Thursday 30 April 2009

Lhasa Apso Training, learn to read doggy body language

If you want to train your new pet well... first you must train yourself!

Learn all you can about dog training from as many different sources as possible [see our right-hand margin for good and recommended training methods, also check our many posts on the subject].

But have you thought of learning about the body language of dogs as well?

Twitter is a good source for finding many like-minded animal lovers who can help, inspire, amuse, and inform you. Click the link to my DoggySecrets page on Twitter... check out my 'Favourites'.

You could then search for and join the 'dogtweeter' then look for a post made by dogtweeter at '12:38 PM Apr 25th' the link is to... http://bit.ly/1rlxSR and is a fantastic summary of learning dog body language.

Wednesday 29 April 2009

Lhasa Apso puppies

I have made several posts on how best to choose your puppy... see the puppy with the mother and siblings, and, if possible, see the father too!

But, maybe you're not sure if a Lhasa Apso is the right choice for your particular circumstances. On the plus side they are a long-lived and fairly robust breed. But, on the minus side... they DO require a great deal of time for their upkeep. They need quite a lot of exercise - just because they are a small breed does not mean they don't need plenty of exercise, both on and off the leash! Also they need regular daily grooming to keep their coats in top condition.

So many people assume that small dogs don't need as much exercise as large ones - but there are plenty of large breeds who need less exercise than is assumed, greyhounds for one! Ridgebacks too can give you very old-fashioned looks if you want to take them out for more walks than they think they should have!

Remember dogs are pack animals. They like and need the rest of the pack [that's you] around them for company. If you are out all day and would have to leave your dog alone for long hours, either you will need to employ a dog walker, a dog sitter, or even consider if it would be kinder not to have a dog until your circumstances change.

Maybe a cat would be best for you. Cats are independent animals who love their homes and home comforts, but are quite happy to be home alone! They will accept attention and fuss, but on their own terms - and when they want it.

Saturday 25 April 2009

Lhasa Apso Seizure

My main post on seizures was on Thursday, 16th April, 2009... but I wanted to offer a little more information and reassurance to anyone who has been confronted by this problem for the very first time!

The advice within the first post stands... knowledge is power! If you know what to do when confronted with a problem then you will deal with it in a far superior way, feel confident dealing with it, and be able to help your pet so much more!

Click Here for the brilliant pet health care book by the same team as 'Secrets to Dog Training'... you'll also find links in our right-hand margin.

What I wanted to add here was something about what to expect - and what to do when a seizure [fit] occurs...

1) What to expect... Your pet will go rigid [lying down] and exhibit fast jerky movements, their whole body will convulse in rapid involuntary jerks, and they will also most probably foam at the mouth and loose control of their bladders. This phase can last anything from a few seconds to a few minutes [it will seem much longer than it is] then they will begin to come out of the first phase.

Afterwards they will be totally disorientated, they may not know you, or their surroundings. They will then most probably be ravenously hungry - the seizure/fit will take a great deal out of your pet. Personally, if they are hungry I would feed them... but do ask the advice of your vet.

2) What to do... Firstly, if at all possible do not touch your pet as they might hurt you by mistake. At this point they do not know what they are doing and do not know you. Try to make sure your pet is in a safe place and not likely to bump themselves. If possible put some big old towels around the area. These will help with moping up and also be soft for your pet to bump against. If they are in a raised area when the seizure occurs you will have to do what you can, without compromising your own safety, to stop them falling off - alternatively make a thick soft landing area.

After the first phase is over, follow the advice above - they will most probably be wobbly on their legs, appear lost, and be hungry... this phase can take anything from a few minutes to a few hours depending upon the severity of the first phase. Keep an eye on them during this phase and basically take your cues from them!

Contact your vet, preferably will full details of the symptoms and the duration times of the phases of the seizure/fit. Once the correct dosage of tablets has been sorted out by your vet your pet will, in all probability, lead a normal life.

As I think I mentioned in a previous post our dog [and our daughter's cat] both lead normal lives and haven't had fits since their tablets were an established routine at the correct dose.

Surprisingly, to me, the fits our dog used to have mostly occurred first thing in the morning... after a restful and relaxing night of comfortable sleep.

Friday 24 April 2009

Lhasa Apso worming

Worming should be done every three months.

It is so easy to forget! And if you do forget, your Lhasa Apso can go 'downhill' very quickly... coat condition can suffer, losing weight is another sign, as is being excessively hungry and gobbling food faster than is normal for your individual dog.

