Common House Training Mistakes to Avoid for your Lhasa Apso

As much as we love our furry friends, house training can be a daunting task, especially for first-time pet owners. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed since there are numerous things to consider, from choosing the right techniques to being consistent and patient throughout the process. On top of that, it’s essential to avoid common mistakes that can set you back in your progress. In this article, we’ll delve into some common house training mistakes to avoid for your Lhasa Apso, so you can achieve success and keep your home clean and odor-free. So, let’s get started!

Choosing the Perfect Spot

Choosing the right spot for your Lhasa Apso’s potty training is essential for successful house training, but it’s not as simple as just finding a random spot in your yard.
It requires careful consideration and planning to avoid common mistakes that can hinder progress. In this section, we will explore some of the most common house training mistakes to avoid when choosing the perfect spot for your Lhasa Apso. By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll be setting your furry friend up for success from the start. For more tips on house training your Lhasa Apso, check out our article on housebreaking Lhasa Apso puppies.

Not Choosing a Designated Spot

One common house training mistake to avoid for your Lhasa Apso is not choosing a designated spot for them to use as their bathroom. It’s important to establish a specific area for your dog to go when they need to eliminate, as this will help them to associate this spot with the act of going to the bathroom.

Why is it important to choose a designated spot?

If you allow your Lhasa Apso to go potty anywhere in your house, they will not understand that there is a certain place they need to go. They may even develop the habit of going in multiple areas throughout your home, which can be difficult to clean up and eliminate odors. Additionally, your dog may become confused and anxious about where they are supposed to go to the bathroom, leading to accidents and frustration.

Choosing the right spot

When choosing a designated spot, consider the accessibility for your Lhasa Apso. Make sure the spot is easily accessible, especially for older Lhasa Apsos or those with health issues. The area should be quiet, secluded, and without distractions so that your dog can focus on doing their business.

How to train your Lhasa Apso to use the designated spot

Bring your Lhasa Apso to the designated area regularly, especially after meals and naps. Use a command such as “go potty” so that your dog learns to associate the phrase with the action of using the bathroom. Reward your Lhasa Apso with praise and treats immediately after they have done their business in the designated spot.

What if your Lhasa Apso refuses to use the designated spot?

If your Lhasa Apso refuses to use the designated spot, consider whether the area is too far away or unpleasant for them. Alternatively, they may be experiencing anxiety, which is causing them to hold their bladder. Check that the designated spot is clean, safe, and smells like an appropriate spot for your Lhasa Apso to use. If your Lhasa Apso still refuses to use the designated spot, consider consulting with a professional dog trainer or vet for further advice.

Remember that patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are key when house training your Lhasa Apso. If you continue to have issues with house training, there are plenty of resources available to help you. You can find more information and tips for Lhasa Apso house training here.

Choosing a Noisy Spot

Avoid choosing a noisy spot for house training your Lhasa Apso

Choosing a noisy spot for house training has several drawbacks. Loud noises can startle your Lhasa Apso and make them anxious or frightened. This can cause them to be distracted and lose focus on their training, which will make the process longer and harder. Additionally, your Lhasa Apso may associate loud noises with their house training area, and they may start to avoid going there altogether.

Another issue with choosing a noisy spot is that it can interfere with communication between you and your Lhasa Apso. When trying to give commands or praise, the noise may make it hard for your Lhasa Apso to hear you, resulting in confusion and misunderstandings.

Some examples of noisy spots to avoid for house training include areas near highways or busy roads, construction sites, or even a room with a loud television or music. Instead, choose a quiet and secluded spot in your home, where there are fewer distractions.

If you live in a noisy area and can’t avoid the noise, try muffling it by closing windows and doors or use a white noise machine. This can help create a more peaceful environment and minimize any distractions.

