5 Commands That Will Ensure a Well-Behaved Lhasa Apso
Welcoming a new furry friend into your home can be exciting, but it also comes with its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring your Lhasa Apso is well-behaved and trained. This not only makes your life easier, but it also ensures your pup is happy, safe, and able to form strong bonds with you and your family. In this article, we’ll discuss the top 5 essential commands to teach your Lhasa Apso and provide you with tips to help you successfully train your pup with positive reinforcement.
Why Teach Your Lhasa Apso Commands?
As a Lhasa Apso owner, you might be wondering why it’s important to teach your furry friend commands. Well, there are several benefits that come with training your Lhasa Apso basic commands. One of the main reasons is that it creates a better relationship between you and your pet. When you give your Lhasa Apso commands, it shows them that you are the leader and they will respect you more.
Another reason to teach your Lhasa Apso commands is for their safety. Teaching them basic commands like ‘Stay’ and ‘Come’ can prevent them from running into traffic or getting lost when they are off their leash. It is crucial for every Lhasa Apso to learn the ‘Leave It’ command as well, as it keeps them away from hazardous items that can affect their health.
A well-trained Lhasa Apso is more likely to be accepted in social gatherings and public settings. Your furry friend will be seen as calm and obedient, which will make their presence less intimidating for people who are afraid of dogs.
These are just a few reasons why it’s essential to teach your Lhasa Apso basic commands. In the next section, we will cover the top five essential commands that every Lhasa Apso should learn, so keep reading. And if you are interested in potty training your Lhasa Apso, check out our detailed guide on Lhasa Apso potty training.
The Top 5 Essential Commands to Teach Your Lhasa Apso
Teaching your Lhasa Apso commands is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. Lhasa Apsos are intelligent and independent dogs, so it’s important to provide them with proper training and guidance. By teaching your dog the five essential commands, you can improve their behavior and strengthen your bond with them. These top commands are easy to learn and will lay the foundation for more advanced training later on. So let’s dive into the top five essential commands you need to teach your Lhasa Apso for a well-behaved dog.
Consistently training your Lhasa Apso is key to a well-behaved dog.
1. Sit
Teaching your Lhasa Apso to sit is one of the essential commands that can be easily trained, and it’s also very useful in controlling the behavior of your furry friend. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by holding a treat close to your dog’s nose.
- Moving the treat slowly upwards, your dog’s head will follow the treat, and naturally, his rear will lower.
- When your Lhasa Apso’s hip touches the floor, use the command “sit” while giving them the treat.
- If your Lhasa Apso does not respond to the “sit” command right away, gently push their lower back down while repeating the command.
Repeat these steps until your Lhasa Apso understands and performs the “sit” command flawlessly. Once they become comfortable with the act, try doing it without the treat. You can even give verbal praise and petting whenever they do it right. The sooner your Lhasa Apso becomes familiar with the command, the easier it will be to train them other essential commands like “stay,” “come,” “leave it,” and “heel.”
By successfully teaching your Lhasa Apso how to sit, you can easily control their behavior in different situations. For example, if they start getting too excited or jumping on guests, simply use the “sit” command to get them under control.
Now, let’s move on to the next essential command, which is “stay.” For more Lhasa Apso training tips and tricks, check out our Lhasa Apso Tricks article.
2. Stay
Teaching your Lhasa Apso the “stay” command is another essential skill for a well-behaved pup. This command is especially useful in situations where it’s necessary for your dog to remain in a particular spot for a period of time. For instance, if you’re expecting guests, you can use the stay command to keep your Lhasa Apso from jumping up or getting underfoot.
How to Teach “Stay”
To teach your Lhasa Apso to “stay,” follow these simple steps:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Start by having your Lhasa Apso sit in front of you. Give the command “stay” with your hand raised and palm facing your dog. |
| Step 2 | Take a step back while your Lhasa Apso stays in place. Hold your hand up like a stop sign as you move backwards. |
| Step 3 | If your dog stays put, say “good stay” and give them a treat. If not, take a step forward and start over. |
| Step 4 | Gradually increase the distance and time your Lhasa Apso has to stay put before you reward them. This will help them learn to stay in place even when you’re not nearby. |
Tips for Success
Teaching “stay” can be challenging, so here are some tips to make the process easier:
- Start with short distances and gradually increase the time and distance your dog needs to stay in place.
- Use a release word, like “okay,” to let your Lhasa Apso know when they’re free to move again.
- Practice in different locations to help your Lhasa Apso generalize the command.
- Be patient and consistent. It may take several sessions before your dog fully understands what you want them to do.
