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Posts Tagged ‘lhasa apso dogs’

Let’s  discuss the breed  standard of the popular and gorgeous Lhasa Apso shall we?

The Lhasa Apso is shown in the Non-Sporting Dog group, and is easily recognized by their distinctive coat and the medium small stocky body.

The average Lhaso Apso weighs between thirteen and fifteen pounds or six to seven kilograms.

While there are some slight variations between different judging bodies, the following is a guideline for the Lhasa Apso breed standards, based on the information provided by the American Kennel Club.

HEAD

* The skull is narrow and falls away from behind the ridge of the eyebrow in a marked degree. The skull is not flat but is not apple or dome-shaped either.

* The foreface is straight and the muzzle is medium in length. A square shaped muzzle is objectionable.

* The nose should be black and the tip of the nose should be carried level with the slit of the lower eye rim when viewed from the front of the dog.

* There should be a heavy furnishing of hair over the eyes and a good set of whiskers and a beard.

* The ears should be pendant type and should have a heavy feathering of hair.

* The eyes are to be dark brown and of medium size. Overly large and full eyes or small and sunken eyes are objectionable.

* An overbite is unacceptable, and a slightly undershot or level bite is preferred.  The desired bite is described as a “reverse scissors” with the upper incisors just touching the inside of the lower incisors. The teeth should not be showing while the mouth is closed.

NECK

* The neck is study and is well set on the shoulders. The neck should give an appearance of elegance to the carriage of the head.

BODY

* The length of the body should be longer than the height at the withers, when measured from the point of the shoulders to the point of the buttocks.

* The loin should be firmly muscled and not overly long.

* The ribs should extend well back along the body to provide balance and stance.

* The quarters and the thighs should be powerful and muscular and the abdomen should be tucked up at the loin.

* There is some variation in the size allowed, but males should not exceed 11 inches at the shoulder and females should not exceed 10 inches.

* All colors are acceptable, with mixtures and variations of colors with white.There may be darker markings on the edges of the ears and the beard.

* The coat should be long, but not long enough to touch the ground. It should be very thick and dense on the body, head and not overly coarse or silky to the touch.  It is to be completely straight with no curl. The legs should be completely covered and hair should grow between the toes.

* The legs should be as straight as possible with no bowing or crookedness. Due to the heavy coat and stout appearance, the leg bone will appear to be heavy but in reality is not.

* The pads of the feet should be large and almost cat-like in appearance.

For anything to do with  Lhasa Apso Puppies It is always worthwhile taking the time to find out the best information you can.

TAIL

* The Lhasa Apso’s tail should be curved over the backbone in a screw.

* The tail may have a slight kink at the end, and this is ok.

* The hair on the tail should be well feathered and thick and dense.

* A low carriage of the tail is not unacceptable in the breed.

GAIT

* The Lhasa Apso should move gracefully and forcefully, with a trot being the normal preferred gait.

* The pads should be lifted off the ground and should be able to be seen as the dog is moving away.

* This dog has been bred for working in the mountains on rough and difficult terrain so speed is not important, rather the purposeful movement is.

CHARACTER

* The terms used in the breed standards are “gay and assertive but wary of strangers”. The Lhasa Apso is lively, intelligent and devoted to their carers.

* They are a good watch dog as they are naturally wary of new people but are loyal companions of family members and familiar people.

I am sorry if that was all a bit “dry” but it is a little tricky to make the breed standards exciting.

Thanks for visiting us and we hope  you enjoyed learning a little about the breed standard of the Lhasa Apso.

Lhasa Apso Training Video

A Lhasa Apso dog is a wonderful companion and certainly an extremely important member of the family.

They give unconditional love and expect nothing in return except love and attention. We can certainly learn a lot from our dogs can’t we?

Your pet greets you with excitement, a wagging tail and dog kisses whether you have been away for one minute or for many weeks. I never get sick of this!

Research has shown that pets, such as dogs and cats, reduce peoples stress levels and lower their blood pressure.

Your Lhasa Apso can amuse and entertain you, keep you from getting bored and turn a bad or boring day into a great one. A dog loves you no matter what you wear or how you look.

