Effective Ways to Stop Your Lhasa Apso from Digging and Chewing
You love your Lhasa Apso, but their digging and chewing habits can be frustrating and destructive. You come home to a garden full of holes or household items chewed to bits. It’s natural for dogs to chew and dig, but it’s possible to train them to do these behaviours in appropriate ways. In this article, we’ll provide you with 10 effective training tips to help stop your Lhasa Apso from digging and chewing, so you can enjoy a peaceful and damage-free home with your furry friend. Let’s dive in!
Training Tips to Stop Digging
Have you found your yard looking like a battlefield, courtesy of your furry Lhasa Apso? Digging holes can be frustrating, and it can lead to a significant impact on your lawn. Not to mention, constant chewing can damage household items, furniture, and pose a hazard to your four-legged friend’s health. In this section, we’ll provide you with effective training tips to stop digging and maintain a safe living environment for your Lhasa Apso. With these tips and tricks, your Lhasa Apso can have fun in the yard without causing any harm to themselves or your property. So, let’s get started! And if you want to know more about the negative effect of digging and chewing for Lhasa Apso, make sure to check out our previous post on Lhasa Apsos digging and chewing: how it can harm them.
1. Supervise Your Dog When Outside
It’s important to supervise your Lhasa Apso when they’re outside to prevent them from digging. Dogs often dig out of boredom or to bury prized possessions. Providing plenty of exercise, toys, and attention can help combat this behavior. Additionally, keeping them in a designated area or using a leash during walks can prevent them from wandering off and digging in unwanted areas.
If you do notice your Lhasa Apso starting to dig, immediately redirect their attention to an appropriate toy or activity. This will teach them that digging is not an acceptable behavior and that certain toys are designated for play.
| Supervise Your Dog When Outside |
|---|
| Why it’s important: dogs often dig out of boredom or to bury prized possessions |
| Tips: provide plenty of exercise, toys, and attention; keep them in a designated area or leashed during walks; redirect attention to appropriate toys or activities if they start to dig |
Not only will supervision help with digging behavior, but it can also prevent your Lhasa Apso from chewing on unwanted items. Keeping a watchful eye on your pup and providing appropriate toys can help redirect their attention from household items to chew toys. Check out our article on how to stop your Lhasa Apso from digging and chewing for more tips and tricks.
In addition to supervision, providing a designated digging pit and enough physical and mental exercise can also help combat digging behavior. With patience and consistency, you can stop your Lhasa Apso from digging and redirect their energy to more appropriate activities, like playing with DIY toys. Check out our article on how to make DIY toys for your Lhasa Apso for some fun and easy ideas.
2. Provide Appropriate Toys and Chew Bones
Dogs love to chew, and Lhasa Apsos are no exception. Providing appropriate toys and chew bones is essential to prevent your pup from chewing up your belongings. It’s important to choose toys and bones that are safe for your dog to chew on and that they will enjoy playing with.
One type of chew toy that is great for dogs that love to chew is a Kong toy. These toys can be filled with treats or peanut butter to keep your pup entertained for hours. Another great option is a rope toy, which can be great for interactive play and chewing.
When selecting chew bones or rawhide for your Lhasa Apso, it’s important to choose the appropriate size for their breed. A bone that is too small can easily be swallowed or become a choking hazard, while a bone that is too large can damage their teeth. It’s best to opt for bones that are labeled as “Lhasa Apso-sized” or designed for small breeds.
To prevent boredom and promote healthy chewing habits, it’s also a good idea to rotate your dog’s toys and bones regularly. This will keep them engaged and prevent them from getting bored and turning to chewing on inappropriate objects.
Remember, always supervise your Lhasa Apso when they are chewing on toys or bones to ensure their safety. By providing appropriate toys and bones for your furry friend to chew on, you can help prevent destructive chewing and keep your belongings safe.
To learn more about how to stop your Lhasa Apso from digging and chewing, check out our detailed guide.
3. Create a Digging Pit
Does your Lhasa Apso love to dig holes in your yard? While it may be frustrating, it’s actually a natural behavior for some dogs. That’s why one way to prevent your furry friend from damaging your lawn is by creating a digging pit. This is a designated area where your pup can indulge in its digging instinct without disrupting your garden or yard. Here are some tips for creating an effective digging pit:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Choose a suitable spot in your yard for the digging pit. It should be an area where your Lhasa Apso can access easily and unobtrusively. |
| Step 2 | Outline the area of the digging pit with some stones, logs or bricks. This will help your dog know where it’s allowed to dig and prevent it from digging anywhere else. |
| Step 3 | Make the digging pit more appealing to your dog by burying some of its favorite toys or treats in it. This will encourage it to dig in that area instead of other parts of your yard. |
| Step 4 | Encourage your Lhasa Apso to use the digging pit by rewarding it with praise or a treat when it digs in that area. |
| Step 5 | Keep the digging pit clean and free from debris. This will make it more pleasant for your dog to use and make it easier for you to maintain. |
By following these steps, you can create a digging pit that will allow your Lhasa Apso to engage in its natural digging behavior in a positive way. Not only will this prevent your dog from creating unsightly holes in your yard, but it will also keep it mentally stimulated and happy. Remember to always supervise your dog when it’s outside and redirect it to the digging pit if it starts to dig elsewhere.