Remember that patience is key when house training your Lhasa Apso. To learn more about how to handle house training refusal or train older Lhasa Apsos, check out our articles on /lhasa-apso-house-training-refusal/ and /train-older-lhasa-apsos-house-training/. Also, be sure to read about /positive-reinforcement-house-training/ and /routine-house-training/ to avoid other common training mistakes. In case of accidents, read our article on /dealing-accidents-house-training/. Finally, consider using a crate for house training, as it can be a great tool to help your Lhasa Apso feel safe and secure during training. Learn more about crate training in our article on /crate-training-lhasa-apso/. If your Lhasa Apso has age or health issues, read our article on /age-health-issues-house-training-lhasa-apsos/.

Choosing a Spot that is Difficult to Access

When choosing a spot for your Lhasa Apso to use as their designated potty area, it’s important to take accessibility into consideration. If the spot you choose is difficult to access, it may discourage your dog from using it and lead to accidents in other areas of your home.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing an accessible spot for your Lhasa Apso:

• Proximity: Choose a spot that is relatively close and easily accessible from your home’s main entrance or backdoor.
• Obstacles: Make sure there are no obstacles or physical barriers that your Lhasa Apso cannot easily navigate to get to their designated potty spot. For instance, steep stairs or a tight corner can make it difficult for a small dog to reach the designated spot.
• Weather considerations: Choose a spot that can be easily accessed regardless of weather conditions. During the rainy season or winter, areas that are prone to floods, icy patches or snowdrifts may be harder for your Lhasa Apso to navigate.
• Indoor accessibility: Consider creating an indoor spot as a backup or additional option for your Lhasa Apso to use during inclement weather. Choose a spot that can easily be accessed by your dog, such as near the backdoor, and place puppy pads or a litter box in that area if needed.

By taking these factors into consideration, you can avoid the mistake of choosing a spot that is difficult to access for your Lhasa Apso, ensuring their potty training success.

Choosing a Spot Near Sleeping or Eating Areas

It may seem like a good idea to place your Lhasa Apso’s training spot near their sleeping or eating areas for convenience. However, this can actually lead to several common house training mistakes that you’ll want to avoid.

Firstly, placing the training spot near sleeping areas can confuse your pup. Dogs are naturally inclined to keep their sleeping areas clean, and they may become reluctant to eliminate in the same area where they rest. This can hinder their progress in learning where it is appropriate to eliminate and lead to accidents elsewhere in the home.

Secondly, placing the training spot near eating areas can also lead to confusion for your Lhasa Apso. Dogs typically do not like to eliminate where they eat, so this may lead them to hold their bladder or bowels for longer than necessary. This can cause health problems and result in accidents elsewhere in the home.

To avoid these common house training mistakes, it’s important to choose a spot that is separate from sleeping and eating areas. Consider placing the training spot in a quiet area of the home that is easy to access and away from distractions. This will help your Lhasa Apso focus on learning where it is appropriate to eliminate and help prevent accidents elsewhere in the home.

Using the Wrong Techniques

When it comes to house training your Lhasa Apso, using the wrong techniques can be counterproductive and make the process more difficult for both you and your furry friend. It is understandable to feel overwhelmed or frustrated, but it’s important to approach the training process with patience and positivity. Avoiding certain practices and using positive reinforcement can make all the difference. Let’s explore some common mistakes to steer clear of when training your Lhasa Apso.

Punishing Your Lhasa Apso

It’s a common misconception that punishing your Lhasa Apso will help with house training, but in reality, it can have the opposite effect. Here are some reasons why punishing your dog is not an effective house training technique:

Instead of punishing your Lhasa Apso, using positive reinforcement is a much more effective technique for house training. This can include rewarding them with treats or praise when they go to the bathroom outside, as well as establishing a consistent routine and schedule for potty breaks. Remember to be patient and consistent in your training techniques, and avoid using punishment as a means to correct your dog’s behavior.

Not Using Positive Reinforcement

When it comes to house training your Lhasa Apso, one of the most common mistakes you can make is not using positive reinforcement. Punishing your dog for accidents can actually be counterproductive, as it creates fear and stress that can lead to even more accidents inside the house. Instead, positive reinforcement is key to encouraging good behavior in your pup.

