To understand how to train a Lhasa Apso dog or any other dog will require that you first know the temperament of that dog. To evaluate the dog, it is best to know the background of the breed. These treasured dogs were from Tibet, in the Himalayan Mountains. This is the reason their coats are long to act as insulation against the freezing ice and snow. Their eyes are sheltered from the snow glare by a layer of hair falling over them. All this hair makes for a really cute dog but also an added work schedule of grooming to maintain his coat in good condition. If you are not planning to show your dog or have a busy schedule yourself, they are also really cute if they are groomed by a professional groomer to have a short “puppy clip”. The beloved Lhasa Apso is just that, a beloved dog. They were originally the chosen dogs of Buddhist monks. It is believed, for that reason, that they were holy or good luck dogs. The Dalai Lhama was known for presenting these dogs to special people to increase their good fortune. With all this valued treatment, the dogs themselves came to expect to be treated with respect. Knowing this history is key to knowing how to train your Lhasa Apso. They will require a lot of patience, consistency, and gentleness. I think of this breed as a small dog with a huge tendency to be in charge. If the dog were a person in the business world, he would be a CEO of some very high-powered company. It will be the owner’s responsibility to establish clearly from the start that he is the alpha or top dog not the beloved pet. If the dog understands that half the battle is over, they will not rebel but will strive to please the owner.
How to establish that you are the leader is to always be calm and consistent. If you are in control, he will be calm and able to respond. Once he is trained, even when you give him his food, have him “sit” or “down” before you give it to him and he will gradually begin to look to you to set the rules. Most dogs instinctively recognize that the most important dogs eat first so make it a practice of having your family eat first before giving him his food.
From day one, show your puppy, slowly, the rules of the house. Although slow to housebreak, once he learns he will be self confident and independent. There are a number of methods to housebreak but the one I recommend with Lhasa’s is to use a crate or some other confined area. A child’s gate can be used to block off the designated area he will be allowed to roam in. Generally a dog will not soil an area that he eats or sleeps in. With this in mind, clearly schedule time for the pet to be let out or walked keeping in mind that they will need to go out after each meal as well as when they have been confined for any length of time. You should walk him to the designated area that you want him to use and encourage him to potty, offering him lavish praise when accomplished. It is best not to distract him with petting or talking until he has finished. In addition to the scheduled walks, pay attention to your pet when he starts circling or sniffing the floor. He should be rushed out the minute you notice this behavior. Even with this rigorous schedule mistakes will be made. If you catch your dog in the process of a mistake, announce in a calm but firm voice “no”, and then take him outdoors. If he finishes outdoors, praise him enthusiastically. It is important to be consistent and diligent in the beginning. Pay attention to your dog’s schedule and adapt your schedule to fit his needs. Never be harsh with your Lhasa, this will never work with this strong-minded dog. Instead use praise as positive reinforcement. When your dog’s mistakes have stopped for a week, allow him more and more time out of his confined area until the crate is no longer needed. Some people, however, use the crate as a night sleeping area. In this case, a roomy crate is advisable with a dog bed or pillow for comfort. Once this task is completed, training in other areas will be advisable.
Training is basically teaching your dog to obey. Once you have convinced your dog that you are the leader that he must follow, you should have no trouble teaching him to obey. I recommend that you use a reward of some tidbit that he likes to facilitate the training. When the command has been learned, he will no longer need the motivation of food. It is always advisable to give him praise though.
The first thing Lhasa’s will have to learn is socialization. These puppies by nature are suspicious of strangers. It is imperative that these dogs be exposed to a number of other people on a regular basis. However, one new person at a time is advised wherever possible. This dog will not take to strangers who will be treating them in any kind of rough manner. They will not tolerate harsh treatment. Generally young children and Lhasa’s are not a good mix. Don’t let this dog’s calmness fool you into thinking they are passive. He will not be patient with being mistreated. This independent dog will only be comfortable around people he can establish a relationship of mutual respect with.
It is advisable to pick a time to train when your puppy is not distracted or in need of a potty break or is just too exhausted as many puppies get when allowed to play for a long time or walked too far. I have ended up carrying my puppies when they have become too over tired. Lhasa’s are not known for being lap dogs but, in my experience, they can be very lovable and friendly when they are treated with gentleness.
Training sessions should be short, paying attention to when your dog is becoming tired or distracted. The easiest way to teach “sit” is to start with the dog in a standing position in front of you. It’s best if your dog is somewhat hungry. Hold a bit of food high over his head and bring your hand back slowly passing the food across the dog’s nose. As his nose is raised in the direction of the food, he will automatically sit as he follows your hand. Say “sit” in a calm, controlled voice. When he is sitting, praise him and give him the treat. Go slowly; do not move on to the next behavior until he is ready. When your dog has mastered this behavior, then go on to the next.
“Down” is the next command you may want to teach. Once he is in a sitting position in front of you, hold a piece of food in your hand and raise your hand over your head, slowly bring your hand down over the dog with fingers together but outstretched. Once again as the food passed his nose he will lower his body as he raises his nose. Say “down” in a calm, controlled voice. When he is “down” give him praise and also the treat. If he does not go “down”, don’t give him the treat and begin again from a sitting position. Consistency is the only way these beautiful dogs will learn to behave. Being clear and consistent will not frustrate the dog or you. Remember if there is a behavior he has started which you do not approve of, such as jumping on furniture, let him know immediately by saying “no” calmly and then directing the dog to an appropriate place. You must always be consistent or he will be confused.
Teaching the “stay” is another much needed command for many circumstances. To teach “stay” is a little more difficult than “sit” or “down” because they generally are for short periods of time. While “stay” can be an extended period of time. Dogs become distracted easily. “Stay” is usually taught in conjunction with “sit” or “down” such as “sit-stay”, or “down-stay”. Once again, some tidbit is used as a motivation. Begin by having the dog in a sit position or a down position. Raise your hand in front of the dog with fingers together palms down; slowly bring your hand closer to your dogs nose. Take a step away and when he stays give him a treat. Gradually increase your steps away from him, slowly increasing his “stay” time. If he starts to move tell him, “no”, in a calm voice and go back a few steps until you can increase again. If he “stays” reward him with praise and a treat if he doesn’t “stay” don’t give him a treat. Always be consistent and calm.
After he has learned to “stay” while you are on the other side of the yard you will want to give him his reward by holding your arm straight out to your side, parallel with the ground. Now move your arm forward slowly so your hand touches the opposite shoulder and say “come”. This will be a natural instinct for him so it will not be hard to enforce. Reward him with praise and a tidbit.
Your tone of voice will be very helpful in teaching your dog. Remember a normal tone, calm and confident is used for a command. When praising you will use a more excited tone or a higher sound. And a “no” is said in a warning voice or a lower tone. Your dog will understand the difference. Always be consistent, clear, and fair. Another thing to be aware of is that most dogs will mimic their behavior to your behavior. If you are calm, they will be calm. If you lose control, they will be confused and frustrated. I can’t stress consistency and calmness and clarity enough. If you remember these three C’s in all your training, your Lhasa Apso will be a lovable, playful dog that’s a joy to be around.
