Adopting a Lhasa Apso - any advice for new dog owner?!

[ArtyFartyQueen]

Hi All,

Under difficult circumstances (my sister passed away), we are adopting a 4 yr old male neutered Lhasa Apso.

I had a couple of dogs as a child but this will be the first major family pet (apart from hamsters/fish etc). We are aware that it is a big responsibility and with a toddler and DD aged 10, I'm a bit apprehensive!

We've got the vet history and have booked him into our local vets to have a booster and have been looking into insurance but would appreciate any advice or tips anyone can offer!

Thanks

I can comment only on the 2 females I have had over the years. They were both like cats and lay down and didn't move, unless it was walkies or feeding time. Very well behaved, easy going and non- aggressive.
They were bred to be confident and independent and both were on the stubborn side - non responsive to recall.

As he was your sister's dog, do you know him? So sorry you lost your sister.

I know him a little but not much about looking after him so losing a bit of sleep about it all! It doesn't help that my niece and nephew are not very happy with us taking him but unfortunately the person looking after them, can't keep the dog as well!

What a tragic situation for everyone, especially your late sister's children. They lose their mother and now their beloved dog.

So the dog will be used to children, but he will miss his previous family too. I found that my Lhasas were not clingy and were happy with anyone, but the first I got at 9 months and had always been in a kennel at the breeders, and the 2nd was 2 years-old living with other dogs in the house at the breeders.
The latter is not so laid back as the first and think had been hit and took a while to settle into feeding and being house clean.

I have always fed mine once a day which helps with the once a day poo.

Your 10 year-old should be fine, but the toddler may not understand how gently a small dog must be treated and handled.
The new dog may be fine and put up with everything - it does depend on his own personality though and how he copes with the change of family.

I hope all goes well and good luck.

Thanks so much Digerd. I have spoken in length with my niece and nephew and luckily they given us our blessing to look after the dog.

We just need to adjust to having a dog and all the difficult and lovely things that come with it!

Forgot to mention that due to the profuse thick furry coat, pet owners have them trimmed at least every 3 months, and he will need combing through to avoid matting of the undercoat, weekly at least. And keep his back end fur clean/trimmed away.

Mine doesn't dig or go through puddles, but have had only females.
It is wise to keep them on the lead when out for walkies, unless he has been well-trained and is responsive to recall- which the breed is not known for.

Wish you all the best.