With patience and practice, your Lhasa Apso will master the “stay” command in no time. This essential command will make your pup a well-behaved and obedient companion.
3. Come
One of the most important commands to teach your Lhasa Apso is the “come” command. This command is essential for keeping your dog safe and under control in potentially dangerous situations. Training your dog to come when called also allows you to give them more freedom to explore and play while still maintaining their safety.
Step 1: Start Indoors
Begin training the “come” command in a quiet, indoor space with minimal distractions. Have your Lhasa Apso on a leash and let them wander a short distance away from you. Say their name followed by the command “come” in a happy, upbeat tone of voice. As they turn around and start to come to you, offer them a treat and praise them.
Repeat this exercise several times until your Lhasa Apso responds consistently to the command.
Step 2: Add Distance and Distractions
Once your Lhasa Apso is reliably responding to the “come” command indoors, gradually increase the distance between you and your dog. Move to a larger room or even outside in a fenced area.
Introduce distractions gradually, starting with minor distractions like toys or treats on the ground, and gradually working up to more challenging distractions like other dogs or people.
Step 3: Practice Regularly
Repetition is key when it comes to training any dog, so make sure to practice the “come” command regularly. At first, you may want to practice several times a day in short sessions. As your Lhasa Apso becomes more reliable, you can gradually reduce the frequency of training sessions.
Step 4: Reinforce Positive Behaviors
When your Lhasa Apso comes to you when called, always reward them with praise, treats or toys. Reinforcing positive behaviors will encourage your dog to repeat them in the future.
Step 5: Never Punish for Not Coming
Never punish your Lhasa Apso for failing to come to you when called. Punishment can cause fear and anxiety in dogs, which can make it more difficult for them to learn and respond to commands in the future.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Start Indoors |
| Step 2 | Add Distance and Distractions |
| Step 3 | Practice Regularly |
| Step 4 | Reinforce Positive Behaviors |
| Step 5 | Never Punish for Not Coming |
Remember, teaching your Lhasa Apso the “come” command takes time and patience. However, with consistent training and positive reinforcement, your dog will learn to come when called, keeping them safe and allowing them to enjoy the freedom they deserve.
4. Leave It
Teaching your Lhasa Apso the “Leave It” command is important for their safety and your peace of mind. This command teaches your dog to stop engaging with something they may want to investigate or eat, which could potentially harm them. Here are steps you can take to teach your Lhasa Apso this essential command:
- Step 1: Use a treat in one hand and make a fist around it.
- Step 2: Let your Lhasa Apso sniff and paw at your fist, but do not let them have the treat.
- Step 3: As your dog becomes more interested in the treat, say “Leave It” firmly but calmly.
- Step 4: When your Lhasa Apso stops trying to get the treat, praise them enthusiastically and give them a different treat as a reward.
- Step 5: Repeat this training process gradually, starting with less desirable items before moving on to more tempting ones.
It is important to note that this training process involves understanding your Lhasa Apso’s body language and when they are becoming overly interested in something. Consistency is key when using the “Leave It” command, as your dog may try to repeatedly engage with the same item. By reinforcing their positive behavior and rewarding them with treats, your Lhasa Apso will learn to listen to your cues and stay safe in potentially dangerous situations.
5. Heel
Teaching your Lhasa Apso to heel is an important command that will prevent them from pulling on their leash and keep them by your side while walking. To properly teach your dog this command, you’ll need a few key items:
- A sturdy leash and collar
- Reward treats
Begin by standing next to your Lhasa Apso with the leash slack. Say “heel” in a clear, firm tone and start walking. If your Lhasa Apso starts to pull or walk ahead of you, stop walking and say “no” in a sharp tone. Using a reward treat, bring your dog back to your side and start walking again. Reward your dog with a treat and praise when they are walking by your side without pulling.
Repeat this process for short intervals at first, gradually increasing the distance and time spent walking together. If your Lhasa Apso continues to pull, try changing direction frequently and rewarding them with a treat when they follow you without pulling.
It’s important to remember to keep the leash slack and to praise your Lhasa Apso when they obey the command. With patience and consistency, your Lhasa Apso will quickly learn to heel and will become a well-behaved and enjoyable companion on walks.
Tips for Teaching Your Lhasa Apso Commands
Teaching commands to your Lhasa Apso is essential to ensure their good behavior and obedience. Here are some tips to help you with the process.
Start Early: Begin teaching your Lhasa Apso commands as early as possible. Puppies are like sponges and can learn commands quickly. Even if you have an adult Lhasa Apso, it is never too late to start training.
