onaemtnest

We've rescued from the shelter a 3 year old Lhasa Apso, 'Charley' he came to us very neglected with major eye infections, ear infections, extremely matted fur and toe nails so long he was walking on the sides of his paws. After multiple visits to the Vet eyes and ears are no longer infected and with his second trip to the groomer this afternoon he'll be even more handsome, I'm sure.

Those of you that have Lhasa Apso dogs as we've never owned this breed before I'd like to hear your experiences. He seems comfortable around strangers, he doesn't bark so to speak in fact he's only barked very few times.

He has one strange quirk, when he has fallen asleep, next to me on the floor, 'sometimes' when one of the cats who live here, is just walking by him he wakes up with a start...and will growl, sometimes bark and chase them, he stops short of actually chasing them far, it seems just to get them away from me. He's never connected and indeed I don't think his intention is to get them, as he easily could have by now. I've verbally shamed him for doing this, which he seems so very sensitive to verbal scolding then four or five days pass and he'll do it once again....it seems reactive and not vicious (does that make sense?).

Oh and the other thing is he doesn't easily come when asked to, unless he thinks he's in for a treat, he's kind of like a cat in that he seems a bit independent in nature.

So any advice or experiences, feeding ~ grooming etc... we'd love to have your input.

Attached a picture of Charlie, he travels well and loves to 'go'...one trip he inadvertently got under the strap of the seat belt ... we'd clicked it so it would set off the tone with his weight on the seat...we thought it was a cute picture.

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bee3

He's adorable! I don't own a lhasa apso but everyone Ive met has been really cute and charming. Many dogs get startled while asleep, i think that sounds very natural what he does. things happen to rescue pets, some of them really horrible and they can't tell us. Sometimes those quirks fade away when they feel completely safe and secure and that no harm will come to them. best wishes for a wonderful life with Charley!

ManiacQuilter2

I have never had this breed but had two Westies in my life time. The male I got as a puppy but Tess I rescued from the pound. It was obvious when I brought her home so had been abused. It took about 3 months when she finally stopped panicking when I entered the bedroom. She never wanted any love or affection (which broke my heart) but if I had any human food in my hands, I was her best friends. Just try to do your best.

lynnie

Charley is beautiful. I can't offer any advice, other tan taking in strays or rescues myself. they need time. thanks for taking this little guy in, he needs you. Just love him and give him time. by the way, my cat comes every time I call her.

tapper

He is so cute! Bless you for taking him in.
Maybe he has some hearing loss. Our rescued dog wouldn't always come when called.
We found out that he had some hearing loss.

Jeanne S

We adopted a 2 year old lab mix many years ago. If something would touch her, waking her from sleep, she had an automatic reaction of defense: a growl and snap as if to bite (which she never did though). Obviously she had been abused or kicked when sleeping. We quickly learned to always wake her with words, never touch. She never had the defensive reaction to being waken with sound, only touch. We loved her for 15 years, and she never 'outgrew' this defensive reaction. Maybe yours will adjust, but you might have to accommodate instead!

Prism99

Some of the Dog Whisperer's advice might be helpful. I have watched quite a few of his shows and it is amazing how quickly he can change dog behaviors simply by understanding what to do. I'm not an expert, but I can pretty much guarantee that the verbal "shaming" after he chases a cat is not going to work -- it will always come too late after the fact, so that the dog will not make the connection between the cat and the shaming. Basically he will feel punished but not understand what it's for. Any correction has to be done in a specific way and immediately (preferably before the behavior even occurs). My guess would be that you need to encourage "bonding" between the dog and the specific cats. There are techniques for doing this (I think clickers work for this kind of training -- on both the cats and the dog!). Actually, your best bet might be to consult a good dog psychologist for advice.

Material Witness

Did you know that seeing eye dogs are given a treat (like cheese) EVERY TIME they do what they're supposed to? Not just in training. I would think that it's a good plan to do that until he is accustomed o coming every time you call. May need to cut down on his meal amounts if training is making him gain weight.

Barb in Louisiana

I have 2 mini Schnauzers. We got both before they were 2 months old. Our little girl has never thought about biting or growling at us unless we hurt her while trying to comb her hair or clean out her ears. She is very tender. She sits near us on her own terms. Sometimes, she demands attention, but most of the time, she is just in the room.

On the other hand....the boy has to be gently woken. He will growl and bite in a heartbeat. I can promise you he has never been abused in any way...spoiled, rotten dogs. They are both very good at ignoring us, very similar to a cat, if they don't think we are offering food.

Almost all the small dogs I know are very cat-like. I love what you are doing with this little dog and know that you will have success. I am like the others, just take your time and let the dog come to you. Treats are the only way ours really pay attention to us. They are very independent.

quiltjoey

I love your adopted Charley! He looks a little sad in the picture but he is beautiful. He may just need time to depend on you and trust you. It is so sad that someone could treat him so badly. I am so happy he has found you to love him and care for him. I believe he will grow to love you. You are wonderful to take him even with his issues. But, hey, we all have issues! LOL!!