They teach their owners about devotion, acceptance and patience and in return, you nurture your pets and care for them.

In return, we, the owners try to teach our dog’s acceptable behavior to prevent dog behavior problems, such as excessive barking.

How Your Lhasa Apso Communicates

Yes, I know the picture is not of a Lhasa Apso, But I just couldn’t resist using this!

OK… so when any dogs bark, growl, whine or even howl it is a natural and normal behavior and their way of communicating with each other and with their human families.

Starting when they are young puppies they use vocalization to communicate. This may include crying sounds when they are frustrated, afraid, hurt, or soft whining sounds when they are hungry or cold. Older dogs make many different sounds for different situations such as:

* Whimpering or Whining – Dogs often use whining or whimpering as a means of communicating when they seek attention or show submissiveness when greeting other dogs. Many also whine when they are in pain, frustrated, lonely or want something, such as a dog treat or someone to take them for a walk.

* Howling – Many dogs use howling as a long-range means of communicating. If a dog hears another howling in the distance they often howl back as a form of communicating. Some howl when they hear sirens, certain music or go hunting.

* Growling – As most owners will tell you, dogs growl not only as a warning, to show aggression, dominance and in defense but also when playing. A wagging tail and lots of movement can often accompany play growling. You can tell the difference between play and aggressive growling by a dog’s posture; a dog that remains stationery, snarls or stares is using an aggressive growl and they are serious.

* Dog Barking – Barking dogs and excessive barking are ways dogs communicate. Some breeds are trained to bark, such as working or herding dogs and guard dogs. Although barking is normal behavior often used to get attention show excitement and other emotions, excessive dog barking may create many problems.

For the most success with lhasa apsos; it is recommended you take the time to do a little online research.

Tell Me About Excessive Lhasa Apso Barking Then.

Lhasa Apso barking turns into a problem when it becomes loud, unwanted, inappropriate or excessive.

When people hear continuous dog barking, it is not only disruptive but also causes stress and annoyance to you and others, such as neighbors.

Nervous, uneasy or lonely barking often happens when your pet is left home alone and they experience separation anxiety or fear.

As your Lhasa Apso becomes more upset, lonely or anxious, the barking gets higher and louder and often annoys neighbors. Many dogs think than when you close the door and leave you are never going to return and this starts the continuous, loud barking.

What’s Your Lhasa Apso’s Environment Like?

An uninteresting, boring environment that offers no stimulation often creates a bored barker, that makes a lot of noise as an outlet for his or her pent-up energy.

Lhasa Apsos left alone outside or inside for long periods often demonstrate this continuous barking behavior.

They are social animals, and when confined alone in a kennel or yard the result is excessive barking because they are bored or lonely and want some attention.

Since nobody is there to stop them from barking, it almost becomes a hobby to them

Dogs love to play ball, Frisbee and games with their owners and often bark when they become excited. Unfortunately, some get too excited and the dog barking turns into a major problem for anyone within hearing distance.

Did You Know This?

The percentage of male and female purebred and mixed bred Lhasa Apsos that bark excessively is essentially the same,

Lhasa Apsos that do not get enough exercise often bark or whine to release tension. Some dogs seem to be very hypersensitive to movements and sounds around them.

Often, when a person gets a new puppy and it barks, they yell at them to stop their barking. Unfortunately, a puppy takes this as a sign that you are answering them back so they continue and this eventually turns into excessive barking or inappropriate dog behavior.

Sometimes owners unintentionally train their Lhasa Apso to bark by giving them the attention they want. If your Lhasa Apso barks to go in or out, for a treat, to play ball, for a tummy rub or other reasons, they learn quickly that barking gets results!

How About Some Tips To Help Control Barking Then?

Well, here are a few proven tips on teaching your Lhasa Apso to stop his or her excessive barking:

* As amazing as it sounds, teaching your Lhasa Apso to speak or bark on command is a simple way to teach them to stop barking.

Find something that makes them bark, such as holding their toy or treat away from them. Once they bark, praise them and keep repeating the word ‘speak’.

When you do this often enough, your Lhasa Apso learns that the word speak means bark and the dog will start barking on command.