Positive reinforcement is the process of rewarding your dog when they exhibit good behavior. This can be anything from giving your pup a treat or toy when they go potty outside, to offering verbal praise and affection when they follow your commands. In order for positive reinforcement to be effective, it’s important to offer the reward immediately after your Lhasa Apso exhibits the desired behavior. This helps to reinforce the connection between the behavior and the reward.

If you’re not using positive reinforcement when house training your Lhasa Apso, you may be unintentionally discouraging good behavior. Without rewards for exhibiting the correct behavior, your pup may not see any incentive to continue going potty outside. This can lead to accidents inside the house and make the house training process take longer than it needs to.

To help make positive reinforcement a part of your house training routine, consider keeping a stash of treats or favorite toys on hand to reward your pup when they go potty outside. You can also use verbal cues such as “good boy” or “good girl” to offer positive feedback in addition to treats. Remember to keep your rewards consistent and immediate to create a strong connection between good behavior and positive reinforcement.

Using positive reinforcement is an important step in house training your Lhasa Apso, and can help ensure that they continue to exhibit good behavior over the long term. Be patient, consistent, and willing to offer plenty of rewards, and you’ll be on your way to having a fully house trained dog in no time.

Not Being Consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to house training your Lhasa Apso. Not being consistent in your approach can lead to confusion for your furry friend and result in accidents indoors. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Inconsistent Commands: Use the same phrase or command every time you want your Lhasa Apso to go outside to do their business. It could be as simple as “outside” or “let’s go potty.” Whatever it is, stick to it consistently, so your furry friend understands what is expected of them.
• Inconsistent Schedule: Dogs thrive on routine, and if you are not consistent in taking your Lhasa Apso outside at regular intervals, accidents are inevitable. Establish a schedule and try your best to stick to it. Your Lhasa Apso will quickly learn when it’s time to go outside and be more likely to hold it until then.
• Inconsistent Reinforcement: Whether you are using positive or negative reinforcement, it’s important to be consistent. Rewarding your Lhasa Apso for going outside one time and then scolding them for having an accident the next will only lead to confusion. Decide on a consistent approach and stick to it.
• Inconsistent Boundaries: Lhasa Apsos can be easily confused if the boundaries are not made clear. Decide which areas of your house are off-limits and which are okay for your dog to roam around. Be consistent in enforcing these boundaries, so your Lhasa Apso knows what is expected of them.

To avoid the mistake of not being consistent, make a plan and stick to it. Your Lhasa Apso will thrive on the routine and boundaries that you establish, and the house training process will be much smoother as a result.

Not Being Patient

It’s important to understand that house training your Lhasa Apso takes time and patience. Rushing the process or expecting your dog to learn immediately can lead to frustration and setbacks. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when it comes to patience:

• Getting Upset: It’s easy to get frustrated when your Lhasa Apso has an accident on the carpet, but it’s important to remain calm. Punishing or scolding your dog will only make them anxious and fearful, making it harder to train them.
• Losing Motivation: If you don’t see immediate progress, it’s easy to lose motivation and give up on training. Remember that consistency is key, and progress may be slow but it will happen with time and patience.
• Expecting Perfection: It’s unrealistic to expect your Lhasa Apso to never have accidents, especially in the beginning stages of training. Be patient and understanding of their mistakes, and focus on the progress made rather than setbacks.
• Not Taking Breaks: Constant training can be overwhelming and exhausting for both you and your Lhasa Apso. Take breaks and don’t be afraid to slow down the training process if it becomes too overwhelming for either of you.

In order to successfully house train your Lhasa Apso, it’s important to have patience and persevere through setbacks. Remember to stay calm, consistent, and take breaks as needed. With time and patience, your Lhasa Apso will learn and thrive in their newly trained environment.

Avoiding Accidents

As a dog owner, it’s important to understand that accidents happen, especially during the house training process. However, there are steps you can take to minimize these accidents and ensure your Lhasa Apso learns to relieve themselves in appropriate areas. By implementing a few key strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can help your furry friend become a well-trained and happy member of your household. Let’s take a look at some tips for avoiding accidents during the house training process.

Not Using a Crate

Using a crate for house training your Lhasa Apso can be a very effective method. However, not using a crate can lead to accidents and slow down the house training process.

