Lhasa Apso Grooming | Tips and advice

Archive for October 2009

Every pet owner wishes to have a great looking, and well-groomed pet that attracts attention. Dog grooming has been in vogue from sometime now. Dog grooming parlors are springing up in most neighbourhoods and pet owners are greedily lapping up this opportunity. Of course, like all good things, getting your pet groomed at the expert hands of a trained and experienced pet groomer doesn’t come cheaply. You will have to spend significant amount of money to get your furry or fluffy friend shampooed, cleaned, cut, polished, and styled.

However, if you don’t have that kind of surplus money and still want to ensure your Fido looks his/her best everyday, why not consider dog grooming at home with the help of some excellent pet supplies? Yes, it is possible and we’ll tell you how.

Let’s start with the kind of pet supplies you will need most often. Since an essential part of dog grooming is ensuring that the coat is clean, nails are cut and tidy, the coat is combed properly, and the pet is flea protected. Naturally, the most common pet supplies will therefore include:

· Bathing products: If you prefer organic to chemical ridden pet shampoos, conditioners, then you’ll find that you are spoilt for choice. · Bathing accessories: Why not pamper your pet with some pretty printed or designed dog towels, bath mats etc. You can also pick up a hair dryer to dry your dog’s hair quickly and conveniently. · Clippers: Clippers are an important dog grooming accessory. They come in different types such as turbo clippers, clipper kits, combs, trimmers and lots more. · Other pet supplies: The market is full of dog grooming products for every kind of pet – from dogs to cats to ferrets to horses. While dog and cat grooming supplies are more in demand, you’ll find a wide array of grooming products such as nail grinders, Furminator de-shedding tools, Styptic powder, Matbreaker dematting tool, dematting combs, dematting rake, flea comb, area slicker brushes, undercoat rake, among other things.

The right choice in pet supplies ensures that your pet stays well groomed, good looking, neat, and healthy for a longer period of time. Dog grooming is especially important for hairy pets including dog breeds such as Poodles, German shepherds, Lhasa apso, as well as cat breeds like Siamese, Persian etc. Grooming your pet on a regular basis ensure that he/she doesn’t suffer from skin related infections or other disease causing infections that can damage or deeply affect his /her overall health.

Some of the dog grooming must do’s include:

Cleaning the dog’s ears since dogs can easily get infected through their ears. Moreover, dog breeds with droopy ears have higher chances of ear infections or other infections caused by ear mites, fungus, and wax deposits inside the ear cavity. Clean the dogs ears every week.

Dog grooming also involves clipping nails and you must ensure your dog’s nails don’t grow too big as they can hurt themselves while scratching. Clip nails every 2-3 weeks or depending on the growth.

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Whether your pet has a short, sleek coat or long, thick fur, grooming will be a part of your normal dog care routine. Since this is a ritual that you will be performing every day or week, dog grooming training will make the process more comfortable and enjoyable for both you and your furry friend. There are a number of steps to keeping your dog looking and feeling his best, from teeth brushing, to toenail clipping, to regular baths and brushings. All of these tasks will go much more smoothly if you and your pet have completed a few dog grooming training sessions together. The main tools that you will require (besides a few basic grooming tools), are patience and rewards, and plenty of them. Are you ready to get your pet looking his best? Read on to find out how to make grooming sessions a positive part of your pet care routine.

Take it Slow

Dog grooming training will incorporate activities like brushing your pet’s teeth, keeping his nails clipped, and maintaining his shiny, healthy coat. All of these activities will require that you touch your pet in areas that might be sensitive or guarded, making it extremely important for you to take the process slow and pepper it with many rewards. Begin with brushing his teeth, since healthy teeth and gums will lead to the better overall health of your dog. Since many dogs are not comfortable with their owners handling their muzzles, begin with some gentle strokes to the nose that will eventually lead to pulling up the lip and getting the toothbrush where it needs to go. Praise your pet every step of the way and reward him with kind words and an occasional treat as often as necessary. Before you know it, your dog will allow you to brush all of his teeth on a regular basis.