Now you teach them the word ‘stop’ or ‘quiet’. You do this when they are barking, say the word and give them their treat or toy.

When repeated often enough, it does not take long for your dog to figure out that saying the word quiet or stop, means for them to stop barking and they receive a reward.

If someone comes into your home and you tell your dog ‘quiet’ and it stops barking, praise him or her and keep reinforcing your dog’s good behavior.

* The best way to teach your dog to stop barking is by training them well when they are very young. If you have an older dog, don’t give up though!

* There will be times when you must leave your dog alone. To get your pet used to this without barking, start by leaving the house for a few minutes.

Never make a fuss of your dog when you leave and after being gone a few minutes, come back in. Again, do not make a fuss of the dog.

Gradually increase the time you are away but make it seem very natural so your dog knows you will return. This way they do not feel quite so stressed.

* Some Lhasa Apsos are calmer when they hear a person’s voice so try leaving the radio on low.

* Try to keep your Lhasa Apso away from things that start him barking, for example looking out the window. Close your curtains or blinds and if this doesn’t work, give the command ‘quiet’ or ‘stop’, then slam a book down or shake a can full or marbles, to make a loud noise. Once he is quiet, have him sit, praise the dog and give it a treat.

* Exercise and mental stimulation are extremely important and help keep dogs from nuisance barking or exhibiting bad dog behavior.

Letting your Lhasa Apso out in the yard for a few minutes is not enough exercise. Your pet needs a long walk, brisk exercise or playtime daily, to run off some of his energy and keep his barking controlled.

Remember that a tired dog does not bark as much. When out walking, your dog smells and sees different sights, which keeps him from getting bored. Try teaching your Lhasa Apso new tricks or obedience training, as they need mental stimulation to keep them from barking.

A Final Word For You.

When properly exercised, rewarded and trained there are very few Lhasa Apsos that cannot learn to control their barking.

It is very important to remember that dogs bark as part of their natural behavior, just like humans speak to communicate. Never try to eliminate dog barking completely from their repertoire, and only use positive training methods to accomplish this.

Most Lhasa Apso owners will be able to curb or prevent problem barking.

Need More Help?

I hope this short outline introduction to Managing Barking has been helpful to you.

Lhasa Apso Video

Dear fellow Lhasa Apso lover,

Probably of the the most challenging aspects of working with nipping and biting in the Lhasa Apso is that it quite often starts when the Lhasa Apso is a puppy.

The behavior, when the puppy is small, is often considered pretty cute.

A tiny Lhasa Apso puppy growling ferociously or chasing and nipping may appear to be almost comical but once the Lhasa Apso is full grown, the nipping is no longer funny and the cute growling has turned taking the dog out in public into an embarrassing and stressful event.

Controlling a dog’s aggressive behavior is challenging for most people. It is further complicated by the fact that some dogs are more dominant than their owners, or a least more dominant than some family members.

Thankfully even young children can be taught to properly respond to aggressive behaviors with the family pet and the dog will quickly learn to change their negative behavior into something more positive and acceptable.

Why Do Dog’s Nip and Bite Then?

Well, that a great question.

Dogs nip and bite for a variety of reasons.

In interactions between dogs nipping and biting is a way to for one dog or puppy to indicate they don’t like what is going on.

It is a way for puppies and dogs to say “Stop” to each other.

As dogs mature they may nip for other reasons including demanding attention, avoiding something they don’t want to do, or becoming excited or frightened.

Each type of nipping and biting will require a different type of correction and understanding why your dog is nipping is a starting point.

Think about the times that your dog has nipped, then answer the following questions:

1. What was your Lhasa Apso doing at the time ?
2. What was I doing (or the person that was nipped)?
3. Was the dog in a new environment or with new people?
4. How did I respond to the nipping?
5. How did the Lhasa Apso respond?
6. What happened after the dog nipped?

Biting for Attention or in Play

Dogs and puppies may have learned that biting or nipping gets them attention or that is all part of a game.

Some owners may try to pay additional attention to a dog that nips to keep it from nipping or biting them again. In this situation the dog has trained the human, not the other way around.

