Training a Lhasa Apso: what works and what to expect
How the Lhasa Apso learns, common training challenges and what motivates it.
Independence runs deep in a Lhasa, a dog once trusted to judge for itself what deserved an alarm, and it brings that independence to training. It learns quickly when it sees a reason and loses interest just as quickly when it doesn't. Short, playful sessions of about 5 minutes, soft food rewards and a calm tone work best. Repeating a cue ten times in a row is a reliable way to lose a Lhasa's attention.
House-training can take a few months, so keep a regular schedule and reward every success outdoors. Teach a 'quiet' cue early, and reward the dog for coming away from the door after one or two barks. Handling practice is essential: get your puppy used to being brushed, having its paws held and its face wiped, pairing each step with a treat, so grooming never becomes a fight.
Lhasa Apso training in numbers
Easy to train
Barking
5 means very vocal
Copes with alone time
Open with strangers
Good with other dogs
Good with children