Housetraining Issues Lhasa Apso Behavioral Problems

Housebreaking Lhasa Apso Puppies

Matthew Farthing 28.04.2023 0

Welcoming a Lhasa Apso puppy into your home can be an exciting yet daunting experience. While they are adorable and fluffy, new pet owners often find themselves perplexed about how to properly housebreak their furry little friend. But fear not! With a bit of preparation, patience, and positive reinforcement, you can easily teach your Lhasa Apso puppy the do’s and don’ts of relieving themselves. In this article, we’ll go over some useful tips and techniques to help you housebreak your Lhasa Apso puppy step-by-step. So, let’s get started!

Understanding Your Lhasa Apso Puppy’s Behavior

Understanding your Lhasa Apso puppy’s behavior is essential in housebreaking them properly. As a pet owner, it is important to familiarize yourself with your puppy’s natural tendencies and use positive reinforcement training to achieve the desired results effectively. In this section, we will discuss the behavior of Lhasa Apso puppies and the importance of positive reinforcement in their training. By the end of this section, you’ll be fully informed on how to understand your Lhasa Apso puppy’s behavior and why positive reinforcement works well in training, setting you up for success in the upcoming stages of housebreaking. Additionally, if you need practical tips to avoid common training mistakes, such as punishing your puppy or dealing with accidents, check out our common house training mistakes to avoid and dealing with accidents during house training sections.

Puppy’s Natural Tendencies

Natural tendencies of Lhasa Apso puppies can make house training a little difficult but understanding their behavior can help make the process more successful.

It is important to note that Lhasa Apso puppies have small bladders and may need to urinate frequently, especially after meals and naps. They also have a tendency to mark their territory by urinating in the same spot repeatedly.

To work with these natural tendencies, it’s important to establish a potty schedule and take your puppy outside frequently, rewarding them when they go in the appropriate spot. You should also keep an eye on your puppy and interrupt any marking behavior to redirect them to the appropriate spot.

Additionally, Lhasa Apso puppies can be stubborn and may refuse to go outside in inclement weather or if they feel uncomfortable in their surroundings. This can be overcome with patience and positive reinforcement training.

It’s important to keep in mind that you should never punish your puppy for accidents, as this can lead to anxiety and regression in their training. Instead, focus on being consistent and patient, and your Lhasa Apso puppy will eventually learn where to go potty.

Understanding your Lhasa Apso puppy’s natural tendencies and working with them through a consistent routine, positive reinforcement training, and patience can help make house training a success.

Positive Reinforcement Training

Positive reinforcement training is an effective method for housebreaking Lhasa Apso puppies. This involves rewarding good behavior, rather than punishing bad behavior. One of the most common rewards used in positive reinforcement training is treats. However, you should also provide praise and affection.

The table below outlines some key considerations for using positive reinforcement training with your Lhasa Apso puppy:

Tip	Description
Consistency is key	Make sure everyone in the household is using the same rewards for good behavior.
Timing is important	Make sure to reward your puppy immediately after the desired behavior is exhibited.
Be generous with the treats	Especially at the beginning of the housebreaking process, make sure you’re providing frequent treats to encourage your puppy’s good behavior.
Don’t overdo it on the treats	Once your puppy has learned the desired behavior, start to decrease the frequency of treats.
Gradually phase out treats	Once your puppy has consistently exhibited good behavior, start to phase out the frequency of treats entirely.

Remember, the key to effective positive reinforcement training is to provide rewards consistently, promptly, and generously. Additionally, make sure you’re providing rewards that are of value to your puppy, such as treats that your puppy finds particularly delicious.

For puppies that are more resistant to housebreaking, positive reinforcement training may take longer to be effective. If you’re having difficulty, consider trying crate training, which can help speed up the housebreaking process. You can read more about crate training Lhasa Apsos here. If you’re dealing with older Lhasa Apsos who haven’t been housebroken, you may need to adjust your approach to training. You can read more about house training older Lhasa Apsos here. However, by being patient, consistent, and committed to positive reinforcement training, you can successfully housebreak your Lhasa Apso puppy.

Preparation for Housebreaking

Preparing for housebreaking your Lhasa Apso puppy can be a challenging task, but it is essential to set your furry friend on the right path to success. Taking heed of some simple preparation steps can make the difference between a smooth and a difficult housebreaking period. To get started, there are two common techniques that you can use during the housebreaking process: puppy training pads and crate training. Let’s explore each technique in detail below. For more information on housebreaking your Lhasa Apso, check out our helpful resources on Lhasa Apso house training, how to handle house training refusal, as well as age and health issues that may affect your puppy’s house training.