Worming tablets are NOT all of an equal quality, your vet will supply the Drontal make of tablet, most pet shops and supermarkets cannot, and do not, stock this brand. But buying from your vet will be expensive!

Our chosen online pet retailer will supply Drontal for worming your Lhasa Apso.

You will find that you can save money buying there... also they have loads of other pet supplies for you to browse... they supply Worldwide but are based in the UK... do check them out.

Whichever way you decide to go - don't forget to worm your pet on a regular basis!

Thursday 23 April 2009

Potty Training Lhasa Apso

Why do I recommend Secrets to Dog Training?

Because it is just SO good, it covers Potty Training as well as all, and any, other training issues you could possibly think of!

But, more than that... they really care about training and dogs and 'go the extra mile' to help.

Check out the information which is contained within their free emails... copy below...

"Are you interested in Dog Whispering training techniques? Great
news, they are all covered in detail here:
http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/whisper/

Secrets To Dog Training Newsletter Series:

Hi J

Welcome to our weekly newsletter series.

This week we hear from Jean in Kansas who tells us about her three
Papillons...

"The photo of our three Papillons was taken on July 4, 2005. They
are from left to right Niki, Josie and center, front is Missey..."

We also hear from William and Barbie who wanted some advice on
teaching their dog to bark...

"We have your online book(s).....but cannot find anything on how to
START your dog barking......only how to stop "

To read William and Barbie's consultation, and the rest of Jean's
letter, please click on the following link:

http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/newsletters/news7160.php

We have recently updated our Dog Breeds section and have added a
number of breeds, as well as MORE consultations regarding those
particular breeds. To check it out, please click on the following
link:

http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/dogbreeds/index.php

Please feel free to forward this email on to any of your friends
who may be interested in receiving powerful information about how
to correct their dog's behavior! Even better, they can sign up for
to receive the newsletters themselves at
www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/

I hope you enjoy this newsletter and until next time best of luck
with training your dog!

Kind regards,

Daniel Stevens
Kingdom of Pets: Secrets To Dog Training"


Visit Secrets to Dog Training to check out just one of their brilliant products.

I expect you will have read some of my other posts on health issues... theirs is the health book I recommend! Click Here to check it out!

Tuesday 21 April 2009

Lhasa Apso dogs and Arthritis

Arthritis in dogs...

What are the normal and conventional approaches to arthritis?

Normal procedure is the use of Metacam [I think that's how you spell it] a painkiller from your vet... alternatively your vet will suggest an injection to ease the pain. After the first injection it is supposed to be a regular routine every six months or so.

The above paragraph represents what was done for our dog some years ago. I do not know if that is current practice as our dog only got as far as having the first injection. He no longer needs Metacam either!

What have we done for him?

We bought a Magnopulse collar. Since that time he has had no other treatment, and the condition has not got any worse... in fact he as well as can be expected, taking into account the ill-treatment he had suffered before we had him, plus the operations on his legs we had to have done for him to help 'right the wrongs'. He can walk for miles now, and rarely shows any signs of stiffness.

He doesn't know the collar is supposed to do him good!

Please note: I am NOT getting any affiliate income from recommending this product... I am just trying to make life more comfortable for all the poor dogs [and cats] who suffer from this debilitating disease.

The website to visit is... Magnopulse and the email address is mailbox@magnopulse.com
One of their products is available on prescription on the NHS in the UK for people with leg ulcers... this, to me, seems to prove something!
Their products have both a UK and US patent.
Personally, I would avoid cheap imitations.

Monday 20 April 2009

Lhasa Apso potty training - vital update

REMEMBER as soon as you get your new pet, whether a Lhasa Apso puppy, a grown dog, or a rescue... register with your chosen vet THEN immediately get them to check if your pet has a microchip.

If your pet is a Lhasa Apso puppy [or any other kind of puppy, for that matter] arrange for your vet to microchip them AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.... if not sooner!

There is an increasing problem with 'dog napping' here in the UK and if you are to get your pet back, whether stolen or just lost... if he or she is microchipped then you stand a far better chance of recovering them safely and quickly.

['animalfinders' on Twitter has found that 90% of dogs reported to them as lost, so far, aren't microchipped!]

Sunday 19 April 2009

LHASA APSO Potty Training... what is in the January Archives?

