Handling a Dominant Lhasa Apso

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Lhasa Apso

Challenge: Handling a Dominent Lhasa Apso

Any time I scold my female Boxer, my male Lhasa Apso comes from anywhere in the house to growl at me. They get along fine, but these dogs are not close friends. They don't sleep together, play together, etc., so I don't think he is trying to protect her. We've had many previous dominance issues with the Lhasa. Any thoughts?

~~ Barbara

Expert Reply

Hi Barbara,

Lhasa are hands down one of my favorite breeds, but they can be a handful. It sounds as though you have yet another dominance issue on your hands. Although your Lhasa Apso may not seem especially fond of your Boxer, he certainly views the two of you as part of his pack, a pack that he believes he's the leader of. His response to your scolding of your other dog is that of an Alpha male settling a dispute between two lower pack members. He's intolerant of what he views as aggressive behavior on your part, even though you're merely scolding your Boxer.

I suggest that you behave a bit more firmly with your Lhasa when he challenges your authority in this manner. Give a firm "No" so he understands you're not pleased, and then give him a time out, either in his crate or in the bathroom where you can close the door. Keep him confined for about 15 minutes or until he settles down. This teaches him that you are in charge. After a couple lessons like this, you should see an improvement in his behavior.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you find this suggestion useful.

~~ Kelly

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Comments

Hi Mary,

Yes, dominant positions can change, and dogs will test to see if they can move up in the pack. That said, has your Lhasa been through obedience class yet? If not, I highly recommend it. This will strengthen your own position as your Lhasa's leader, and this will help you lessen her aggression toward your Wheaten. The Lhasa will definitely respond to you better when you assert your postion to stop her from going after your other dog.

Thanks for your question, and I hope the situation improves.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My Lhasa recently turned 2 and for the past 6 months fights my 8 year old Wheaton terrier over food. We've taken to feeding the Lhasa in her crate which works, but Lhasa has also started being similarily territorially agressive to the wheaton for seat positions around the house. We still treat the Wheaton as dominant, she gets fed first and Lhasa is submissive to watch the wheaton lick plates which only the wheaton gets. I'm thinking the Lhasa sees that the Wheaton has aged, is slower and weaker. Does dominance change? What should I look for? Recommendations please.

-- Contributed by: Mary

Hi Lon,

It sounds like your Lhasa has decided she is above you in the pack order. I've had a lot of experience with this breed, and although I absolutely love these dogs, they will take control of the house if you allow it.

You have to re-establish yourself as your dog's pack leader. Take her out on leash for long walks. You have the lead, so you are in control, not her. In the house, make sure you are the person who feeds her. Do not allow her to have the dish until she sits down patiently to wait for you to serve her. This way, she learns that food comes from you, and this will also help her learn you are her pack leader. It's also never too late for obedience training, so think about enrolling.

As for bedtime, if your dog behaves territorially, don't allow her to sleep in the bed with you. You can provide her with a dog bed on the floor to sleep in.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I hope these suggestions prove helpful. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly
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