Puppy Training Pads

One of the most crucial aspects of housebreaking your Lhasa Apso puppy is to have the proper equipment at hand. One of the most important tools in this regard are puppy training pads. These pads are perfect for helping your puppy learn where he or she should go potty.

Benefits of Puppy Training Pads:

Puppy training pads are designed to be super absorbent, meaning they can handle big and small accidents alike.
These pads are also designed to be leak-proof, so you don’t have to worry about any messes spilling over onto your floor.
Additionally, the pads are scented with pheromones designed to attract your puppy, so he or she will naturally want to use the pad to go potty.

How to Use Puppy Training Pads:

Place the pads in a designated area where you want your puppy to go potty. This could be in a corner of a room, or in a specific area on your balcony or patio.
Show your puppy the pad and let him or her sniff it. This will help familiarize them with the scent of the pheromones which should encourage instincts to go potty on the pad rather than elsewhere.
Monitor your puppy closely, watching for the signs that he or she may need to go potty. When you notice your puppy sniffing around or circling, quickly place him or her on the training pad.
It is important to reward your puppy for using the pad. You can use treats or praise and petting to reinforce the idea that going potty on the pad is a good thing.

By using puppy training pads, you can help your Lhasa Apso puppy get on the right track to being housebroken in no time! Remember to be patient and consistent, and to reward good behavior.

Crate Training

Crate training is an effective way to housebreak your Lhasa Apso puppy. It involves using a crate, which can be a wire or plastic container, to confine your puppy when you cannot supervise them.

Advantages of Crate Training:

Advantages	Explanation
Teaches Control	It teaches your puppy to control their bladder and bowel movements since they won’t want to soil their sleeping area.
Safety	It keeps your puppy safe from chewing on hazards and getting into potentially dangerous situations when you are not home.
Travel	Your Lhasa Apso will become used to being in a crate, making travel much easier and more comfortable for them.

When crate training, it’s important to choose the right size crate. It should be big enough for your puppy to stand up, lie down, and turn around comfortably, but not so large that your puppy can use one end as a bathroom area.

Steps for Crate Training:

Steps	Explanation
Introduce the crate	Starting with short periods, let your Lhasa Apso get used to being in the crate with treats and praise, leaving the door open.
Lengthen time in crate	Gradually increase the time your puppy spends in the crate, always rewarding good behavior and ignoring whining.
Leave the room	Once your puppy is comfortable in the crate, leave the room briefly, then return and reward good behavior.
Begin feeding in the crate	Start feeding your Lhasa Apso in the crate to associate it with positive experiences.
Nighttime training	After your puppy is comfortable in the crate, begin using it for nighttime sleeping. Take your puppy out for potty breaks during the night as needed.

With patience, praise, and consistency, crate training can be a valuable tool in housebreaking your Lhasa Apso puppy. Remember to never use the crate as a form of punishment, as this can create negative associations with the crate.

Housebreaking Techniques

Housebreaking a Lhasa Apso puppy can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques and consistency, it is certainly achievable. In this section, we will explore various methods you can use to teach your furry friend where and when to do their business. By following these tried and tested methods, you’ll be well on your way to having a well-housebroken and happy Lhasa Apso. So, let’s dive in and discover what it takes to effectively housebreak your Lhasa Apso puppy!

Potty Schedule

Developing a consistent potty schedule is a vital aspect of housebreaking Lhasa Apso puppies. Establishing a schedule helps your puppy understand when it’s time to go potty and avoids accidents inside the house. You need to create a routine that fits your puppy’s needs and stick to it. Here are the steps to create a potty schedule:

Observe your puppy’s behavior: Understanding your puppy’s natural tendencies is crucial for developing the right schedule. Pay attention to when your puppy typically eliminates, how long after meals or drinks, and how often they usually go throughout the day.
Create a schedule: Based on your observation, determine the time intervals when your puppy needs to relieve themself. Typically, puppies need to go after waking up, eating, playing, or drinking water. Creating a schedule around these times will encourage your puppy to establish a routine.
Set reminders: To help your puppy remember the schedule, use reminders such as alarms or phone alerts to notify you when it’s time to go outside.
Be flexible: Puppies might have different needs, and some may require more potty breaks than others. Be prepared to adjust the schedule as needed to avoid accidents indoors.
Stick to the schedule: Consistency is key to success in housebreaking. Make sure you follow the schedule strictly until your puppy gets accustomed to it.

