Whoever said that you couldn’t teach an old dog new tricks never met an older Lhasa apso. Members of the breed are smart and trainable if they know who is the pack leader (you). Approaching your adult Lhasa apso with the confidence that you are in charge will enable you to train him or her to be a well-behaved, fun companion.
Most dogs are house-trained by adulthood, but if you have newly acquired a rescued dog who has been neglected or abused, you might have to start out with this basic dog training. When you first bring your Lhasa apso home for the first time, stop at the place where you want him or her to do his or her business, and say the command that you will use each time you take the dog out for toileting. You can say something like, “do your business,” or “do your outside thing,” or whatever you would like, as long as you say the same thing each time. Each time you take your dog outside, go to the same spot and say the same thing. Going out at the same time each day will help your Lhasa apso to develop good habits.
Training your dog to walk on a leash is essential for going on walks or taking your Lhasa to the vet, dog fairs, or dog parks. Pulling and tugging at the leash are not only annoying, but they can be dangerous, causing people and other animals to become entangled in your leash and fall down. Attach the leash to your dog’s collar and place your Lhasa apso onto your left, saying, “Let’s go.” Start to walk in the direction you choose as you speak. If your Lhasa tries to go in some other direction, stop. Start again when the tugging stops. Soon your dog will learn that the walk will go on only when he or she walks nicely at your side.
Other basic dog training can include commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “leave it” and “off.” Say, “sit,” while gently but firmly pushing down on the Lhasa’s hindquarters until a sitting position is achieved. Then reward your dog with a treat. Repeat a few times every day so that your dog will learn and continue to retain the skill. When your dog is used to sitting on command, begin with having him or her sit, walk a step away, and say “Stay.” If your Lhasa apso follows you, return him or her to the original position without a treat. Repeat the process, and when your dog stays, reward him or her with a treat. Practice the training while walking farther away. When this skill is learned, you will be able to have your Lhasa sit and stay while you open the door to guests. Hold a treat or toy to your Lhasa apso while saying, “Leave it.” Take the toy or treat away and substitute another treat or toy. Soon the dog will learn that leaving something on command is a good thing to do, and you can keep him or her from picking up spilled pills or your good diamond ring and swallowing it.
Other Lhasa apso training can be just for fun for you and your dog. Lhasa apsos like attention and being clowns, and this can provide entertainment and good exercise for both of you. Hold a treat up and say, “Sit up,” rewarding your Lhasa apso when he or she is sitting up. This can be incorporated into a dance number, with you and your dog dancing around the living room to lively music and sitting up with a hand signal.
If you have tried Lhasa apso training without success, don’t give up. These dogs can be strong-willed and are not always easily persuaded that you are the pack leader. When that happens, seek the advice of a veterinarian or professional trainer. With patience you and your older Lhasa apso can become good companions.
About the Author
Camille Goldin tells about how to yoy can train an older Lhasa Apso. TrainPetDog.com provides several tips on stopping bad behavior in your dog and imparting positive dog training.
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