How to Train a Lhasa-Shih Puppy

Lhasa apsos and shih tzus are both ancient breeds from Tibet. The shih tzu is usually smaller, around 10 lbs., while the Lhasa is 12 to 18 lbs. Both are lively, affectionate dogs. The Lhasa tends to be more reserved with strangers, but both can be prone to aggressive barking and snapping at other dogs or people if not properly trained. This behavior is often referred to as "small dog syndrome." Perhaps the biggest mistake that owners of small dogs make is to assume that small dogs don't need training. Nothing can be further from the truth. Few people welcome a dog of any size that jumps constantly, nips, bites or barks. Be consistent, firm and gentle, from the first day you bring the pup home.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Collar
  • Training treats
  • Crate
  • Nail clippers
  • Brush
  • Styptic pen
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Instructions

    • 1

      Crate train your puppy for the best potty manners and general house manners. The crate is used as you would use a playpen for a baby; put the puppy in the crate when you can't supervise closely. Don't leave your pup in the crate for long periods of time. It will invariably be unable to wait and will have accidents in the crate. Long periods spent in the crate also cause the pup to be hyper, wild, lonely and territorial with strangers.

    • 2

      Enroll your puppy in puppy kindergarten classes as soon as it is old enough, and continue on to regular obedience classes. A small dog can accidentally inflict pain and injury by jumping and nipping playfully on very small children, the elderly and the infirm.

    • 3

      Provide lots of positive exposure to different people and animals starting when you first get your puppy. Lhasas, particularly, can become very aggressive to strangers and other animals if they are not well socialized. It may seem cute when the 3-month-old pup starts barking at strangers, but it gets very difficult and awkward when the dog is 8 years old and even more aggressive.

    • 4
      Don't let the coat get out of control or you'll have a fight on your hands.

      Accustom your pup to regular grooming, including nail trimming, from the first week it arrives in your home. Both the Lhasa and the shih tzu have long coats that grow continuously. The puppy coat is easier to care for than the adult coat, but if you wait until the pup is grown to start grooming, it is likely to bite and squirm when being brushed, getting a hair cut or having the nails trimmed. Trim just the tips of the nails every week, so the pup is used to the procedure and there is less chance you will cut too short and make the nail bleed.

    • 5

      Take your puppy to the veterinarian and the groomer for fun visits. The pup is just lifted onto the table, petted, given treats and then sent on its way. This acclimates the pup to these professionals, so future visits are stress free.