4. Provide Enough Physical and Mental Exercise
Lhasa Apsos are an active breed that requires a good amount of exercise to release their pent-up energy. Providing sufficient physical and mental stimulation is crucial in preventing digging behaviors. Keeping your Lhasa Apso’s mind and body occupied can go a long way in reducing boredom and destructive behavior. Here are some ways to provide enough exercise for your Lhasa Apso:
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Walking | Regularly take your Lhasa Apso for 30-minute walks twice a day. |
| Playing Fetch | Lhasa Apsos enjoy fetching games. Grab a ball or toy and have a good throw and fetch session. |
| Interactive Toys | Choose toys that require your Lhasa Apso to figure out how to use them, such as puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and hide-and-seek games. |
| Training Sessions | Train your dog obedience commands or new tricks. Training sessions not only provide mental stimulation, but also help build a stronger bond between you and your Lhasa Apso. |
| Swimming | If you live near a lake, river, or beach, take your Lhasa Apso for a swim. Swimming is a great form of exercise for dogs that is gentle on their joints. |
Remember, a tired Lhasa Apso is a well-behaved Lhasa Apso. Provide your furry companion with plenty of opportunities to run, play, and explore to keep their mind and body stimulated. Don’t forget to mix things up to keep things interesting and prevent boredom. By providing enough exercise, your Lhasa Apso will be less likely to turn to digging as a way to release pent-up energy.
5. Reward Good Behavior and Ignore Bad Behavior
Training your Lhasa Apso to stop digging and chewing can be a frustrating process, but it’s important to remember that positive reinforcement is key to success. When you catch your dog exhibiting good behavior like playing with their toys or leaving your shoes alone, make sure to immediately give them praise and a reward. This could be something as simple as a verbal “good boy/girl” or a pat on the head, but you could also use treats or a special toy to reinforce the behavior.
On the other hand, when your Lhasa Apso starts to chew on something they shouldn’t or dig in a flower bed, it’s important to avoid giving them attention or punishment. This could actually reinforce the bad behavior by giving them the attention they were seeking. Instead, try to redirect their attention to an appropriate toy or activity and then reward them when they engage with it.
Here are a few tips for rewarding good behavior and ignoring bad behavior:
- Keep treats or toys readily available for when your Lhasa Apso exhibits good behavior.
- Use high-pitched, happy tones when praising your dog for good behavior.
- If you catch your dog chewing or digging, calmly redirect their attention and then walk away without giving them attention.
- Don’t scold or punish your dog for bad behavior – this can create fear and anxiety which may lead to further bad behavior.
- Be consistent with your rewards and ignore bad behavior consistently to reinforce the desired behavior.
With patience and persistence, your Lhasa Apso can learn to stop digging and chewing on household items. Remember to always reward good behavior and redirect bad behavior without giving it attention, and your furry friend will soon learn the appropriate ways to play and relax.
Training Tips to Stop Chewing
As cute as your Lhasa Apso can be, it’s concerning when they start destroying household items with their chewing habits. But before you lose your mind and give up hope, know that there are effective training tips you can try to stop the chewing. With consistency and patience, you can train your furry friend to redirect their chewing urges onto more appropriate chew toys. Here are some tips to get you started on your journey to a less destructive home.
6. Provide Appropriate Chew Toys
When it comes to preventing a Lhasa Apso from chewing on household items, it is important to provide them with appropriate chew toys. Chew toys not only satisfy their natural urge to chew, but can also improve their dental health and prevent boredom.
So, what kind of chew toys should you provide for your Lhasa Apso? Here are some options to consider:
| Chew Toy Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Rubber toys | These durable toys are great for aggressive chewers and can be filled with treats for added stimulation. |
| Nylon bones | These long-lasting bones are great for heavy chewers and can help clean your Lhasa Apso’s teeth. |
| Rope toys | These toys are great for interactive play and can also be used for tug-of-war with your Lhasa Apso. |
| Dental chews | These specially designed chews can help clean your Lhasa Apso’s teeth while satisfying their chewing urge. |
It is important to remember that not all chew toys are created equal. Avoid toys that are easily destructible or small enough to be swallowed. Also, monitor your Lhasa Apso while they are chewing on toys to ensure they are not ingesting any harmful pieces.