Benefits of Using a Crate

There are several benefits to using a crate for house training your Lhasa Apso. First, it helps your dog develop a sense of routine and structure. It also gives them a safe space to retreat to when they want some alone time. Additionally, the crate can prevent accidents from happening when you are not able to supervise your dog.

Mistakes to Avoid

Not using a crate correctly can lead to negative outcomes. A common mistake is allowing your Lhasa Apso to spend too much time in the crate. This can lead to them feeling anxious or upset. Another mistake is not making the crate a comfortable and inviting space. Make sure to add a comfortable bed and some toys to make it feel like a safe and happy place for your dog. Lastly, never use the crate as a form of punishment. This will create negative associations with the crate and may lead to your Lhasa Apso being more resistant to using it in the future.

Using a crate for house training your Lhasa Apso can be a highly effective method, but it’s important to avoid common mistakes. By limiting the time spent in the crate, making it an inviting space, and avoiding punishment, you can create a positive association with the crate and help your dog develop good house training habits.

Not Paying Enough Attention

One common house training mistake that dog owners make is not paying enough attention to their Lhasa Apso during the house training process. Dogs, like Lhasa Apsos, require attention and patience from their owners to successfully house train. If you leave your Lhasa Apso alone for extended periods of time, they may have an accident in the house simply because they couldn’t hold it any longer.

Why Paying Attention Matters

When house training your Lhasa Apso, you need to be able to monitor their behavior to catch any signs that they need to go outside. Some indications that your Lhasa Apso needs to go out include circling, sniffing around, or scratching at the door. If you’re not paying attention to your Lhasa Apso, you might miss these signs and they could end up having an accident in the house.

How to Pay More Attention

It’s crucial to establish a routine and set aside enough time each day to spend with your Lhasa Apso to ensure they get the attention they need. Spend time playing with your Lhasa Apso, teaching them new tricks, and taking them outside often enough to avoid accidents.

You can try using an activity log to help you pay closer attention to your Lhasa Apso’s behavior. Record when they eat, drink, and go outside to help you to better manage their schedule. This way, you can recognize patterns and anticipate when your Lhasa Apso might need to go outside.

Another option is to use an alarm or timer on your phone to remind you to take your Lhasa Apso outside periodically throughout the day. This will help you stay on track with their house training schedule.

By paying closer attention to your Lhasa Apso’s behavior and being more present during the house training process, you can help your furry friend achieve success with house training.

Not Sticking to a Feeding Schedule

Feeding your Lhasa Apso on a consistent and regular schedule is crucial for successful house training. If you do not stick to a feeding schedule, then you are likely to encounter several issues that will impede your training efforts. Here are some issues that may arise as a result of not sticking to a feeding schedule:

1. Irregular Bowel Movements: When your Lhasa Apso does not get food on a consistent schedule, their digestive system may become disrupted. As a result, they may experience irregular bowel movements, making it difficult to predict when they need to go outside.

2. Overeating: If you don’t stick to a feeding schedule, your Lhasa Apso may become overly hungry and may start overeating when they do get food. This can result in overfeeding or can prompt your Lhasa Apso to eat inappropriate things in an attempt to satiate their hunger.

3. Uneven Food Intake: When your Lhasa Apso is not fed at specific times, they may not eat the same amount of food each day. This could lead to overeating on some days and under eating on others. This will, in turn, lead to an unpredictable bowel movement schedule, which can be frustrating when trying to house train your Lhasa Apso.

To prevent these issues from occurring, you should create a feeding schedule for your Lhasa Apso and stick to it. Feed your Lhasa Apso at the same time every day, and make sure that you are feeding them a consistent amount of food. Additionally, you should make sure that your Lhasa Apso has access to water at all times, but be sure not to let them drink too much right before bedtime.

By sticking to a feeding schedule, you can ensure that your Lhasa Apso’s digestive system stays on track, and you will be able to better predict when they need to go outside to do their business.

