I knew something like this was going to happen!

[Lucky Chaos]

My aunt and uncle purchased a lhasa apso puppy from a less than reputable breeder about a month ago. Today I find out that the little thing is "vicious". My aunt almost needed stitches a few times because it bit her. Now, they're going to take him to obedience school, and if that doesn't work put him down. Now, I don't paticularily agree with keeping an aggressive dog, but is it possible for a 3 month old puppy to be vicious?! I suppose it is, but these people arn't exactly the best trainers in the world.

I told them about NILIF training, I can only hope they give it a try or I'm pretty sure the dog's fate is sealed. I'm honestly thinking of taking him myself for a couple weeks if they decide to put it down, and try everything I can do to train and rehome it. Is this a good idea? I haven't even met the dog, so I can't say for sure how "vicious" he is. I'm not a small dog fan myself, but I can't let an innocent dog (if he is, and its not genetic aggression) be killed through the fault of people's stupidity.

[__crazy_canine__]

You sound just like me :lol:

Anyhoo, I say give it a try. It cant hurt to see if this dog has a chance. Most likely since its a small dog, its just a brat... but there is always a possibility its genetic.

Its great that youre trying to help this dog :)

[Canis erectus]

I'm not entirely sure I go for the thought of a 3 mo old being blatantly aggressive. Maybe he was allowed to get away with playing rougher and rougher until his play bites have reached this point? In any case, unless the little guy is completely sick in the head, there shouldn't be any problem with putting him back in his place with some proper basic training.

I would like to add that Lhasa's are quite territorial, and in my opinon should be treated as any large breed dog with a moderate to high territrial instinct.

[xavierandrea]

Oh Lucky please try your best to help your Auntie's dog... :cry: I mean from what I read it doesn't seem that your aunt has done anything to train the dog. Keep use posted OK.

[courtnek]

the dog doesnt know its place. this is not uncommon with small dogs, their "too little to be dangerous"...NILIF is the way to go, if your aunt will listen to you. little does not mean not dangerous, just a less major injury...

:o

[courtnek]

that sounded kinda harsh, and for that I'm sorry. I have a problem with little dog issues, since they cant really hurt, etc.


tell your aunt I have been practicing NILIF since I was 18 and learned it from a breeder I worked for. then tell her I HAVE NEVER BEEN BITTEN...
not ONCE in my whole life....

maybe that will sway her....


8)

p.s. that was 30 years ago....still never been bitten.

[ObedienceGrrl]

Lhasas are a different dog all together.

They are extremely aloof and NEED to be taught who is alpha from the very begining or you will have one nasty dog on your hand.

If you look at the national rescue for Lhasas, I would say 90% of them are turned over for biting issues. Mostly it is with children because they are NOT the breed for families with small kids.

I hope you are able to help this little one.....they are not the breed for everyone. You've really got to know them! They are NOTHING like their cousin the Shih Tzu.