A LIST... Of what can be found in our January Archives together with a short synopsis of each individual post.

Follows below...

(You will be able to see immediately what tips and information is available there... and whilst I am doing this check of the Archives I shall also delete anything which is now 'out of date'.
I hope, thus, to make it easier for all readers to find what they are looking for within this blog... updates for the following months will also be available in time!)

First let me give you some navigation information!

.....click on January Archives [you'll find the link to it in our right-hand margin]

.....scroll down to the bottom of the resultant page

.....you will then come to the very beginning of our blog - 12 January, 2009

.....this is where I am beginning my 'write-up' from!

So it all started on 12th January with our 'statement of intent'! That is what we hope to cover within the blog. You will also find our Privacy Policy here.

Then we have a general introduction to Lhasa Apso Potty Training and advice on a couple of vital early mistakes to avoid.

Next we have a freebie you can read... do check it out!

An amusing tale... how long can a dog 'hold on' if it really, really, wants to?

UK only... Cashback savings... more firms are added almost daily, there are plenty of 'doggy suppliers' within the list.

13 January. Males & Females - differences in behaviour - and a story.

16 January. Potty training the easy way.

........... Lhasa Apso Potty Training Consistency & Variety - when and why BOTH are needed.

........... Lhasa Apso Puppy Potty Training - training should be FUN for both you and your puppy.

17 January. Why can training be a problem? Advice on finding a suitable trainer.

18 January. Reasons why a mature or rescue dog may need housetraining, and how to deal with the problem.

........... Simple training tips. Mention of recommended trainers and resources. Very useful post with, most probably, a VERY poor title!

19 January. Choosing the right dog or puppy. Lots of helpful information here.

20 January. How to choose a dog trainer or training method - don't miss this useful advice if you are still searching for either. Also a short post on the '44th President'!

........... Info on Pooper Scooper Companies.

........... Tips for 'high energy' dogs.

........... Dog Training Secrets from TV programmes.

21 January. Quick Tip about 'life-span'.

22 January. Who is MY favourite dog trainer? Lots of information here! [Tellington Touch mentioned]

24 January. The 3 simple steps to catapult your dog training success... Positive Training Method, Knowledge, and Time & Timing.

........... The two perceived downsides to a Lhasa Apso... but are they really 'downsides'?

25 January. Establishing Good Habits.

26 January. Cancer Charity link UK.

........... Are your Doggy Photos worth a fortune? Find out possible ways to use your photos.

........... Money Saving Tip - how to make a temporary dog bed for your pup to use until it is fully grown and/or potty trained.

........... Celebrations, Chocolate & Theft. Why you must store chocolate in a 'safe from dogs' place!

27 January. Gastric Torsion or Bloat. You MUST know this information as a responsible and loving dog owner... check this post NOW!

30 January. Lhasa Apso Dog Bed. A good place to find a bargain bed for your pet.

Saturday 18 April 2009

Did you see the following in my Twitter updates?

Did you notice the following within my Twitter updates in the right-hand margin?

"Just registered with Twellow. What a great way to find people! - http://twellow.com/u/doggysecrets "

If you are looking for 'doggy information' then you'll find lots of useful resources. There are helpful vets, people setting up services for finding lost or stolen pets in all sorts of areas, amusing tales and pictures, and so much more!

Give it a try, after all why not?

Thursday 16 April 2009

Naming your Lhasa Apso puppy

I've heard many comments about the new White House puppy, and the name of 'Bo'... with people saying that the name is too like 'no'!

I agree totally with Victoria Stillwell, where on page 75 of her "It's Me or the Dog" book she says that 'NO' is one of the least effective vocal corrections. Puppies hear 'no' so often, she claims, that they must think it is their name.

I DO know that the last dog we had from a pup completely ignored the word 'no', though in all other respects he was amazingly knowing and obedient.

'Ah - Ah' said in a harsh type of voice is far more effective in getting a dogs attention, and at stopping them from doing something they should not be doing.

So call your dog 'Bo' if you want, just like the Obamas, after all it is a nice short name... I know a Spaniel with that name and she is lovely!

And if you are looking for more sensible advice on all things doggy and like the sound of the "It's Me or the Dog" book, just click the Amazon link in our right-hand margin!

For further help on finding names and naming your Lhasa Apso puppy try the following link... Puppy Names

Lhasa Apso and seizures, fits, and epilepsy

The first time you see a much loved pet having an epileptic fit can be a scary and heart breaking experience especially as it will most probably come 'out of the blue' and you will wonder what to do and how best to help.

