Apso requires patience, consistency, and understanding of their independent streak. Positive reinforcement, including treats, praises, and play, will yield the best results.

• Sit: Use a treat to guide their nose upwards. As they tilt their head back, they’ll naturally sit. Once they do, use the command “Sit,” reward them with the treat, and offer verbal praise.
• Stay: After mastering “Sit,” extend your palm facing them and say “Stay.” Move back gradually, rewarding them if they maintain their position. Increase the distance over time.
• Come: With a leash attached, use a cheerful voice to say “Come” and gently guide them towards you with the leash. Reward them once they approach.
• Heel: As you walk with your Lhasa on a leash, use the command “Heel” to have them walk beside you. If they try to lead or lag, stop walking until they return to the correct position.

Despite their sometimes headstrong nature, Lhasa Apsos are keen to please their owners, making them receptive to consistent and positive training sessions.

Potty Training Tips for Lhasa Apsos

Lhasa Apsos, being small dogs, benefit from early and consistent potty training routines.

• Establish a Routine: Feeding your Lhasa Apso at consistent times will likely mean they’ll need to go potty predictably. Common potty times include after waking up, post meals, and before bed.
• Designated Potty Area: Whether you’re using puppy pads indoors or a particular spot in the yard, always lead your Lhasa to the same area. This consistency helps them understand where they should do their business.
• React Calmly to Accidents: Should an accident occur indoors, remain calm. A stern “No” when catching them in the act followed by leading them to the designated potty spot can reinforce the correct behavior.
• Celebrate Successful Potty Moments: Always reward your Lhasa with a treat, praise, or both when they use the designated potty area. Positive reinforcement can speed up the training process.

Addressing Common Behavioral Issues

The Lhasa Apso’s independent and assertive nature means that they can sometimes exhibit specific behavioral challenges:

• Excessive Alertness or Barking: Lhasa Apsos were originally watch dogs in Tibetan monasteries, so their alertness is ingrained. Address excessive barking by first identifying the cause – boredom, attention-seeking, or genuine alerts. Reducing stimuli (like drawing curtains), providing toys, or training commands like “Quiet” can help.
• Reserved with Strangers: This breed can be aloof or even wary with unfamiliar people. While this is partly their nature, positive introductions with a variety of individuals during their formative months can reduce extreme reservations in adulthood.
• Dominance Issues: Some Lhasa Apsos may try to establish dominance over other pets or sometimes even their owners. Consistent training, setting boundaries, and early socialization can mitigate this behavior.

Harness and Leash Training

Given the Lhasa Apso’s smaller size and strong will, proper leash training is essential to ensure walks are enjoyable for both dog and owner.

• Choose a Comfortable Harness: A harness distributes pressure more evenly than a collar, ensuring your Lhasa doesn’t strain their neck.
• Introduce Slowly: Let your Lhasa sniff and explore the harness before putting it on. Initially, let them wear it indoors, rewarding them for staying calm.
• Practice Indoors: Before venturing outside, practice walking your Lhasa on the leash indoors. This provides a controlled environment.
• Reward Calm Behavior: If your Lhasa pulls or tries to lead, stop walking. Once they return to a calm state beside you, continue walking. Rewarding this behavior with treats or praises reinforces it.

Enrichment and Mental Stimulation

Lhasa Apsos, with their keen minds, thrive when provided with mental challenges:

• Interactive Toys: Toys that dispense treats or offer some form of puzzle can keep your Lhasa engaged.
• Teach New Commands or Tricks: Beyond basic commands, teaching tricks or more advanced commands provides mental exercise.
• Novel Environments: Introduce your Lhasa to new environments or experiences. This can be as simple as a new walking route or a day at a dog-friendly beach.

Establishing and Maintaining Boundaries

To ensure your Lhasa Apso understands their role in the family and exhibits good behavior:

• Stay Consistent: If a behavior isn’t allowed, this rule should be consistent. Mixed signals can confuse your dog and make training more difficult.
• Regular Reinforcement: Occasionally revisiting training sessions can help reinforce desired behaviors.
• Use Positive Reinforcement: Always reward the behaviors you want to see. This can be in the form of treats, praises, or playtime.