Keep Sessions Short: Lhasa Apsos have a short attention span, so it’s essential to keep the training sessions short and sweet. Ten to fifteen minutes of practice each day can be enough.
Use Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is the best way to train your Lhasa Apso. Reward them with treats, toys, or praises when they do something correctly. This method will help build a strong relationship with your dog.
Be Consistent: Use the same commands every time you practice. Consistency is key, and using the same cues repeatedly will help your Lhasa Apso learn faster.
Practice in Different Environments: Your Lhasa Apso should be trained to obey your commands no matter what the environment is. From your home to outdoor walks, teach commands in different environments to help them apply them to different situations.
Avoid Punishment: Punishing your Lhasa Apso is not recommended. They respond better to positive reinforcement. If they do something wrong, redirect their attention to something else.
Have Fun: Dogs respond better when training is a fun activity. Use toys or incorporate playtime into training sessions. Not only will this make training more enjoyable, but it can also strengthen the bond between you and your Lhasa Apso.
By following these tips, teaching your Lhasa Apso essential commands can be an enjoyable process for both you and your dog. Remember to be patient, positive, and consistent with the training, and soon enough, your Lhasa Apso will be a well-behaved and obedient companion.
Training Your Lhasa Apso with Positive Reinforcement
One of the most recommended and effective ways to train your Lhasa Apso is through positive reinforcement. This means rewarding your dog for desired behavior as opposed to punishing them for mistakes. Punishment-based training can cause fear and anxiety in dogs, which may lead to aggressive behavior or other issues down the line.
What is Positive Reinforcement?
Positive reinforcement involves offering rewards or treats to your Lhasa Apso when they exhibit the desired behavior. This could include verbal praise, petting, or giving them a small treat. The goal is to make your dog associate good behavior with positive outcomes. When your Lhasa Apso understands that good behavior results in a reward, they will be more likely to repeat that behavior in the future.
Examples of Positive Reinforcement Training
One example of positive reinforcement training is giving your Lhasa Apso a treat when they obey a command, such as sitting or staying. If your dog is struggling to learn a new command, break the behavior down into smaller steps and reward them for each successful step. This approach will help your Lhasa Apso build up to the desired behavior gradually.
Another form of positive reinforcement training is clicker training. This method involves using a small clicker device to make a clicking sound when your Lhasa Apso exhibits desired behavior. Immediately after clicking the device, you offer a treat to your dog. Repeat this process, and your dog will eventually start associating the clicking sound with receiving a reward.
The Benefits of Positive Reinforcement Training
There are several benefits to training your Lhasa Apso with positive reinforcement. First, it is a humane and ethical approach to dog training that reinforces good behavior while avoiding punishment. Positive reinforcement training will also improve your bond with your dog and create a happy and loving relationship.
Additionally, positive reinforcement training has been shown to be highly effective in producing well-behaved dogs. Dogs trained with positive reinforcement are generally happier and healthier than those trained using punishment-based methods. By investing time and effort in training your Lhasa Apso with positive reinforcement, you will likely see great results in their behavior and demeanor.
The Importance of Consistency
When it comes to training a Lhasa Apso or any dog for that matter, consistency is key. Consistency means using the same commands, tone of voice, and rewards every time you train your dog. Consistency helps your Lhasa Apso to understand what is expected of them and to remember what they have learned.
Changing the way you train your dog or using different commands can confuse your Lhasa Apso, and this can lead to frustration and a lack of progress. It is important to be patient and to always use the same methods to help your Lhasa Apso learn.
Another important aspect of consistency is making sure everyone in the household is on the same page. If one person uses different commands or rewards, it can cause confusion for your Lhasa Apso and this can slow down the training process. Consistency helps everyone to communicate with your Lhasa Apso in the same way, which can help to reinforce the desired behavior.
It is also important to maintain consistency in the training schedule. Setting aside regular time slots for training can help your Lhasa Apso to establish a routine and know when to expect training. Training should be done in short sessions, about 5-10 minutes at a time, but done frequently to help reinforce the behavior.
It is natural for your Lhasa Apso to make mistakes during training. However, providing consistent feedback will help your dog learn and improve. Give praise and rewards for good behavior, and redirect behavior that needs improvement in a consistent manner. Consistency in training will create a positive training environment, which can help to make training fun and enjoyable for both you and your Lhasa Apso.
Consistency is essential for successful training of your Lhasa Apso. Ensuring everyone in the household is consistent in commands, rewards, and training schedule will help create a positive and fun training experience for both you and your Lhasa Apso.