By establishing a consistent potty schedule, you will help your Lhasa Apso puppy understand when it’s time to go potty and avoid accidents in the house. Remember to pay attention to your puppy’s behavior, be flexible, and stick to the schedule for utmost success.

Take Your Puppy Outside Frequently

One of the critical factors in housebreaking your Lhasa Apso puppy is taking them outside frequently. When you bring a new puppy home, you need to realize that they have a small bladder and cannot hold it in for an extended period. You need to help your furry friend by taking them out often.

Here are some tips on how to accomplish this:

Set up a routine: Puppies thrive when they follow a schedule. Try to establish a routine where you take your puppy out in the morning, afternoon, and evening at regular times.
Use commands: Teach your puppy specific commands for going outside, such as “potty time” or “let’s go outside.” This will help them understand what is expected of them when you take them out.
Stay outside: Don’t bring your puppy back inside immediately after they’ve gone potty. Allow them to explore, play, and stretch their legs a bit. This will reinforce the idea that outside is the place to go potty.
Watch for cues: Keep an eye on your puppy and look for signs that they need to go outside, such as sniffing the floor, circling, or whining. Be sure to take them out immediately if you notice any of these cues.
Be patient: Remember that your Lhasa Apso puppy is still learning, and accidents will happen. If your puppy has an accident inside, don’t punish them. Instead, take them outside immediately and reinforce good behavior with positive reinforcement.

By taking your Lhasa Apso puppy outside frequently and establishing a routine, you can help them learn where it’s appropriate to go potty. Be patient, use positive reinforcement, and watch for cues, and you’ll have a fully housebroken puppy in no time.

Use Positive Reinforcement to Reward Good Behavior

When housebreaking your Lhasa Apso puppy, one of the most important things you can do is to use positive reinforcement to reward good behavior. This means catching your puppy in the act of doing something right, and immediately rewarding them with praise or a treat. Here are a few tips for effectively using positive reinforcement:

Timing is key: Be sure to praise your puppy or give them a treat within a few seconds of them exhibiting the desired behavior. This helps them to associate the behavior with the reward.
Be consistent: Use the same word or phrase every time you give your puppy a treat for good behavior. For example, you might say “good boy” or “good girl” every time they go potty outside.
Use high-value treats: Choose treats that your puppy loves, and reserve them only for potty training rewards. This will create a strong association between good behavior and positive reinforcement.
Stay positive: Always use a positive tone of voice when rewarding your pup, and never scold or punish them for accidents. This can create fear and anxiety, which can actually make housebreaking more difficult.

By using positive reinforcement consistently and effectively, you can help your Lhasa Apso puppy learn quickly and develop good potty habits. Remember, patience and consistency are key when it comes to housebreaking, but with a little time and effort, you’ll see great results!

Be Consistent

One of the most important aspects of successfully housebreaking your Lhasa Apso puppy is consistency. Being consistent means following your puppy’s potty schedule and training routine every day. Here are some tips for maintaining consistency in your training:

Establish a routine: Set a specific time and place for your puppy’s meals, water breaks, and potty breaks. Try to keep this routine consistent every day so that your puppy knows what to expect.
Take your puppy out frequently: Take your puppy outside to potty at regular intervals throughout the day, such as after meals, after naps, and first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Stick to this schedule as closely as possible, even on weekends.
Use the same commands: Use the same words or phrases every time you take your puppy outside, such as “potty time” or “go potty.” This will help your puppy learn what to expect and what is expected of them.
Limit your puppy’s freedom: Until your puppy is fully housebroken, it’s important to limit their access to the house. This can mean keeping them in a crate when you’re not home or using a baby gate to block off certain areas. This will help prevent accidents and keep your puppy focused on their potty training.
Consistency in rewards: Be sure to reward your puppy every time they potty outside, even if it’s just a small treat or lots of praise. Consistency in rewards will help reinforce good behavior and motivate your puppy to continue their good habits.

By maintaining consistency in your training, you’ll help your Lhasa Apso puppy understand what is expected of them and make the housebreaking process much faster and more effective. Stay patient and positive, and your puppy will soon be a well-behaved member of the family.