If you read up on potential problems you will feel so much more confident when faced with a 'real life' trauma, you will be in a position to help your pet immediately in the correct way... whether that is to deal with the problem yourself, or get your pet to the vets as soon as possible. This is where having a health book comes in so handy... Click Here for the Doggy Health Problems book [& First Aid freebie]... from the 'Secrets to Dog Training' team.

The cause of the fits will dictate the treatment, so contacting your vet for an appointment as soon as the fit is over will be necessary. They will in all probability prescribe some tablets - dosages will have to be checked carefully - and things should, in the majority of cases, be perfectly OK.

We have experienced two pets [one cat, one dog] who have lived a normal life for many years, just taking a minimum dose of the prescribed tablets. [Do check the links below for more information on seizures and their effect on innoculation frequency.] It is best to hide any tablets your pet is prescribed in some sort of treat to make it easy to give the tablets... obviously dogs are easier to fool than cats!

We did, however, take on a dog who was on a high dose of tablets from a previous vets - and had suffered severe stress - but who still kept on getting fits at a frightening frequency... our vets found that he had a brain tumour and was only getting worse. Sadly, he had to be euthanased. Luckily, in most cases, the cause is much less serious, and, as I said previously your pet will be able to lead a normal, and long, life with tablets to stabilize them.

Canine Guardian Angels.

Family Pet Services

Tuesday 14 April 2009

Lhasa Apso Potty Training

Our blog has been going since January... I hope you are finding it helpful, and please do let me know if there is anything you would like to see covered here.

Most of the articles on potty training itself will be found within the January Archives of this blog, so what I am going to do within the next blog post I make is to review all the posts I made in January.

I shall list them, make a quick summary of what you can find within the posts, and I shall then delete any articles which are out-of-date or no longer relevant.

I hope this will make it easier for you to access that which will be most helpful for your particular problem.

[After I have done this review for the January blog posts, I shall continue and do the same for the following months!]

Monday 13 April 2009

Lhasa Apso health and innoculations information ... UPDATE

This is an update to my post of Monday, 30th March about innoculations... One of the recommended websites drew attention to the problem Leptospirosis in that it required more frequent updating of injections.

Please read the extremely informative article which follows... just Click Here!

Rats seem to be a big problem, as is the fact that if your dog likes to swim, the water may contain the infection... rats again! Rats often polute water sources and are a big, and growing, problem. Anyway DO check out the link above.

Ridgeback owners are normally lucky... RR's don't normally like to go into the water!

Did anyone ask WHY? Because they come originally from Africa... and 'nasties' live in the water there and might eat them - crocodiles I mean! 'They' say 'Elephants never forget' neither do dogs!

{If your dog suffers from seizures [fits] please use the following link to read about the difference in frequency for innoculations which the website claims should apply Canine Guardian Angels. Please check with your vet! See post dated April 16th for seizure information.)

Sunday 12 April 2009

Lost dogs [USA]

Please check out my Twitter post [in right-hand margin] for April 12th. Join, if you can, to help find any lost pets.

Lhasa Apso pet health supplies

A quick post for a wet day!

When your pet is older and they need supplies for various 'health' problems, for example chews to aid in tooth cleaning, worming tablets, and so much more, just check out this cost saving way of buying your supplies!

Click here, then choose the 'Dog Healthcare' section on the Home Page... Online pet retailer with more than 4,000 products

Sunday 5 April 2009

Lhasa Apso puppy supplies and necessities

Way back in darkest January when this blog first began I did a post on Money Saving Tips! Seriously though, it was about saving money on a bed for your new pup.

But, as a new pet owner you will want to know what other supplies and necessities you should get in for when your new puppy arrives.

If you go about the choice of a pup properly, you will meet the bitch with her litter [maybe seeing the dog too, if possible] at the home of your breeder. When choosing your pup, preferably choose one who is somewhere in the middle of the 'pecking order' - it should be easier to train. Your dog breeder should tell you about the feeding regime your pup is on, and you can get the correct food in ready for the arrival of your pup.

[If you have met your pup at least once before you go to collect him/her do try to choose a name for him or her, so that you can use it immediately and the pup can get used to it.]