Depending on how long the dog or puppy has engaged in biting or nipping, the corrective training may be very short or it may take a bit longer.

Usually attention and play type biting is more prevalent with puppies that are learning how to interact with humans.

How Do You Go About Stopping The Nipping Then?

To play nipping & biting follow these guidelines:

* Give a sharp, high pitched “Ouch”, “Stop” or “Ow” then “No Bite” in a lower tone, without yelling at or verbally intimidating the dog or puppy

* Ileave the puppy or dog alone immediately, don’t speak to them or touch them.

* If your Lhasa Apso continues to try to bite after you give the verbal “No Bite” try putting a few pennies or marbles in a clean tin can. Shake the can at your Lhasa Apso immediately after the “No Bite” command. This will usually startle the dog or puppy and will reinforce the verbal instruction.

* If the bite or nip occurred during a game immediately stop the game and do not continue until the dog is calm and in control.

* When they are calm, immediately provide attention and praise.

Most Lhasa Apsos will respond to this training when they realize that they get attention and fun when they are not biting or are practicing what dog trainers call “bite inhibition”.

Biting For Fear or Anxiety

If your Lhasa Apso bites or nips when in new places or when new people are present it is likely a nervous or fearful dog.

How to stop your Lhasa Apso from biting that is behaving aggressively out of fear is very different from the technique used for the attention seeking or nipping dog.

Dogs that are nervous or fearful need extra socialization, not isolation or being ignored.

Ideally socialization should mostly occur in the first few months of a puppy’s life and continue throughout the dog’s life.

Lhasa Apsos that are kept isolated from other dogs, animals, people and new environments are naturally more fearful and self-protective when they are exposed to new experiences.

For the most success with lhasa apso; it is suggested you take the time to do a little online research.

A dog’s natural defense is to bite or run so when you are out with your dog on a leash the only option the dog has to protect itself is to bite.

One of the best ways to work with a dog that bites from fear or anxiety is to take him or her to an obedience class.

It is very important that you speak to the trainer ahead of time and follow the instructions that the trainer provides for bringing your dog into the class.

Try taking your dog to as many new places as possible, but watch for signs that they are becoming agitated or fearful. Nervous behaviors such as the following should be monitored:

* Tail low or tucked between the back legs
* Whining or growling
* Pacing
* Excessive panting

When your Lhasa Apso starts exhibiting these symptoms immediately remove him or her from the environment and place him/her somewhere comfortable such as the vehicle or their crate.

Praise them and pay special attention to them as they gradually become more comfortable in new situations. You may also wish to consider one of the halter type leads that attach over the muzzle area to prevent any possibility of biting during the socialization period.

The key is to work with the dog’s level of trust and comfort and gradually extend your time out as the dog becomes more confident and socialized.

I hope this brief outline introduction to Managing Nipping and Biting has been helpful to you.

As you know, one of the most exciting things that most dog lovers can imagine is bringing home  a lasa apso for the first time.

Unfortunately, this excitement often wears off quickly when the new little addition to the family begins using the house as a bathroom area.

Potty TrainingFortunately, with a bit of consideration and understanding of some of the basic principles of potty training a Lhasa Apso, it is easy and simple to teach your Lhasa Apso  this very important behavior.

There are some points to keep in mind when planning or starting your potty training routine. No matter which method you decide to use, there will be accidents. Plan for them, accept them and move on with as little fuss and negative actions or punishment towards the puppy as possible.

Usually with any puppies, accidents are due to very small bladders and bowels and poor control as their bodies develop, very similar to young human infants in fact.

Avoid Punishing Your Lhasa Apso

Avoid punishing or reprimanding your puppy for an accident, as it is likely to be more a fault of the owner for not taking the puppy to the potty area soon enough. Learn from mistakes and keep notes on when the puppy has accidents.

Try to see if there is a pattern developing that can assist you in the training, rather than become frustrated with the Lhasa Apso. Virtually every puppy wants to make his or her owner happy, and this can be used as an effective motivator in potty training even young puppies.

The Older Dog

Older Lhasa Apsos that are being housebroken or potty trained for the first time will also have accidents, until they understand what you want. Again, patience and a positive attitude will help the training process.

