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 few, although many people mistakenly believe the dogs have a difficult personality, perhaps because of their dog-fighting origins and because of the myth that the Shar Pei descended from the Chow Chow, which can be a difficult and temperamental breed.

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 socialize their dogs at an early age, with other dogs, with cats and with children. Shar Pei behavior problems such as getting along with other dogs, cats and children can be avoided by exposing the dog to these influences when it is a young puppy. That being said, an adult Shar Pei can adapt to a family with other dogs, or cats or children, however more training may be needed, especially if the dog is expected to obey commands given by a child. Owners may consult dog training books for training ideas.

Generally speaking, the Shar Pei is an intelligent, easygoing breed. They are confident dogs that respect the leadership of a confident handler. The Shar Pei may refuse commands from children or other family members that the dog perceives to be below it in the pecking order of the family, but these problems can be overcome with appropriate training and reinforcement. Some dog breeds are hard to housebreak and have problems even in adulthood. Shar Pei dogs are very clean. Once a puppy is old enough to control its bodily functions, it is extremely unlikely to urinate or defecate inside the house.

Some Shar Pei owners complain that their dogs bark to excess, no doubt because of the breed’s origin as a vigilant watchdog and guardian. Shar Pei dogs have a tendency to bark at strangers who approach or newcomers who enter the family home. These problems, like other Shar Pei problem behavior, can almost always be overcome with patient, consistent discipline. Dog training books are highly recommended as aids for training the Shar Pei.

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.

Like most dogs, the Shar Pei needs regular exercise. The dogs are active while indoors, so they do not need the exhausting romps that high-strung dogs need. In fact, Shar Pei tend to overheat, so owners should be very careful not to exhaust the dogs outdoors, especially in warm weather. When considering that the Shar Pei was once forced to fight to the death, and then nearly driven to extinction, the Shar Pei’s determined survival as a faithful companion and family pet is indeed remarkable.