Common Challenges When Training Lhasa Apsos
When it comes to training Lhasa Apsos, there are some common challenges that owners may face. One of the biggest challenges is their independent nature. Lhasa Apsos are known for being stubborn and doing things on their own terms. This can make it difficult to get them to comply with commands.
Another challenge when training Lhasa Apsos is their tendency to bark excessively. This is a behavior that is deeply ingrained in their nature, as they were originally bred as watchdogs. It is important to address this behavior early on in their training to avoid it becoming a bigger issue later on.
Lhasa Apsos can also be aloof with strangers and may not respond well to training from someone they don’t know. This can make it challenging to train them in new environments or in the presence of unfamiliar people.
Additionally, Lhasa Apsos have a tendency to think they are in charge of their environment. This can lead to them being territorial and aggressive towards other dogs and even people. It is important to socialize them early on and teach them appropriate behavior towards others.
Lastly, Lhasa Apsos are known for having sensitive stomachs and may not respond well to certain types of treats or foods. It is important to take this into consideration when using positive reinforcement to train them.
While these challenges may seem daunting, with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, Lhasa Apsos can be trained to be well-behaved and obedient companions. It is important to work with a professional trainer if necessary, and to never use negative reinforcement or punishment-based training methods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, teaching your Lhasa Apso these essential commands can greatly benefit your dog’s behavior and your relationship with them. Employing positive reinforcement and staying consistent with training can make all the difference. Remember, while training can be challenging, it is important to remain patient and persistent. Your Lhasa Apso is a smart and capable breed that will thrive with proper training and guidance. So, take the time to teach them these important commands and watch as your furry friend blossoms into a well-behaved and obedient companion. With the right tools and techniques, it is possible to have a happy and healthy relationship with your Lhasa Apso for years to come. Start training today and enjoy the benefits of a well-trained and well-behaved Lhasa Apso.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to train a Lhasa Apso?
The length of time it takes to train a Lhasa Apso can vary depending on the command and the dog. With consistency and positive reinforcement, most dogs can learn basic commands in a few weeks, but more complex commands may take several months.
2. Can Lhasa Apsos be trained to do tricks?
Yes, Lhasa Apsos can be trained to do tricks with the same positive reinforcement training used for basic commands. Tricks such as rolling over and playing dead are fun and engaging activities for both you and your dog.
3. Should I train my Lhasa Apso with punishment-based training?
No, punishment-based training methods such as yelling or hitting your dog can be harmful and can create behavioral issues such as fear and aggression. Positive reinforcement training is a much more effective and humane approach to training your Lhasa Apso.
4. Is it necessary to enroll my Lhasa Apso in obedience classes?
While obedience classes can be helpful for socialization and training in a group setting, they are not necessary for basic command training. With consistency and patience, you can successfully train your Lhasa Apso at home.
5. What should I do if my Lhasa Apso doesn’t respond to a command?
If your Lhasa Apso doesn’t respond to a command, it’s important to remain patient and consistent with your training. Try breaking down the command into smaller steps and rewarding your dog for each step they achieve. If your dog continues to struggle, seek advice from a professional dog trainer.
6. Can Lhasa Apsos be trained to walk off-leash?
While it is possible to train your Lhasa Apso to walk off-leash, it is not recommended for their safety. Lhasa Apsos are small dogs and can easily become injured or lost if not properly supervised.
7. How can I teach my Lhasa Apso the “Leave It” command?
To teach your Lhasa Apso the “Leave It” command, start by placing a treat on the ground and covering it with your hand. When your dog sniffs or tries to eat the treat, use a firm “Leave It” command and reward your dog with a different treat when they back away. Repeat this process with different objects until your dog understands the command.
8. When should I start training my Lhasa Apso?
You can start training your Lhasa Apso as early as eight weeks old. It’s important to start with basic commands and gradually progress to more complex ones as your dog grows and develops.
9. Can Lhasa Apsos be trained to be therapy or service dogs?
Yes, Lhasa Apsos can be trained to be therapy or service dogs with the right training and temperament. However, due to their small size and potential health issues, they may not be suitable for all therapy or service dog roles.
10. How often should I train my Lhasa Apso?
You should train your Lhasa Apso for short periods of time every day, preferably at the same time each day to establish a routine. It’s important to keep training sessions positive and rewarding to maintain your dog’s interest and motivation.
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Britta Thygesen
A passionate dog owner and a full-time certified dog trainer. Aspires to make DogCareHacks a go-to place for all the doggo info. Shares personal experience and professional knowledge.