The same process can be used when clipping your dog’s nails. Begin by touching his paws, and lightly pressing to expose the nails. With a bit of time and encouragement, your dog will sit calmly as you clip his nails, and you will be able to accomplish this task quickly and frequently. Brushing your dog’s coat may not be as traumatic for your pet as clipping and teeth brushing tend to be – until you begin to touch sensitive areas like his back end or tail. Wait until the end of your session to begin your dog grooming training in this area. Start by petting the area, praising your dog when he allows you to do so. As your pet gets used to you handling his tail and back side, he will eventually relax as you work a brush through the area. This will keep this very important part of your pet clean and free of mattes.

Dog grooming training takes some time and patience to complete, but it is not difficult and the rewards are far reaching. When your pet allows you to complete the cleaning process, you will both find these sessions to be pleasant and easy.

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The Lhasa Apso, bred and honored by the Dalai Lama, is one of the oldest of the three breeds of dogs from Tibet.Please join us on a short journey as we unravel the fascinating history of the incredible Lhasa Apso.There are references to the Lhasa Apso breed in art and literature tht go back at least two thousand years. They were given to monks and nobility in China to guard and protect.For many generations it was not possible to get a Lhasa Apso unless given as a gift by the Dalai Lama!They were valued both as a good luck symbol and as a sacred animal in the Buddhist religion.Many holy men believed that the spirits of monks who were unable to reach Nirvana were reincarnated into the bodies of Lhasa Apso dogs.The strong watchful and protective nature of the Lhasa Apso, combined with their beautiful coats and loyal nature, make them a true companion dog and loving pet.THE TIBET CONNECTIONThe Lhasa Apso breed originated over two thousand years ago in the high, mountainous country of Tibet.These small sized dogs were bred and kept in the Potala, the palace and monastery of the Dalai Lama, as well as surrounding monasteries.The dogs were kept exclusively for holy men and nobility. Lhasa Apsos were prized for their temperament, beautiful coats, and their loyal and loving disposition.The Lhasa Apso was not only prized as a companion dog but also as a watchdog.The nobility valued the small dogs for their intelligence and regarded them not just as pets but more importantly as protectors and watchers for their castles and homes. They were also valued as a good luck talisman to keep evil away from the home. When the nobleman or holy man died, it was believed that his soul entered the body of the Lhasa Apso if it was not destined for Nirvana.The Dalai Lama and other holy men carefully managed the Lhasa Apso breed, and it was not possible to buy a Llasa Apso dog in Tibet, rather they had to be received as a gift from the Dalai Lama.This ritual began as early as 1583 in the Manchurian Dynasty and was honored up to the early 1900’s. The dogs were sent as a blessing from the Dalai Lama to the Emperors of China and other nobility.Lhasa Apso dogs were never given as individual dogs. The Dalai Lama presented pairs of dogs to visiting foreign diplomats and leaders. These dogs were then taken around the world and their popularity grew.Lhasa Apsos are seen as a sacred blessing and are believed to bring luck and good fortune to the owner.The first Lhasa Apso pair was seen in Britain in the 1920’s and the first pair in the United States was in 1935. The first Lhasa Apsos according to Australia records arrived in the 1960’s.THE NAMEMost historiansagree that the name, Lhasa, comes from the area of the Potala, near the sacred city of Lhasa.Apso, The second part of the name, is a bit less clear. One group believes that the name is actually a misinterpretation of the word “raspo” that means goat-like. The coat of the Apso, if not groomed, begins to look like the hair found on Tibetan goats. Another group believes that the term Apso comes from the term “Abso Seng kye” that translates into “Barking Lion Sentinel Dog”.Since the long hair of the breed does closely resemble the mane of the lion, and the strong protective instinct is there, it may be that the Apso is simply a mispronunciation of “Abso”.Lhasa Apso dogs also have the distinctly lionish habit of pawing the ground with their front feet and taking a square stance when feeling threatened. They truly do resemble little lions and are excellent watchdogs and guardians.The Manjuri Buddha, the God of Learning, is often presented in art and literature in the company of a Lhasa Apso, which changes into a lion when danger threatens the Manjuri Buddha.Take the time to find out more about Lhasa Apso Breeders. The investment in time you make will be extremely worthwhile.That’s all on the amazing history of the Lhasa Apso.

