13 Most Common Lhasa Apso Behavior Problems

This post will address some common Lhasa Apso behavior problems you should know, so keep reading.

Lhasa Apsos are good family watchdogs, but may be too independent for some people.

Lhasas are known for their independent streak and for being suspicious of strangers.

This means that they are not as dependent on people as other breeds. They are very good watchdogs, however, they may be too independent for some people.

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Lhasa Apso behavior problems

Some of the most common Lhasa Apso behavior problems can include barking, chewing, digging, and separation anxiety.

Note: All these behavior concerns are not applied to one single Lhasa Apso, you can actually see two lhasa apso with different behavior concerns.

This is why you have a long list of behavior concerns, however, most of these issues can be resolved or avoided by:

Early socialization
Early training

Obedience training
Crate training
Providing lots of mental stimulation activities.

Providing regular exercise.

Here are most of the Lhasa Apso behavior problems:

Chewing

One of the most common Lhasa Apso behavior problems is chewing.

Lhasas like to chew on things, including furniture, shoes, and other household items.

Chewing can be destructive, but it is also a way for the Lhasa to relieve boredom or stress.

These dogs just love to chew on things, and if you’re not careful, they can quickly destroy your belongings.

The best way to deal with this problem is to provide your Lhasa Apso with plenty of chew toys and bones. This will help to keep them occupied and away from your things.

You should also try to keep your Lhasa Apso’s environment clean and clutter-free.

This will reduce the temptation to chew on things that are not meant to be chewed on.

Barking

Lhasa Apsos are notorious barkers. They tend to bark at just about anything, which can be very frustrating for their owners.

The best way to deal with this problem is to provide your Lhasa Apso with plenty of opportunities to exercise.

This includes taking them for walks, playing with them in the yard, and even letting them bark inside the house when appropriate.

You should also try to ignore your Lhasa Apso’s barking unnecessarily. This means not reacting to it in any way, including making eye contact or speaking to them.

Eventually, they’ll get the message that their barking is not getting them anything and will stop.

Separation Anxiety

Many Lhasa Apsos suffer from separation anxiety. This means that they become anxious and stressed when their owners leave them alone.

The best way to deal with this problem is to make sure that your Lhasa Apso has plenty of opportunities to be with you.

This includes taking them for walks, car rides, and even to the groomer or vet.

You should also try to create a safe and comfortable environment for your Lhasa Apso when you’re not home.

This means providing them with a cozy bed, some toys, and access to food and water.

Fearfulness

Lhasa Apsos can be quite fearful, especially of new people and situations.

This can make them difficult to take out in public or even to have around new people.

The best way to deal with this problem is to socialize your Lhasa Apso from a young age.

This means exposing them to new people, places, and things on a regular basis.

You should also try to avoid punishing your Lhasa Apso for being afraid. This will only make the problem worse.

Instead, try to provide them with reassurance and encouragement when they’re feeling scared.

Excitability

Lhasa Apsos can be very excitable, especially when they’re around their favorite people.

This can lead to them jumping up, barking, and being generally disruptive.

The best way to deal with this problem is to provide your Lhasa Apso with plenty of opportunities to burn off their energy.

This includes taking them for walks, runs, and even to the dog park.

You should also try to avoid encouraging their excitability.

This means not rewarding them with attention or treats when they’re being too rowdy.

Aggression

Lhasa Apsos can be very aggressive, especially towards other dogs.

This can make them difficult to take out in public or even to have around other pets.

The best way to deal with this problem is to socialize your Lhasa Apso from a young age.

This means exposing them to other dogs on a regular basis.

You should also try to avoid encouraging their aggression.

This means not rewarding them with attention or treats when they’re being too aggressive.

Hitting

Lhasa Apsos can be quite rough, and they sometimes hit their owners when they’re playing. This can be frustrating and even painful.

The best way to deal with this problem is to provide your Lhasa Apso with plenty of opportunities to play.

This includes taking them for walks, playing with them in the yard, and even letting them play inside the house when appropriate.

You should also try to avoid encouraging their hitting. This means not rewarding them with attention or treats when they’re being too rough.

Digging

Lhasa Apsos love to dig, and they can quickly destroy your yard or garden if you’re not careful.

Digging is another common Lhasa Apso behavior problem. Lhasas like to dig holes in the yard or in the house.

Digging can be destructive, but it is also a way for the Lhasa to relieve boredom.

Many Lhasa Apsos love to dig. This is usually a harmless behavior, but it can become a problem if your dog is digging holes in your yard or in your home.

If you’re having trouble with your Lhasa Apso digging, try to provide him with a designated digging area in your yard and supervise him when he’s outside.

Jumping

Lhasa Apsos are known for their love of jumping on people, other pets or things.

This is often a playful behavior, but it can also be a sign of excitement or frustration.

If your Lhasa Apso is jumping on you or on your furniture, provide him with a designated jumping area and teach him the ‘off’ command.

Chasing

Lhasa Apsos love to chase things and this can get them into trouble or hurt them.

This can be a fun game for you and your dog, but it can also be dangerous if your dog is chasing cars or other animals.

If you’re having trouble with your Lhasa Apso chasing, try to provide him with a designated chasing area and teach him the ‘come’ command.

Climbing

Lhasa Apsos are known for their love of climbing which can sometimes get them into trouble.

This is often a playful behavior, but it can also be a sign of excitement or frustration.

If your Lhasa Apso is climbing on you or on your furniture, provide him with a designated climbing area and teach him the ‘off’ command.

Escaping

Lhasa Apsos are known for their escape artist abilities which can lead to lots of problems.

This can be a problem if your dog is escaping from his yard or from your home.

If you’re having trouble with your Lhasa Apso escaping, try to provide him with a designated escape-proof area and teach him the ‘stay’ command.

Resource guarding

Lhasa Apsos are known for their love of guarding their resources.

This can be a problem if your dog is guarding his food or toys from you or from other people.

If you’re having trouble with your Lhasa Apso resource guarding, try to provide him with a designated resource-guarding area and teach him the ‘give’ command.

Ways to stop Lhasa Apso behavior problems

Here are some common tips to resolving Lhasa Apso behavior problems:

Start by understanding why the Lhasa Apso may be exhibiting the behavior you are trying to stop.

Identify the triggers that cause the Lhasa Apso to act out.
Create a plan to address the triggers and prevent the behavior from happening again.
Use positive reinforcement to encourage the Lhasa Apso to behave in a desirable way.

If the behavior continues to occur despite your efforts, consider using punishment to discourage the behavior.
Be patient – it may take some time to see results from your efforts.
Celebrate your successes – it’s important to keep the focus on the positive.