Remember that dogs aren’t aware of the value of antique rugs or wall-to-wall carpeting, rather they tend to relieve themselves where they feel they should – usually somewhere out of the way, like behind the couch or in the corner behind the potted palm.

Is There Anything I Can Do To Help?

YES, There are many things that pet owners can do to make the process of potty training easier for their new dog or puppy.

Good planning, an understanding of the potty training method to be used, plus other factors such as high quality food, lots of exercise, attention and love can all have a bearing on the time that it takes to potty train your Lhasa Apso.

Finally, each dog  is somewhat different in personality and temperament. Some puppies and dogs seem to almost potty train themselves where others, even from the same litter, may require additional training but will soon learn what is expected.

What method Should I Use To Potty Training My Lhasa Apso?

Well, there are a few different potty training methods that can be used for a Lhasa Apso.

Deciding on the best potty training method is important and depends a lot on the age of the dog, the time that you have to interact with the dog or puppy, your living area, and what method you are most comfortable with.

Some of the potty training methods encourage your Lhasa Apso  to use an outside area to relieve themselves, whereas others focus on containing the area the puppy or dog uses inside of the house – by the use of litter boxes, potty training pads or even newspapers.

Here, we will cover one popular method, Crate Training.

CRATE TRAINING

Crate training is one of the most effective ways to potty train a Lhasa Apso as it uses the natural “denning instinct” of the dog to encourage it to keep the area that it sleeps clean and free from waste materials.

In the wild, the den is kept clean by the mother while the puppies are young. Once they get older and are able to walk, they naturally go outside of the living area or den to relieve themselves.

In houses there are no dens, and the area is simply too large for puppies to feel that this is “their spot”.

By providing a den, in the form of a crate, the puppy will learn to wait until he or she is taken outside before soiling in the crate.

Crate training requires active participation and monitoring on the part of the dog owner.

The following is an outline of how to complete a crate training routine:

* Purchase an appropriately sized crate, either plastic or wire, that is large enough for your Lhasa Apso  to stand and stretch out comfortably.

* Make sure the crate is comfortable – use soft, washable liners or dog blankets.

* Sit with your Lhasa Apso at the door of the crate. Place a small treat inside the crate. Praise the puppy for going into the crate and getting the treat. Let the puppy come out whenever he or she wants, leave the door open at this time.

* Only praise for going in the crate, ignore the puppy when he or she is coming out.

* When your Lhasa Apso walks into the crate say “Crate” or “Den” or whatever word you wish to associate with going into the crate.

* When your Lhasa Apso is staying in the crate on its own to eat the treats, close the door for a few seconds, then open it up again. Only praise when the dog goes in, never when it is exiting. Soon the dog realizes in is good, out is neutral.

* After the puppy or dog is fine with being in the crate for more than a few minutes, put a chew toy in with them to keep it occupied. Try very slowly and gradually increasing your distance away from the crate, and the time in the crate with the door closed.

* Since the puppy or dog will generally not eliminate when they are in the crate because it is their den, take them outside to eliminate when they come out of the crate.

* After feeding, crate the puppy with a chew toy. In about 10-15 minutes take the puppy out of the crate and to the designated toilet area. Do not play or interact with the puppy at this time, simply take them straight to the spot.

* If the puppy relieves itself, praise the puppy and spend some time interacting. If, after about 3-5 minutes the puppy has not toileted, return it to the crate, again without saying anything, for an additional five minutes. Repeat the process without interacting with the puppy until it goes to the bathroom. Praise and play always follow toileting while crate training.

* At night, keep the crate in the bedroom or somewhere that you can easily hear the puppy. If he or she whines, take them to the toilet area and return them to the crate with as little interaction as possible. Just a simple “good girl” or boy will do when they toilet.

Too much praise will be seen as play, and may encourage the puppy to whine throughout the night. Don’t forget, the crate is used only until Potty Training is under control, not forever!

What Are Some Advantages of Using A Crate?

The advantages to crate training include the fact that it uses the puppies or dogs natural instincts to help with the learning process. It minimizes the dangers of messes and accidents around the house when done correctly. In addition the puppy feels secure, and they can understand what is required in a relatively short time.