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Dog grooming is an important aspect when attending to your pet dog’s care. If we do not put enough attention to dog grooming, it is inevitable that our beloved animals will develop many kinds of illness and health conditions.

First step in grooming involves the processes such as regular maintaining of fur, ears and nails.  Coat or fur maintenance primarily involved regular bathing and cleaning, drying and combing. Dog grooming supplies such as shampoos and special dog brushes should be used to properly clean and groom the dog.

There are soft brushes meant to really care for the dog fur. There is even a brush available for a specific type of dog breed. Combing of the dog fur should be done regularly. However, as many dogs shed hair quite easily, you must also be ready to regularly sweep away fallen dog hair.

One of the important dog grooming supplies is the clipper that is especially designed for dog use. When clipping the nails of the dog, it is best to placed it on a higher level for easier control. You have to be a stable position, in front of your dog while having a firm grip on its feet. This ensures safe and hassle free clipping of the nails of your pet.

When it comes to the ear canals of the dog, it has to be checked too on a regular basis. When you need to have them cleaned, you must have some clean and sterile cotton. Cleaning must be done on a slow and gentle manner. Do not go deep enough lest you might unnecessarily inflict harm or damage to the ears. 

For more pet grooming, dog care and other pet and dog articles, do visit our Pinoy Pet Blog site.

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All dogs have a natural instinct to keep their fur clean, rolling around on their backs, licking or chewing at matted hair, etc., etc. However, for the best possible cleaning, your Lhasa Apso will need some additional human assistance.

When you perform regular grooming for your dog, you help them stay clean and assist them in staying healthy. Ignoring matted hair in the coat can be a breeding ground for yeast infections, and neglected teeth can cause periodontal diseases; dirty ears can lead to a build up of wax that can keep dirt trapped and lead to ear infections due to the build-up of bacteria.

Regular grooming is a serious commitment and it should be approached as being an enjoyable, bonding experience for you and your dog. It can and will be, if you keep the follow information in mind:

If you do not have the amount of time needed to completely groom your Lhasa Aspo, do not feel bad, simply take them to a professional dog groomer.

If you intend on doing the grooming yourself, establish a ritual and schedule, and if the animal is young, make sure you do everything you can to relax the dog. Begin by keeping the initial sessions short and easy, approximately 5-10 minutes is sufficient. Gradually increase the duration of each session so that your dog can become accustomed to being handled and touched. Then gently extend the areas you groom, gradually moving into the sensitive areas such as the ears, feet, stomach and around the mouth and eyes.

Brushing is important because the dogs coat can be quite long. It is best to begin brushing the undercoat first and work towards the top. Train the dog to lay on its side and this will allow grooming to be carried out as easily as possible. Use a warm anti-static solution, a detangler or crème rinse with water and spray on the area before you start to groom. Begin with the tail, proceed to the back legs and then the front, ending with the stomach area.

Turn the dog over and repeat these steps again. Finish up the grooming session with the neck, face, ears and top of the head. Once you have concluded the brushing session, you can bathe the dog. First completely wet the dog down and apply shampoo in a downward motion, never in circles, because it may result in tangling of the coat.

When you are finished shampooing, remove the extra water and squeeze and press the coat between towels, never using a rubbing motion. Once the extra water has been removed, end the session by completely drying the dog by hand or using a hair dryer set at a warm temperature.

Other areas that require extra attention would be the toenails, ears, teeth and gums. These areas are a bit tricky and require you and the dog to remain calm. Use only specially designed dog nail clippers and clip off only the very tips of the nail and be careful to avoid any veins. Brush the dogs teeth and gums using specially designed dog toothpaste. Use a Q-tip to clean the inner flap of the ear and never insert it into the ear canal. If you are not confident enough to do this part of grooming, or you do not have the time, use the services of a professional dog groomer.

