Training Your Shar Pei
The ancient Chinese Shar Pei is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. The Shar Pei is a real survivor, having endured a history of dog fighting and near extinction. The breed originated in the Guangdong Province of China and was originally bred to fight, with loose skin and small ears that make it difficult for other dogs to bite them in fights.
Shar Pei problem behaviors are mostly misconceptions based on the breed’s dog-fighting origins and upon the baseless belief that the Shar Pei descended from the Chow Chow, a difficult and temperamental breed. Owners who encounter problems should consult dog training books for advice. Shar Pei dogs nearly became extinct and were once declared the most rare dogs in the world. Shar Pei dogs are survivors, though, and the breed is no longer considered a rarity.
Shar Pei problem behaviors, when they occur, are usually the fault of an owner who misunderstands the breed. The Shar Pei can look intimidating because of the frowning expression on its face, but most Shar Pei are very friendly dogs who are loyal to their handlers. Dog training books can be an aid for owners who are not sure how to train the Shar Pei.
It is important to socialize the Shar Pei at an early age. If a Shar Pei gets used to being around other dogs when it is a puppy, the Shar Pei will continue to get along with other dogs as it matures. Similarly, Shar Pei behavior problems with cats and children can be avoided if the dog is exposed to cats and children when it is a young puppy. A Shar Pei who grows up with cats and kids will play well with them as an adult dog.
Shar Peis are generally a calm, easygoing breed. They are confident dogs that need the leadership of a self-assured handler. The Shar Pei may refuse commands from children or other family members whom the dog perceives as being lower in the pecking order of the pack, but these problems can be overcome with training and reinforcement. Some dog breeds can be hard to housebreak and have housebreaking problems even into adulthood. Shar Peis, however, are very clean and, once they are old enough to control their bodily functions, are extremely unlikely to urinate or defecate inside the house.
One of the Shar Pei problem behaviors that owners complain of is that the dogs bark excessively, probably because of their ancestry as watchdogs and guardians. Shar Pei dogs do tend to bark when strangers approach or when newcomers enter the family home. Barking problems, like other dog behavior problems, can be overcome with patient, consistent discipline. Dog training books can be valuable training aids.
Shar Peis have been known to help themselves to food left out on countertops. This mischievous behavior can be remedied by the owner’s denying the dog access to the kitchen unless the owner is present.
All dogs, the Shar Pei included, need regular exercise but Shar Pei dogs have a tendency to overheat. Owners must watch the dogs carefully to avoid overheating during exercise, especially in hot weather. Looking back at the Shar Pei’s origins as a fighting dog, then its comeback from near extinction, the breed’s survival and endurance to become the faithful companion and family pet that it is today is remarkable and admirable.