Today we are picking up our new Lhasa Apso. He is 2 years old, and we dont have alot of history for him. Hes suppost to be good with kids as young as 2 years old, and likes cats.
My question is how should we introduce him into our home so that he doesnt go all dominant on us? We would like him to know that I'm "Alpha" as soon as he walks in, and i'm wondering if thats possible to do?
We also have a cat, and although the dog grew up with cats I know he will test the waters, because that is his breed after all. What should I do so that they live a equal life without drama?
And final question is about the kids
We have a 7 year old and a 4 year old. From what I have read the 7 year old should have no problems. But the 4 year old will be challenged, and so what do I need to do to teach the dog that the humans are the boss in this house?
Please only experienced Lhasa Apso or other Dominant breed dog owners need apply. I need serious advice.
Thanks:)
2006-09-17 20:10:22 · 4 answers · asked by chicata25 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Lhasas are not wolves, but are pack dogs. I don't agree with the poster above at all on alpha theory. I do agree with taking it easy at first, it will be a big change for him. I don't agree that interspecies dominance confrontations are rare, I see them ALL THE TIME in my classes.
A friend of mine breeds Lhasas and she will be the first to say they can be a bit nasty. I would not leave your kids alone with him, crate him if you can't supervise.
The best thing you can do is to take him to a good beginners class. Do not take him to a 'furbaby' type class (like at Petsmart) where you are bribing him with treats if you want to establish dominance. Basically, you do not want him to be in charge and making the decisions, most Lhasas will step up to the plate if allowed to.
2006-09-18 03:29:00 · answer #1 · answered by whpptwmn 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have had two. First a female she would shy away from kids, but we liked her so much we decided to breed her. We bought the male and they had 4 cute little puppies. She was unable to feed them. She would go into calcium shook. Our vet gave us the bottles and a special formula. We fead them every so many hours Can't remember, Of course mommy and the puppies wanted to be together. A one piece baby undershirt that snapped on the bottom fit her just right. All she needed was a hole for her tail. It worked great and of course the puppies were never hungry.
The male was pretty aggressive. One day when my daughter was over with her 6 month old, We were not watching at the time, she crawled up to the male and he bit her on the forehead pretty bad. She needed several stitches. Of course even though we loved the dog we needed to get rid of him. My granddaughter is a 27 year old, beautiful lady now. I doubt if other people notice her scar, but I do.
After our Lhasa Alpsos' we switched to Yorkies. We have had 3 and they are so sweet and almost to friendly.
Good luck with your Lhasa Apso. I think they might be a little more aggressive then some breeds but, with all of them you need to watch them around the kids real close for awhile. Teaching the kids how to treat the dog is most of the battle. Good luck and enjoy your new dog.
2006-09-17 21:45:39 · answer #2 · answered by Mrs Eddie Bill 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
To be blunt:
Is your dog a wolf? Are you a wolf? Hopefully you answered no to both of these. Alpha theory and all that applies to wild wolves. It has very little practical application to domestic dogs, who, in the vast majority, recognize that you are a different species. Inter-species dominance confrontations are unsual, to say the least.
I would not 'go all alpha' on this dog. He is going to be stressed moving into a new family, especially as a young adult. Decide what the rules are. Enforce them, but don't go all crazy and confrontational. Especially since this fella has an unknown history, keep a few things in mind:
Supervise him with your children at all times. No exceptions. Your kids are new to him and he is new to your kids. Small dogs get reputations for being nasty with kids because kids tend to inadvertendly be too rough with them.
Lhasa's tend to be a bit suspicious of strangers. He may take a while to warm up to you and your situation. Give him time, don't try to force him to be the perfect family dog all at once. He may not be playful, or cuddly right now - respect his need for time to adjust.
Without knowing his particular history, you have no way of knowing what things he likes, dislikes, or is scared of. Introduce him to new people, items, and places very slowly. Be patient and kind, and investigate clicker training and operant conditiong to learn how to make training and bonding easier and faster.
Check out the source below for more information on alpha theory, and why it is considered to be 'bunk'.
2006-09-17 21:34:58 · answer #3 · answered by p_i_turtle_sanders 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you need serious advice you should try a local behaviouralist after all on the internet you can only take somebodies word that they are an expert.
2006-09-17 20:26:31 · answer #4 · answered by doolittle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