October 15, 2008

Training Your Shar Pei

by Melissa Coleman

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.

The reality is that the Shar Pei is a sweet, lovable dog that, besides being bred for fighting, were also trained to work as watchdogs and guardians, protecting livestock from predators. The Shar Pei looks intimidating to some because of its frowning face; however, most Shar Peis are actually friendly and loyal; they make excellent pets.

Shar Pei owners should realize the importance of socializing the dogs at an early age. Likewise, Shar Pei behavior problems getting along with cats and children can be avoided by exposing the dog to cats and children when it is a young puppy. That is not to say that an adult dog cannot adapt to a family with cats and children; however, more training may be needed to get the dog to obey commands from a child. Dog training books contain tips on how to socialize an adult dog.

Overall, Shar Pei dogs are easygoing and calm. They are self-assured dogs that need confident handlers. Shar Pei training must be consistent, firm and gentle. The Shar Pei may refuse commands from family members whom the dog perceives as being lower in the pecking order of the pack. Owners may consult dog training books for advice on how to overcome these issues. While some other dog breeds may resist housebreaking, the Shar Pei is notoriously easy to housebreak. The dogs are very clean and dislike soiling their living area.

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 also been known to act out mischievously, stealing food from kitchen counters. Owners can deal with this behavior by denying the dog access to the kitchen unless the owner is present.

Most dogs need regular exercise, and the Shar Pei is no exception. The breed is quite active indoors, so it does not need the exhausting romps and fetch sessions that some high-strung dogs and retrievers need. In fact, the Shar Pei have a tendency to overheat, and owners should be careful not to exhaust the dogs while playing outdoors, especially in hot weather. Considering the Shar Pei’s origins as a dog forced to fight to the death, and rising from near-extinction, the Shar Pei’s survival and emergence as a faithful companion and family pet is indeed remarkable.

About the Author:

Melissa Coleman is an avid lover of the Shar Pei and has a popular website where you’ll discover how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Shar Pei. Among other topics at this website, you can also learn all about Shar Pei Problem Behaviors plus a whole lot more.