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Dog grooming is an important facet of being a pet owner. Proper grooming helps with the prevention of parasites (such as ticks, fleas, etc.), and contributes to the overall comfort of your dog depending on the season and temperature.
Proper dog grooming includes fur brushing, baths, and other items such as tooth brushing or nail clipping. All of these should be done on a regular basis to keep your dog healthy. This article will describe some of the techniques you may use in order to properly groom your dog.
Bathing should be the first step for any pet owner. This should be done before any hair trimming, nail clipping, or other treatment is done, as this will remove many of the parasites that may have found their way onto your dog. This will also get rid of some of the dirt or debris that may have worked its way into your dog’s fur, and will make your job easier when it comes time to actually start brushing or trimming. Also, this softens up the hair, which is to the benefit of you and your dog.
Some dogs don’t like to have their hair trimmed, so it’s important that you leash your dog if you feel as though he won’t like it. For dogs that like to nip (Border Collies are one such breed), it may be a good idea to put on a humane muzzle to keep yourself from getting bitten. Of course, if this is a serious concern with an aggressive dog, your best bet is to leave grooming to a professional! Brushing is important both before and after trimming. This removes clumps of hair and untangles areas that may be difficult to trim. Purchase a good pair of grooming clippers and simply trim down your dog’s hair in areas that may have become overgrown. During the summer months, you may consider trimming to a shorter length than during the winter months.
Your dog’s nails should be clipped at regular intervals, as this will contribute to your dog’s paw health and keep your furniture (and you!) from getting scratched. This should be done starting when they’re puppies to get them accustomed to the procedure. Cut the nails short, but don’t clip too far and into the dog’s “quick.”
Teeth, eyes, and ears are important parts of dog grooming, just as they are for humans. Tooth health can be provided by giving them specially designed chew toys, or using special dog toothbrushes and toothpaste. Eyes should be checked for leakage, and may need to be cleaned on a daily basis to keep from becoming infected. Finally, ears should be checked regularly for parasites and cleared of dirt and other debris.
I hope this article has given you a better understanding of dog grooming techniques.

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The Lhasa Apso: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet

This is our ninth set of Happy, Healthy Pet titles. These latest books will bring our series up to sixty-seven titles and, like the others, they are books that pet owners can turn to for the essential information they need to raise a happy, healthy pet. All books contain information on:feedinggroominghousinghealth carewhat to expect from the petbasic trainingAs our series expands and focuses on different kinds of pets, the emphasis remains on making the pet a companion. Owne (more…)

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Because a Lhasa Apso was bred for use as a sentinel, the dog is alert, smart and highly self-sufficient. All of these traits combined can have a negative affect of your life with a Lhasa Apso, however, being knowledgeable will help you to understand and know your Lhasa Apso. You will also be better able to help your family adjust to life with a Lhasa Apso.

It is important to note that a Lhasa Apso is an extremely independent dog, it is not that the animal is anti-social, it does seek human companionship and will love being petted and groomed, both activities that will bond you and your dog. Remember, however, the dog does not live to please you, which is common in other dog breeds. This breed is driven to be a protector and guardian, and this is how the dog will behave.

Being more independent than other dog breeds, a Lhasa Apso may also be less obedient. Being so alert and responsive will prove to be a training challenge, because a Lhasa Apso will interpret any type of attention as a reward. Most new owners will give a Lhasa negative attention when the dog disobeys, to a Lhasa Apso, any attention is better than none at all, as a result, new owners might accidentally reward and reinforce the very type of behavior they are trying to prevent. This is one of the main reasons why a lot of Lhasa owners do not have a well-behaved dog.

The basic rule for training a Lhasa Apso is to focus on what you DO want and not on what you do NOT want. Author Amy Sutherland has another spin on this thought, reward the behavior you desire and simply do not acknowledged the behavior you do not.

What makes a Lhasa Apso so fiercely independent is their high level of intelligence, which is needed to be a good watchdog. This may lead to the dog have a stronger temperament, and a new owner is likely to report the dog is willful, obstinate and dominant. On the alternate side of this situation is that a Lhasa Apso will respond well to positive, firm, loving obedience training methods, but you have to be consistent and follow through with your commands. You have to establish yourself as an “alpha leader,” if you do not, the dog will. It takes time and work to train a Lhasa Apso successfully, but the results are worth the effort.