Lhasa Apso puppy Supplies and Necessities

Add a dogs soft toy into your pups bed for company. If your pup should have an accident, the bedding and toy can be washed and a new box supplied. Use bigger boxes as your pup grows. See that he or she has a warm draught-free place for their bed... you may decide to have the pups bed in your bedroom, either at the side or bottom of your bed for the first few nights. Remember your new pet will really miss the company and warmth of their siblings and mother.

What you will need to have ready, as I've mentioned before, will be a supply of the food which your breeder recommends and has been using to feed the pup so far. Even if you intend to change to a different food in the future it is best not to change too quickly - introduce the new food slowly.

You will need bowls for food and water. I prefer the old fashioned breakable china/earthenware type of bowl... they are supposed to be best for a number of reasons, hygiene being one! They are also good and weighty, so won't be knocked over too easily.

You'll need a collar and lead to try and start training your new pet within the house and/or garden.

Do some research on which type of collar is best for your particular breed of dog - your breeder may offer some help. I personally don't like choke collars and a heavy leather one will be too much for a young pup.

Puppies and dogs are normally graded into about 3 to 4 general sizes, a Lhasa Apso being called a small dog, and the collars themselves will be adjustable. Choose a small and light collar as a first collar, they probably won't like to wear it at first and may damage it trying to get it off... you can get a more permanent collar later. One good thing, Lhasas aren't, in general, 'collar slippers'!

Some dogs are incredibly good at slipping their collars, having wide strong necks and heads which are proportionately smaller, making it easy for them to slip a conventional collar [RR'S are very good at this]. In this instance a lightweight nylon or cotton type collar with a chain insert is a good compromise.

A 'child gate' is also a useful addition for keeping your pet in a certain area, or alternatively out of certain areas!

A good supply of old newspapers and towels will also come in handy as will top quality kitchen roll.

Above and beyond this list have a look around an online pet retailer to get an idea of what you may need, and to get an idea of prices and availability. We can recommend an ideal supplier in the right-hand margin of this blog.

What I also recommend is a good general training book and a health care book. Preferably purchased, and studied, before you get your new pup - better safe than sorry! [See previous posts and/or the right-hand margin for our best recommendations.]

Thursday 2 April 2009

Secrets to Dog Training for your new Lhasa Apso puppy

Knowing what to expect before you get a new pet is the best way to start a relationship.

With the help of Secrets to Dog Training - the No. 1 dog training and behaviour website for 4 years now - I won't claim that your first year of puppy owning will go perfectly, but you will be able to find solutions to any issues which may occur, as well as prevent many other problems before they even occur.

And if you add their brilliant Health Book to your 'doggy library' then you will be set up to deal with any and all of the problems which puppy ownership can throw at you!

Do check out the website links above to see what other people say about them and also prepare to be very impressed by the amount of free after care you will receive... and don't forget to sign up for the newsletter too, all SO helpful.

If you have been following my Twitter updates, you'll maybe have picked up on the fact that there is a thriving 'doggy' community there.

I recommend you follow 'PetAgree'... if you do you'll be offered a FREE recipe book for homemade doggy treats. There are 140 recipes including one for Lhasa Apso Lamb! Check it out.

Wednesday 1 April 2009

Lhasa Apso... Money Saving Tips.

Just a short and quick post. Have a look at, and sign up for... the Money Saving Tips email. Just click the link!

There is one extremely useful article on saving on the cost of keeping a pet... click here for a Direct Link to the Article.

Lhasa Apso and vets bills... vital health information

Some say 'a little knowledge is a dangerous thing' others prefer to say that 'forewarned is forearmed' - both can be true! Having a knowledge of what symptoms to look out for in the case of bloat is a good example of the latter - being forewarned can save your pets life in this instance.

If you want to save money on vets bills, and who doesn't, yet have all the knowledge and confidence to look after your pet and his/her health in a first class manner do check out the link I am about to give you.

This ebook also covers failsafe innoculation information within its pages, and at the moment there are some really good freebies which come with the book, including one on healthy dog food recipes and one on 'first aid' for your pet.

The following link will take you to a Doggy Health Problems book from the 'Secrets to Dog Training' team... whose books, information, and emails can be an invaluable aid to all training.

Another thing which I have recommended before within this blog is to take a pet first aid course - sometimes you can take them at a local vets, not expensive, or try your local college, PDSA, or library for information - well worth doing to increase both your general knowledge and your confidence in dealing with the inevitable problems which you will face as a pet owner.