Lhasa Apsos breed - is this breed ok to leave in the house while away at work?

Question

I have done some research on the web and with our lifestyle (we work full time) we are conisdering this breed of dog as it appears not to suffer from separation anxeity as compared to other small dog breeds (e.g. Shih Tzu, Maltese etc..) Anyone own one and can vouch for this?

Answer 1

Any dog of any breed can have seperation anxiety. It's true that the Lhasas that I know don't suffer from it, but it would be stretching it to say that as a breed they don't get it.

Really, what matters the most is the way you treat the dog and train it from the moment it's brought home. If you make leaving a big deal ("Oh, baby, mommy will be back soon, I know you'll miss me, I will miss you, poor baby has to be alone!"), then the dog will think it's a big deal. If you make it quick and fast, the dog is less likely to have a negative reaction. In addition, dogs quickly learn your routines, so if you get them used to your leaving routine without always leaving - i.e. put your shoes and socks on, put on your coat, grab your keys, but don't leave - seeing that routine will not panic them. You also can condition them that waiting quietly while you are gone brings you back, while whining and crying does not. You do this by leaving them for a second, and returning immediately when they are still quiet. Slowly increase the time you leave them, never returning if they are making any noise, and giving them lots of love and treats if they stay quiet.

Also, consider crating the dog when you are not there. This prevents it from getting into things you don't want it to (anything from harmless chewing on the furniture to getting into deadly cleaners under the cabinets) and keeps both the dog and the house safe while you are gone. Make the crate a positive area for the dog by giving him a treat every time he goes in, leaving him with fun toys like a stuffed kong, and conditioning him to being in the crate alone (similar to conditioning him to waiting quietly for you above).

Good luck!

Answer 2

ALL dogs are animals with a strong pack instinct. ALL dogs will suffer mentally from being left isolated all day long. Keeping a dog is more than simply letting it have enough excersize. Over the years I have owned and fostered and rescued many of the breeds you mention. I would say that 95% of the dogs which get phoned in by working people get dumped because they howl, cry,bark, trash the house,cannot be housetrained etc.
Do dogdom a huge favour and don't get any kind of dog until you are in a position to spend more time with it. All dog rescues would refuse to rehome a dog to full time workers. Not because we are mean, but we have experience of the problems it causes.
Why not do some voluntary work for a rescue or ask to foster a dog to see if it would work out? If you don't have time to do either of these, then you don't have time to own a dog.

Answer 3

Separation anxiety, destructiveness, and other loneliness traits are not breed inherited so much as an individual trait of some dogs. They can be any breed and any size. To break separation anxiety is very difficult and requires a great deal of effort. It might be better to ask yourselves the searing question of whether it's fair to leave a dog (man's best friend) alone all day for your own pleasure later- slightly selfish?
Beyond DAve

Answer 4

I don't think any dog should be owned by someone who works full time. I get really bored and if I didn't have a cage to sleep in whilst they are asleep or away, I'd eat the house. I've had the BT cable already. Dogs are pets as company. If you have someone to call in half way thru' the day to walk your dog, that's not so bad, but all day alone, that's a big ask of anyone's bladder.

Answer 5

Any breed is ok to leave in the house, it depends on the dog and its age and socialization. Id recommend crate training because small dogs do very well with it. Any dog under 2 years old is going to chew on things and get into stuff when you are gone.

Answer 6

My grandma has a lhasa apso . When she and my grandpa go to the store or just leave the house, then she leaves the TV on. They like the noise. My grandma also has 3 Shi tsus . If it is just one dog then make sure you have some toys availible or mabey take it to a doggy daycare .

Answer 7

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Answer 8

There are a bunch of things you should know about dog training but we are going to discuss what I feel are some the most important. Keep in mind that these are only some of the things you should know. Go here http://OnlineDogTraining.enle.info/?5cKc

1. Repetition is the number 1 principle of dog training. Dogs just like humans learn by doing things over and over in order to get better.

2. Dog Training can and should be fun for both you and your new pet.

3. Training sessions should always be short but sweet. I never work a dog more than 15 minutes in a session to keep from losing the dog's attention. You should train you dog at least once a day but never more than three formal sessions a day.

4. Your goal should be that each training session is just a little bit better than the last one. You need to always strive to make the training better, slowly. I mention this because quite often I see people who do daily training sessions but the dog never gets better and it is not the dogs fault.

5. Having patients is very important in dog training. Losing your temper does not work with a canine it simply makes things worse.

6. Exercise is very important in the training process to get rid of all the dogs nervous energy.

7. Taking your pet for walks is very important because it develops serotonin which gives your dog a feeling of well being.

8. Always be sure to give your dog a bunch of praise in your training. It is your dog's paycheck for doing a great job.

9. Never hit your dog. I have heard people say I never hit my dog instead I roll up a magazine and swat it. It's the same thing... hitting is hitting.

10. After each training session be sure to do something that your dog will enjoy. Take it for a walk, throw the ball or maybe even rub its belly. Just do something that makes the dog look forward to the next training session.

These are things that I teach my dog training students as well as my dog training clients. I hope these things will give you something to think about when training your dog. Spend some time training your dog daily and you will both reap the benefits.

Answer 9

Doesn't matter the breed. Any dog can have separation anxiety

Puppies should always be crated. But once trained any dog should be able top be left alone.

Answer 10

No dog receiving adequate exercise suffers from separation anxiety.

ALL dogs not getting enough exercise will be destructive in your house.

Contact a trainer or behaviorist in your area for detailed instructions on how to train a dog to be left loose and unattended. Dogs don't come knowing that!!!