Breeders and other owners do not recommend a Lhasa Apso for a household with small children. Because of the extremely dominant, intelligent nature, a Lhasa while calm and sedate, is not an “easy going” dog breed that will interact well with young children. They do not tolerate hair pulling, tail tugging or teasing that is common behavior in young children. If you have small children, it is wise to encourage them to participate in the training, this will allow them to get a better understanding of a Lhasa Apso. The results of which will be a great pet everyone in the family will surely enjoy.

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Many pet owners are discovering that it is far more convenient to do their own dog grooming at home. Not only do you save on grooming fees and gas, which is a big expense these days, but you save time, as well, not having to commute to take your dog to the groomers. DIY grooming has several other benefits, as well. You`ll get to bond with your dog and get to know him better through the grooming process.
Having everything you need on hand is very important since you want to be able to do each grooming step after the other, avoiding distractions. This is easier on the dog and will keep you organized, as well. Here are the things you will need.
Tub: If you are planning to do your own dog grooming long term, it really is worth it to have a raised tub for your dog. Rather than bending over a tub, you`ll be able to wash and groom your dog at an easy height. Smaller dogs can be bathed in a baby bath set on a table (be sure it`s very stable).
Nail Clippers: Important for clipping those overgrown toenails that click on the floor as your dog walks. Just be sure to clip far enough back that you don`t get the quick, which can cause bleeding and pain for your pet. A good set of nail clippers combined with proper lighting can make nail clipping a breeze.
Brushes: A good brushing should be a regular thing. It stimulates the skin and helps to remove loose hair, so you can keep the house relatively fur-free. There are plenty of different brushes available on the market, but you should look for one that is appropriate for the size of your dog and that has rubber tipped bristles to protect the skin. A soft brush in a smaller size is also useful for ears and face.
Rake: These are stiffer tools meant to get rid of matted hair that tends to form on dogs with longer hair. It can really help ease the entire grooming process if you remove matted hair before it has the chance to get worse. A proper dematting rake will make the entire thing easier. You can also use a comb, but it tends to be more painful for the dog and take longer.
Natural Shampoo and Conditioner: Bathing your dog should definitely be a regular part of the grooming process, but human shampoos and conditioners aren`t meant for pets and can cause allergies and dry skin. Instead, look for specially formulated hair products that contain all natural ingredients and are meant for dogs.
Towels: Set aside some towels specifically for your pet. These are invaluable when it comes to drying him after a bath or a romp in the rain, but chances are you won`t want to use the same ones, so be sure to mark them.
Power Clippers: While you can certainly trim your dog`s coat with regular trimmers, it will take a long time and tends to be less accurate. A good set of power clippers will allow you to trim that hair quickly and easily to get the look you want for your pet. Power clippers will make this a lot easier, too, for the inexperienced home groomer.
DIY dog grooming can be a very rewarding experience. It definitely helps strengthen the bond between you and your canine friend. Not to mention the amount of time and money saved just by doing this relatively simple process at home.

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The Lhasa Apso makes a beautiful family pet. She can live in an apartment as long as she gets walked for exercise. She makes a good watch dog and gets along well with other pets. She likes older, respectful children. She is a faithful family pet. She is generally healthy but does needs quite a bit of grooming.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Lhasa Apso is 10 to 11 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 13 to 15 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Lhasa Apso is no exception. Although considered a healthy breed, be on the lookout for ear infections, bleeding ulcers, kidney problems, allergic reactions to fleas and hip dysplasia. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming. The Lhasa Apso has a long, straight, hard and very dense coat. She should be brushed daily. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her. Some people clip the coat to lower grooming time.
Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.
*Life Span. The Lhasa Apso can live between 13 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Lhasa Apso comes from Tibet where they were kept by the rich as watch dogs. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1935.
Some Registries:
*The American Lhasa Apso Club
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 4 to 5 Lhasa Apso puppies
Terms To Describe: Wary of stranger, happy, hardy, gentle, intelligent, affectionate,
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Excellent watch dog.
Very gentle.
Beautiful coat.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Poor guard dog.
High coat maintenance.
Can be noisy.
*Other Names Known By: Tibetan Apso, Bark Lion Sentinel Dog
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

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