How to Train Lhasa Apso Dogs
Independent and used as indoor watchdogs for centuries in their native Tibet, the Lhasa apso is "joyful and mischievous, dignified and aloof," according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). Like many independent breeds, Lhasa apsos can be stubborn and hard to train. The trick to training your Lhasa apso is to find out what motivates him. For example, this could be extra-special treats, toys or play. Also, if you have never tried clicker training, you may find this little training tool can really help your dog "get it."
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Instructions
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Find out what motivates your Lhasa apso. If he's a playful dog, reserve a favorite toy or game only as a reward for desired behavior. Food-motivated dogs will work especially hard for excellent treats. Try very high-value treats, like freeze-dried tripe, cooked chicken or dried liver and use them only for training.
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Time your training sessions well. If your Lhasa has just had a meal, don't expect her to work very hard for food--wait until right before meal time when her appetite is greater. If she enjoys toys, wait until she's ready to play, and use the opportunity to have a brief training session. For instance, when training it to go to a crate, toss a toy inside when playing fetch. Also, feeding your Lhasa each meal in its crate, even with the door open, helps create a very positive association with the crate and helps with crate training.
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Make training sessions short and fun; no longer than 5 minutes at a time for adults, or a minute or two for puppies. Leave your Lhasa wanting more so it remains eager for the next session. Work on no more than two commands per session. For instance, teach "sit" by moving a treat over its head and rewarding when its rear hits the ground, then teach "stay" by making it keep that position for several seconds before releasing for a toy or another treat.
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Make training part of your every day routine. Ask your Lhasa to sit or perform some action before each meal. Use the same words each time to accompany all day-to-day actions, such as "outside," "go potty," "off" or "Fluffy, come." When your Lhasa learns to associate a word with an action it will be easier to turn the word into a command. Having a routine for eating, sleeping and play time also makes it easier to house train a Lhasa since they'll potty on a somewhat predictable schedule.
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Train your children and other family members to train your dog. For training to be effective, it should be consistent, so have everyone in your house use the same commands and routines with your Lhasa. Note that the American Lhasa Apso Club (ALAC) Rescue does not adopt out Lhasas to families with children under 12, and the AKC notes only that they are only good with older children. Do not leave young children unattended with your Lhasa apso.
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Try clicker training. A clicker is a small metal device that makes a distinctive "click" when you press it with your thumb. Paired with an immediate reward, the click marks a desired behavior. Clicker training is widely used in training captive wild animals, horses and dogs. Pet stores carry clickers and books on how to use them. It's a simple concept and can be very effective for a stubborn breed like the Lhasa apso.
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Take obedience classes, especially when your Lhasa apso is a puppy. The socialization can help him relax around strange people and dogs, and you will learn training techniques tailored to your dog from a good instructor.
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Tips & Warnings
Socialize your Lhasa apso. While a naturally aloof dog does not have to be friends with everyone it meets, it should learn to remain calm and well-mannered.
Crate train your Lhasa, especially when it's a puppy. Make the crate a positive place by feeding your puppy in it and not over-using it. Crate training keeps puppies safe until they are house trained and have learned not to be destructive, and keeps them secure when traveling.
Don't use physical punishment for your Lhasa apso. Most independent, stubborn dogs shut down or become untrusting when punished.
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- Photo Credit dog bones image by Janet Wall from Fotolia.com