Mistakes to Avoid

Housebreaking your Lhasa Apso puppy can be a challenging task, especially if you are a first-time pup parent. As you navigate the process of teaching your furry friend, it’s important to be aware of common mistakes that can hinder their training progress. Avoiding these mistakes is crucial in ensuring that your puppy’s housebreaking journey is a success. In this section, we’ll discuss some of the most common mistakes to avoid during your Lhasa Apso’s housebreaking training. So let’s dive in and discover what you should not do when housebreaking your furry bundle of joy.

Punishing Your Puppy

It’s important to avoid punishing your Lhasa Apso puppy during the housebreaking process. Punishing your puppy can actually be counterproductive and may even make the situation worse. Instead of using negative reinforcement, focus on positively reinforcing good behaviors.

Here are some reasons why punishing your puppy is not recommended during housebreaking:

Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Punish Your Puppy:

Punishment can damage your relationship with your puppy and cause mistrust.

Your puppy may not understand why they are being punished and may become fearful or anxious.

Punishment may actually encourage your puppy to potty in hidden areas where they won’t get caught.

Punishment can create a stressful environment for your puppy and make it even more difficult for them to learn the housebreaking process.

Keep in mind that housebreaking your Lhasa Apso puppy will take time and patience. If your puppy has an accident, don’t punish them. Instead, focus on preventing accidents in the future by taking them outside more frequently or watching them more closely indoors. Remember to use positive reinforcement and consistency to teach your puppy good habits. With time and practice, your Lhasa Apso puppy will become a well-trained member of your family.

Inconsistency

To successfully housebreak your Lhasa Apso puppy, consistency is key. Inconsistency in your training can lead to confusion for your puppy, causing them to have accidents indoors. Inconsistency can come in many forms, from a lack of routine to mixed signals in your training methods.

Here are some examples of inconsistency that you should avoid:

Inconsistency to Avoid	Why it’s a Problem
Changing the Training Method	Your puppy may become confused and not understand what is expected of them.
Not Following a Routine	Your puppy may not know when to expect to go outside to potty, leading to accidents indoors.
Using Different Command Words	Your puppy may not associate a new command with the desired action, causing confusion and accidents.
Allowing Your Puppy to Break Rules Sometimes	Your puppy may become confused about what is allowed and what isn’t, leading to accidents.

It’s important to set a routine for your puppy and stick to it as closely as possible. This includes feeding times, play times, and potty breaks. Additionally, if you are using specific command words, like “go potty”, make sure to use them consistently.

Inconsistency can be a major setback in your housebreaking efforts. By maintaining a routine and using consistent training methods, you can help your Lhasa Apso puppy successfully learn where to go potty.

Using Ammonia-based Cleaners

When it comes to cleaning up after accidents during the housebreaking process, it’s important to use the right cleaning products. However, using ammonia-based cleaners can actually do more harm than good. Ammonia-based cleaners contain a scent that is similar to the scent of urine, which can actually attract your Lhasa Apso puppy to the same spot again.

Here are some tips on what types of cleaners to use:

Use an enzymatic cleaner: Enzymatic cleaners are specifically designed to break down the proteins and odors in urine and feces. Look for a cleaner that is labeled as enzymatic, and follow the instructions on the label carefully.
Vinegar and water: If you prefer a natural solution, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water to clean up accidents. This solution will not only clean up the mess, but also neutralize any odors.
Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals: While bleach and other harsh chemicals may seem like a good idea for getting rid of stains, they can be harmful to your puppy’s delicate respiratory system. Stick to gentler cleaning products instead.

By using the right cleaning products during the housebreaking process, you’ll not only be able to clean up accidents effectively, but also make sure that your Lhasa Apso puppy doesn’t repeat the same mistakes.

Troubleshooting

So, you’ve been following all the tips and techniques for housebreaking your Lhasa Apso puppy, but something just isn’t working. Accidents are happening more frequently than they should, and you’re not sure how to address the problem. Don’t worry! It’s normal to encounter obstacles along the way. In this section, we’ll discuss some common issues that may arise during the housebreaking process and provide solutions to help you troubleshoot your way to success. Let’s get started!

Accidents Happen – How to Clean Them Up

It’s important to be prepared for accidents while housebreaking your Lhasa Apso puppy as they are bound to happen. Here are some tips for how to clean up those accidents easily and effectively:

Act Quickly: When you notice an accident has occurred, it’s important to act quickly. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to clean up.
Blot the Mess: Use paper towels or a clean cloth to blot up as much of the mess as possible. You don’t want to rub the area, as this can push the mess deeper into the carpet fibers.
Clean the Area: Use a pet-safe cleaner to clean the area where the accident occurred. It’s important to use a cleaner that is specifically designed for pet messes, as other cleaners may not fully remove the odor and could even attract your puppy back to that spot.
Odor Control: Even if you clean up the mess and the stain is gone, the odor may still linger. Use an enzymatic cleaner to completely eliminate any lingering odors. This will help prevent your puppy from returning to the same spot to eliminate again.
Reward Good Behavior: If your puppy has an accident, it’s not their fault. Avoid punishing them and instead, reward them for good behavior. When your puppy eliminates outside, give them treats and praise to reinforce that this behavior is desirable.