Providing appropriate chew toys for your Lhasa Apso can go a long way in preventing destructive chewing on household items. Try out different types of toys to see what your dog enjoys the most and always supervise them during playtime.
7. Keep Household Items Out of Reach
When it comes to preventing your Lhasa Apso from destructive chewing, one of the most straightforward steps you can take is to keep household items out of their reach. This includes everything from shoes and books to cords and pillows. To help with this task, try the following tips:
- Store items away: Keep household items in drawers, cupboards, or closets, and close doors or use baby gates to limit your dog’s access to certain rooms.
- Use high shelves: Put items on high shelves that your Lhasa Apso cannot reach, or use wall-mounted shelves to keep things off the ground.
- Clear away clutter: Piles of clothes or magazines on the floor can be enticing to your dog, so make sure to pick up and put away any clutter around the house.
It’s important to remember that while it’s essential to keep household items out of reach, it’s just as important to provide your Lhasa Apso with appropriate chew toys and bones to redirect their chewing behavior. With a little effort and consistency, you can help your furry friend develop good chewing habits and keep your belongings safe from destruction.
8. Use Bitter Apple Spray or Other Deterrents
When you catch your Lhasa Apso chewing on something they shouldn’t be, it’s important to intervene right away. One effective way to discourage your pet from chewing is by using deterrents. Bitter Apple Spray is a widely used and effective product that can be applied to items that your dog likes to chew on. The taste is very unpleasant, and most dogs will quickly learn to avoid it. Another option is to use something with a strong scent that dogs tend to dislike, like citrus or eucalyptus. You can create your own deterrent spray by mixing these scents with water and spraying them on household items.
However, it’s important to note that while deterrents can be helpful, you should also provide your Lhasa Apso with appropriate chew toys and continue to supervise them to prevent any unwanted behavior. Use of deterrents should not be the only method utilized for preventing chewing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| -Effective in stopping unwanted chewing behavior | -May have a strong odor or taste that humans find unpleasant |
| -Discourages dogs from chewing on household items | -Should not be the only method used to prevent chewing |
| -Can be combined with other training techniques for greater effectiveness | -May not work for all dogs |
Using bitter apple spray or other deterrents is a useful tool in your training arsenal when it comes to preventing unwanted chewing behavior. However, it should be used in conjunction with other techniques to ensure proper behavior modification.
9. Crate Train When You’re Not Home
Crate training is an effective way to prevent your Lhasa Apso from chewing on household items while you’re not home. Dogs have a natural denning instinct, and a crate can become their safe and comfortable space. But it’s important to introduce the crate gradually and positively, to avoid creating negative associations with being confined.
A large enough crate should be chosen. The Lhasa Apso should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Make sure the crate is placed in a quiet, low-traffic area of your home, away from direct sunlight and anything that can get knocked over.
To start training, lure your dog into the crate with treats or toys, and let them explore it for short periods with the door left open. Gradually increase the time they spend inside, always making sure they have water and toys to keep them occupied.
Once your Lhasa Apso is comfortable in the crate with the door open, start closing the door for short periods while you’re at home, gradually increasing the time you leave them inside. Never force your dog into the crate or leave them inside too long.
When leaving your Lhasa Apso alone in the crate, make sure to remove anything they can chew or swallow, such as collars or toys with small parts. Provide them with a chew toy or treat to keep them occupied. Remember to always associate the crate with positive experiences and never use it as punishment.
Crate training can take time and patience, but with consistent training, your Lhasa Apso can see the crate as a safe and comfortable space, preventing destructive behavior while you’re not home.