What Are Some Disadvantages of Using A Crate?

Disadvantages to crate training for a lasa apso are few, but the biggest one is that it will only work if the trainer monitors the puppy closely while in the crate, and follows the attention/inattention guidelines.

Some owners may think that crate training is cruel, but this is simply not the case. Once people understand the crate is not used as a punishment but as a safe and secure place for the puppy, they change their opinion quickly.

Need Further Help ?

I hope this short outline introduction to Potty Training  and specifically CRATE  Training has been helpful to you.

Lhasa Apsos Video

The Lhasa Apso, bred and honored by the Dalai Lama, is one of the oldest of the three breeds of dogs from Tibet.

Please come along and join us on a small journey as we unravel the fascinating history of the incredible Lhasa Apso.

There are references to the Lhasa Apso breed in art and literature that goes back at least two thousand years. They were given to nobility and monks in China to protect and guard.

For many generations it was not possible to get a Lhasa Apso unless given as a gift by the Dalai Lama!

They were valued both as a good luck symbol and as a sacred animal in the Buddhist religion.

Many holy men believed that the spirits of monks who did not reach Nirvana were reincarnated into the bodies of Lhasa Apso dogs.

The strong watchful and protective nature of the Lhasa Apso, combined with their beautiful coats and loyal nature, make them a true companion dog and loving pet.

THE TIBET CONNECTION

The Lhasa Apso breed originated over two thousand years ago in the high, mountainous country of Tibet.

These small sized dogs were bred and kept in the Potala, the palace and monastery of the Dalai Lama, as well as surrounding monasteries.  The dogs were kept exclusively for nobility and holy men. Lhasa Apsos were prized for their temperament, beautiful coats, and their loyal and loving disposition.

The Lhasa Apso was not only prized as a companion dog but also as a watchdog.

The nobility valued the small dogs for their intelligence and regarded them not just as pets but more importantly as protectors and watchers for their castles and homes. They were also valued as a good luck talisman to keep evil away from the home. When the nobleman or holy man died, it was believed that his soul entered the body of the Lhasa Apso if it was not destined for Nirvana.

The Dalai Lama and other holy men carefully managed the Lhasa Apso breed, and it was not possible to buy a Lapso Apso dog in Tibet, rather they had to be received as a gift from the Dalai Lama.

This ritual began as early as 1583 in the Manchurian Dynasty and was honored up to the early 1900’s.  The dogs were sent as a blessing from the Dalai Lama to the Emperors of China and other nobility.

Lhasa Apso dogs were never given as individual dogs. The Dalai Lama presented pairs of dogs to visiting foreign diplomats and leaders. These dogs were then taken around the world where their popularity grew.

Lhasa Apsos are seen as a sacred blessing and are believed to bring luck and good fortune to the owner.

The first Lhasa Apso pair was seen in Britain in the 1920’s and the first pair in the United States was in 1935. Australia records the first Lhasa Apsos arriving in the 1960’s.

THE NAME

The majority of historians agree that the first part of the name, Lhasa, comes from the area of the Potala, near the sacred city of Lhasa.

The second part of the name, Apso, is not quite as clear. One group believes that the name is actually a misinterpretation of the word “raspo” that means goat-like. The coat of the Apso, if not groomed, begins to look like the hair found on Tibetan goats. Another group believes that the term Apso comes from the term “Abso Seng kye” that translates into “Barking Lion Sentinel Dog”.

Since the long hair of the breed does closely resemble the mane of the lion, and the strong protective instinct is there, it may be that the Apso is simply a mispronunciation of “Abso”.

Lhasa Apso dogs also have the distinctly lionish habit of pawing the ground with their front feet and taking a square stance when feeling threatened. They truly do resemble little lions and are excellent watchdogs and guardians.

The Manjuri Buddha, the God of Learning, is often presented in art and literature in the company of a Lhasa Apso, which changes into a lion when danger threatens the Manjuri Buddha.

Take the time to find out more about Lhasa Apso Puppies.  The investment in time you make will be extremely worthwhile.

That’s all on the amazing history of the Lhasa Apso.