How to Groom a Lhasa Apso

Lhasa apsos are intelligent, devoted and compassionate dogs. The biggest challenge in caring for them involves grooming the dense coat, which requires regular brushing and bathing.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Dog Combs
• Dog Conditioner
• Dog Grooming Sprays
• Dog Pin Brushes
• Dog Shampoo
• Nail Clippers For Dogs
• Blow Dryers
• Pet Ear Cleaners
• Scissors
• Elastic Bands Or Twine

1. Accustom your puppy to lying on his back and/or side for grooming when he is young. The best time to train him is when he is tired and willing to lie quietly.

2. Give your Lhasa apso a bath every 7 to 14 days, with several brushings in between. Visit a professional groomer every six to eight weeks.

3. Brush the Lhasa before bathing to remove mats or tangles, which can get worse when they are wet.

4. Use dog shampoo and conditioner to maintain the proper pH for the skin.

5. Clean the dog's ears using a cotton ball soaked in ear wash.

6. Squeeze or blot his coat with a towel after bathing - don't rub. Blow-dry the coat at a comfortable temperature.

7. Spray the dog with water mixed with a small amount of conditioner to make brushing easier and to cut down on static electricity. Or use an antistatic spray, detangler or crème rinse.

8. Brush the coat in layers; part the coat during brushing if you wish.

9. Remove a mat by spraying it lightly with conditioner or detangler. Then pull it apart as much as possible with your fingers. Finally, use the end tooth of a comb to loosen the individual hairs.

10. Use barrettes or elastic bands to secure the hair back from the eyes.

11. Trim the hair on the pads of the feet. Spread the pads apart to trim between them.

12. Trim and round the coat of hair around the feet. This step gives the Lhasa a finished look.

13. Take the Lhasa to a veterinarian to have the hair inside the ears removed. Ask the veterinarian to show you how to do it.

14. Trim the nails every two to three weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't cut out a mat of hair unless you want a big hole in your dog's coat. Cut through the mat only as a last resort.