Whilst I was looking for a post on bloat I came across this post we made on another blog and thought it could prove useful.
After all according to 'sods law' a dog with a beautiful - and long - coat is far more likely to go in for mucky habits! So your Lhasa Apso may be an offender, I know Spaniels often are... and our Ridgebacks aren't.
The updated post follows within quotes... "The first thing to know is that it is a completely natural thing for him/her to do, rolling in muck I mean! What they are doing is masking their own scent so that they are better able to hunt undetected! It is a throw back to their wolf days.
Next... you don't want them to do it!?!
If your Lhasa Apso is a 'regular offender' your best option is to try to break them of the habit by stopping it happening. So keep them on a lead when out walking so that they cannot access any muck.
Keep treats in your pocket and if you see any muck in your path keep a careful hold of the lead [take care not to tense up], and offer a treat to distract them. When they begin to ignore the muck and pay attention to you instead, then you are beginning to make progress.
When they are next let off the lead, call them back to you regularly, talk to them in a soft voice, play with them, and give them treats when they obey your commands. You need to be the centre of their attention, they need to want to come back to you because it is fun!
The recall is one of the most important things they can learn... both for keeping them away from muck, and for any other problems, and for the sake of safety.
If this is a new vice for them, then when you see them 'about to' commit the crime - say ah-ah in a loud and extremely harsh voice. Hopefully, this will distract them. Then recall them to you and give them a treat for returning. You will need to be alert to what they are doing at all times.
It is far easier to stop a bad habit from forming than to correct it once it has formed!"
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