| DO | DON’T |
|---|---|
| Slowly introduce the crate | Use the crate for punishment |
| Choose a crate that is the right size | Force the dog into the crate |
| Place the crate in a quiet area | Leave the dog inside the crate too long |
| Provide water and toys in the crate | Leave collars or toys with small parts in the crate |
| Use the crate for short periods while you’re at home | Leave the dog alone without any supervision |
10. Address Separation Anxiety
Address Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a common issue among dogs of all breeds, including Lhasa Apsos. If your dog is experiencing separation anxiety, they may turn to destructive habits like chewing and digging as a way to cope with their anxiety when you leave them alone. Here are a few tips to help address separation anxiety:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Gradual Desensitization | Gradually increase the amount of time that you leave your dog alone so they can become more comfortable with your absence. Start by leaving for just a few minutes and gradually increase the amount of time that you’re gone. |
| 2. Provide Distractions | Provide your dog with puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and other distractions to keep them occupied when you’re not home. |
| 3. Leave Your Scent | Leave an unwashed piece of clothing or a blanket with your scent on it near your dog’s bed to provide them with comfort and familiarity when you’re not home. |
| 4. Seek Professional Help | If your dog’s separation anxiety is severe, consider reaching out to a professional dog trainer or veterinarian for guidance. |
By addressing your Lhasa Apso’s separation anxiety, you can help prevent them from resorting to destructive behaviors like chewing and digging. Gradual desensitization, providing distractions, leaving your scent, and seeking professional help are all effective ways to address separation anxiety in dogs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s important to understand that digging and chewing are natural behaviors for dogs, but they can become problematic if left unchecked. As a Lhasa Apso owner, it’s your responsibility to provide the appropriate training and tools to prevent these behaviors from becoming destructive.
Always supervise your dog when outside and provide a designated digging area to redirect their digging tendencies. Ensure your Lhasa Apso gets enough physical and mental exercise and offer appropriate toys and bones to keep them occupied. Positive reinforcement will encourage good behavior, while ignoring bad behavior will discourage it.
When it comes to chewing, again, provide appropriate chew toys and keep household items out of reach. Consider using deterrents like bitter apple spray and remember to crate train your dog when you’re not home. Separation anxiety can also contribute to chewing, so be sure to address any issues in that area.
By implementing these training tips and consistently reinforcing good behavior, your Lhasa Apso will stop digging and chewing inappropriately. Remember to be patient and consistent in your approach, and always consult a professional trainer if you need additional support. With dedication and time, you can enjoy a well-behaved and happy Lhasa Apso.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does my Lhasa Apso like to dig?
Lhasa Apsos were originally bred in Tibet to be alert guard dogs, and digging was a part of their instinctual behavior to protect their territory. Additionally, they may dig out of boredom or to find a cooler spot during hot weather.
2. Is it possible to completely stop my Lhasa Apso from digging and chewing?
No, it is unlikely that you can completely eliminate these behaviors. However, with proper training and management, you can reduce the frequency and severity of these behaviors.
3. How can I teach my Lhasa Apso to use a digging pit?
Encourage your dog to dig in a designated area by taking him to the pit and rewarding him when he digs in it. You can also bury toys or treats in the area to create interest. If he starts to dig elsewhere, interrupt him, take him back to the pit, and reward him for digging there.
4. What are appropriate chew toys for my Lhasa Apso?
Look for toys made from a durable material, such as rubber or nylon. Kongs filled with peanut butter or other treats can also provide hours of safe chewing entertainment. Avoid toys that can easily break apart and be swallowed.
5. What is separation anxiety and how can it cause chewing behavior?
Separation anxiety is a condition where a dog becomes anxious or stressed when left alone. This can cause destructive behaviors such as chewing as a way to cope with the anxiety. Addressing the anxiety through training and potentially medication can help reduce chewing behavior.
6. Is it helpful to scold my Lhasa Apso for chewing or digging?
No, scolding your dog for unwanted behavior often only leads to confusion and fear. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement by rewarding good behavior and ignoring or redirecting bad behavior.
7. Can providing enough exercise prevent my Lhasa Apso from chewing and digging?
Yes, providing enough physical and mental exercise can help prevent boredom and reduce destructive behaviors. Daily walks and play sessions, as well as mental stimulation toys, can help keep your Lhasa Apso entertained and less likely to engage in problem behaviors.
8. Can I use homemade deterrents instead of store-bought sprays?
Yes, there are many homemade deterrents you can make, such as mixing vinegar with water or hot sauce with water and spraying it on the items you want your dog to avoid. However, it’s important to test the spray on a small, inconspicuous area first and monitor your dog’s reactions to ensure they are not harmful.
9. Is crate training a good option for addressing chewing and digging behavior?
Crate training can be helpful for managing a dog’s behavior when you’re not home to supervise. By providing a comfortable and safe space, your Lhasa Apso is less likely to engage in destructive behaviors. However, it’s important to not leave your dog crated for long periods of time and to give them plenty of exercise and attention when you are home.
10. How long will it take to see results from training my Lhasa Apso to stop chewing and digging?
It’s important to be patient and consistent with training, as results can take weeks or even months to see. Every dog is different and may respond differently to training techniques, so it’s important to find what works best for your individual dog.
References
- How & Why Your Dog Digs—Plus How to Get Them to Stop
- How to Stop Your Dog from Digging and Chewing
- How To Stop A Dog From Digging Up Your Yard
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.