By following these tips, you can effectively clean up any accidents your Lhasa Apso puppy has while housebreaking. Remember to be patient with your puppy as accidents are a part of the housebreaking process. With consistency and positive reinforcement, you’ll have a fully housebroken Lhasa Apso in no time!

Dealing with Regression

It’s not unusual for Lhasa Apso puppies to regress in their housebreaking progress. This can be due to a change in routine, stress, illness, or any number of factors. However, it’s important not to get upset or frustrated when your puppy has an accident. Instead, use these tips to deal with regression:

Go Back to Basics: If your Lhasa Apso puppy starts having accidents indoors again, it’s time to go back to the basics of housebreaking. Revisit your potty training schedule, take your puppy outside more frequently, and increase the use of positive reinforcement.
Check for Medical Issues: Sometimes regression can be a sign of an underlying medical issue. If you notice your Lhasa Apso puppy is having accidents more frequently than usual, it’s best to take them to the vet for a check-up.
Reduce Stress: Stress can be a big factor in regression. Make sure your puppy has a comfortable and safe space to relax in, and try to reduce loud noises or chaotic environments that could cause stress.
Don’t Punish: If your puppy has an accident indoors, avoid punishment. Punishing your puppy for accidents will only make them more anxious, and potentially worsen the regression.
Be Patient: Dealing with regression can be frustrating, but it’s important to be patient with your puppy. With consistency and positive reinforcement, your Lhasa Apso puppy will eventually get back on track.

By using these tips, you can help your Lhasa Apso puppy get back on track with housebreaking and build a stronger bond between you and your furry friend. Remember to always use positive reinforcement and be patient, as accidents and regression are a natural part of the housebreaking process.

Conclusion

As you embark on the journey of housebreaking your Lhasa Apso puppy, it is important to remember that patience and consistency are key. While it may feel frustrating at times, it is important to stay positive and reward your puppy’s good behavior.

Using positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and verbal praise, throughout the housebreaking process will help your puppy learn faster and with less stress. Consistency in your potty schedule, as well as taking your puppy outside frequently, will also help with the training process.

Avoid making common mistakes, such as punishing your puppy or using ammonia-based cleaners, and instead focus on troubleshooting solutions for any accidents or regression that may occur. With the right preparation and techniques, your Lhasa Apso puppy will soon become a well-trained and beloved member of your household.

Remember, the bond between you and your puppy is one of love and trust, and the housebreaking process is just a small step in establishing a lifetime of happiness together. Enjoy the journey and celebrate each small victory along the way. With time and effort, you and your Lhasa Apso puppy will form an unbreakable bond that will last for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age should I start housebreaking my Lhasa Apso puppy?

You should start housebreaking your Lhasa Apso puppy when they are around 12 weeks old.

Can Lhasa Apso puppies be trained to use puppy pads?

Yes, Lhasa Apso puppies can be trained to use puppy pads.

What is crate training and how does it help in housebreaking?

Crate training involves using a crate or a small space for a puppy to sleep and spend time in. It helps in housebreaking as it teaches the puppy to hold their bladder and wait until they are taken outside to go potty.

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

You should take your Lhasa Apso puppy outside to go potty after waking up, after eating, and after playing or exercising, as well as periodically throughout the day.

What type of treats can I use for positive reinforcement training?

You can use small, soft treats such as small pieces of chicken or cheese for positive reinforcement training.

How do I clean up accidents inside the house?

You should clean up accidents inside the house with an enzymatic cleaner that breaks down the odor and removes any stains.

What should I do if my Lhasa Apso puppy regresses in their housebreaking progress?

If your Lhasa Apso puppy regresses in their housebreaking progress, go back to basics and start the training process again, with more frequent potty breaks and positive reinforcement.

Is it okay to punish my Lhasa Apso puppy if they have an accident in the house?

No, punishing your Lhasa Apso puppy for accidents in the house can cause anxiety and make the housebreaking process more difficult. Instead, use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.