Not Letting Your Lhasa Apso Out Frequently Enough

Lhasa Apsos are small dogs that have a small bladder, which means they need to go outside frequently. If you don’t let your Lhasa Apso out frequently enough, you are setting them up for accidents, which can hinder their house training process. Here are some reasons why you might not be letting your Lhasa Apso out frequently enough:

• Busy Schedule: If you have a hectic schedule, it can be challenging to take your Lhasa Apso out frequently enough. However, it is important to remember that a consistent schedule is critical for house training, and you need to make every effort to accommodate your Lhasa Apso’s needs.
• Physical Limitations: Older people or individuals with physical difficulties may find it challenging to take their Lhasa Apso outside frequently enough. In such cases, hiring a dog walker can help ensure your pet gets out enough.
• Forgetfulness: If you are forgetful, you may forget to let your Lhasa Apso out, leading to accidents. To avoid this, set alarms or reminders on your phone or calendar to remind you to take your pet out.
• Unusual Behavior: If your Lhasa Apso is behaving oddly, such as standing by the door, whining, or circling, this may signify that they need to use the bathroom. If you ignore these signs, your pet may have an accident.

It is essential to let your Lhasa Apso out frequently enough to avoid accidents in the house. If you are struggling to take them outside enough, you should consider hiring a dog walker or asking a friend or family member to help. A consistent routine and paying attention to your pet’s needs can help ensure that your Lhasa Apso is house trained successfully.

Conclusion

In conclusion, house training your Lhasa Apso requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Avoiding common mistakes like punishing your dog and not providing enough attention can make the process smoother and faster. Ensure you choose the perfect spot with easy access, away from noise, sleeping or eating areas. Using a crate, sticking to a feeding schedule and letting your Lhasa Apso out frequently can reduce accidents. Remember, your Lhasa Apso is a smart and loyal breed. With love and kindness, training can be a positive bonding experience for both of you. Don’t give up, keep trying, and soon enough, your Lhasa Apso will be a well-trained, happy member of your family. Happy training!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to house train a Lhasa Apso?

It may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to house train a Lhasa Apso. Each dog is unique and may require different methods of training.

Can punishment be effective in potty training a Lhasa Apso?

No, punishment is not an effective method for house training any dog. Instead, use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.

Should I let my Lhasa Apso roam freely in the house during the training process?

No, it’s best to keep your Lhasa Apso in a confined area such as a crate or a designated room during the training process to avoid accidents and instill good habits.

How often should I take my Lhasa Apso outside to go potty?

A general rule of thumb is to take your Lhasa Apso outside every two to three hours. Increase the frequency during periods of high activity or excitement.

Can I use pee pads for house training my Lhasa Apso?

While pee pads may be convenient, they can confuse your Lhasa Apso as to where it’s appropriate to go potty. It’s best to train your dog to go outside from the beginning.

What should I do if my Lhasa Apso has an accident in the house?

Immediately clean up the mess with an enzymatic cleaner to remove any odors. Avoid using harsh chemicals that may attract your Lhasa Apso to the same spot again.

How should I reward my Lhasa Apso for good behavior during house training?

Positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, can be effective in encouraging good behavior during house training. Make sure the reward is given immediately after the good behavior is displayed.

Can I train my Lhasa Apso to ring a bell to signal it needs to go potty?

Yes, many owners have successfully trained their Lhasa Apsos to ring bells when they need to go outside. Hang a bell near the door and ring it each time you take your dog outside to go potty. Eventually, your Lhasa Apso will learn to ring the bell to signal its needs.

What should I do if my Lhasa Apso refuses to go potty outside?

Be patient and consistent in your training. Continue to take your Lhasa Apso outside regularly, using positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. It may also help to walk your dog to different areas to find a spot it prefers.

When is the best time to start house training my Lhasa Apso?

The earlier, the better. As soon as you bring your Lhasa Apso home, begin training it to go outside to avoid accidents in the house. Consistency and persistence is key in successful house training.

References

• 10 Most Common Potty Training Mistakes & How to Avoid …
• 6 common mistakes people make when potty-training their …
• Common Puppy Potty Training Mistakes You Must Avoid

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Matthew Farthing

Сontributing author at DogCareHacks, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant.

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