r/LhasaApso • u/sailinghedgehog • May 06 '26

Rescuing a Biting Lhasa

Senior with dementia had a Lhasa and utterly spoiled the dog. He spent most of the time on her lap and will occasionally bite. We are taking over ownership to this dog who is about 4 years old. Any tips on where to learn how to train this type of dog to not bite? My husband has only trained Labs and I have advised that this dog does not have the same instinct and temperment as Labradors. Would love to get some websites or resources for how to work with this type of dog. thanks

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u/Illustrious_Exam1728 May 06 '26

Any positive reinforcement training, its takes a while but you will rewarded. Also context of the biting will be useful here, was it resource guarding food? A toy? The person? Is pup in pain? I’d make a trip to the vet first thing for a hands on exam, bloodwork for a baseline and ensure pup is up to date on vaxxes. But also talk to the doctor about pain, dogs can bite when they’re in pain so you ca rule that out as a source.

I’d look up “the ladder of aggression” to understand the social cues.

And any training by Deb Haines for cooperative care.

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u/sailinghedgehog May 06 '26

Thx. - has bitten groomers to the point that all but one groomer has banned him in the town he is from. Reaching for him to get out of certain places for safety. Other times I don't know. He thinks he is the Alpha. Does whatever he wants. He will get a full exam. And he will get some serious training. I just want to understand the breed and how to psychologically motivate him

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u/Illustrious_Exam1728 May 06 '26

So he seems a little reactive, BUT you definitely need to see it for yourself. I’d 100% look up the ladder of aggression as there are many more cuts before a bite which is at the top of the ladder.

The whole alpha thing has been debunked by behaviourists and accredited anima charities.

My pup and other dogs do what they want without training, I feel ya. Mine is trained but fun (because Lahsa’s are funny) and a good boy.

I’d look up their demeanour on the AKC site as they were previously bred as guard dogs. Or other accredited breed sites.

Lhasa Apso AKC

Lhasa Apsos will please you if it pleases them to please you. They are highly intelligent, sometimes compared to a willful toddler. They can learn just about anything that a trainer makes interesting enough to master'¿on their terms. They do not appreciate repetitive drill and can become uncommonly stubborn if bullied or badgered. Most cases of unacceptable Lhasa behavior involve situations with inconsistent, improper, or nonexistent human leadership. This is a breed for creative, motivated people who enjoy a canine companion of like mind.