1. It’s a good idea when having company over to the house to have the dog in a crate.  This avoids any confrontations with strangers entering into his domain.  Have your guests ignore the dog for the first five or ten minutes until the dog gets comfortable with having strangers in his domain.  Having your guests offer the dog treats under your supervision and control is also a good idea to introduce the idea of having guests in your home.
2. Often times, Shar Pei will stand guard at the door to protect their domain, family, and home.  Try using baby gates to restrict them from blocking entryways.
3. Since most Shar-Pei dislike water, keep a spray bottle containing water on hand.  This may be useful in some situations.
4. Have your guests call before coming over.  This allows you a chance to prepare for the interaction of guests and your dog ahead of time.
5. Keep a supply of treats on hand to reward good behavior.
6. Don’t let your dog be a nuisance to your house guests and use common sense.  Not all people like dogs or know how to act around dogs, especially children.  Be careful and aware of all situations when children are visiting.

Breed-Specific Behaviors:

Shar-Pei display the some of the following behaviors which seem to be characteristic of their specific breed:

1. Sharking is described as a circling and staring motion, characteristic of fighting dogs used to intimidate their opponents.  Shar-Pei were raised as fighting dogs in ancient history and they usually present this behavior when nervous or unsure of something around them.
2. When confined in a small space such as a crate or a cage, Shar-Pei tend to try to bury their food and/or water.
3. This particular breed does not like to go outside in the rain.  Shar-Pei are known to dislike water and will sometimes refuse to go outside if raining
4. Because they have poor peripheral vision from the excessive skin folds around the eyes, Shar-Peis tend to dislike being pet on top of the head.

Shar-Pei and Other Dogs:

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a very intelligent and highly responsive dog breed.  They have a lower The Chinese Shar-Pei is a very alert, intelligent and highly responsive dog breed.  Their aggression threshold to other dogs and tolerance around other dogs is lower than that of other breeds.  By following the recommendations suggested below, aggression toward other dogs can be reduced drastically:

1. Obedience training is highly advised during the early stages of your Shar-Pei’s life.  Socialization with other dogs in early years tends to encourage a less aggressive behavior toward dogs in later years.
2. Maintaining control of your Shar-Pei is essential when in the presence of other dogs.  Other dog owners may not control their dogs so be prepared for the unexpected.
3. Treats, toys, and other positive reinforcement tools should be used to reward good behavior.  Rewarding your Shar-Pei when paying attention in the presence of other dogs is necessary to maintain control.  When around other dogs, your Shar-Pei may be excited and full of adrenalin making it hard to punish the dog.

Towels – Always have at least one or two towels on hand for drying your companion after a refreshing bath.  Towels dry them to the best of your ability to help with air drying.

Drain Screen – Hair clogs are common when bathing your pet.  Simply use a drain screen to protect your plumbing from hair buildup.  They can consist of a nylon mesh placed in the drain or a built-in hair trap that can easily be cleaned.

Cotton Balls – Cotton balls can be placed in your pets ears to prevent water from running into your dogs ears.

Pet Shampoos – Like that of human shampoo, there are many types of pet shampoos as well to work on problem areas such as dry skin, itchy skin, fleas, etc.  Be sure to use the right shampoo to keep your dog happy, healthy, and free from skin problems!

Plastic Pitcher – A large plastic pitcher is essential for wetting and rinsing your dog.  Adjustable spray handles can be used on a garden hose as well but the spray velocity may not be too soothing for your beloved pooch.  Be sure to use a gentle spray or pitcher for a gentle rinse.

Eye ointment – Contact your veterinarian regarding recommending a good eye ointment to place in your dogs eyes.  Ointment can prevent chemical damage.

Tips and Suggestions

1. Always be careful not to get water into the ears or your Shar-Pei.  Water in the ears of this breed causes more problems than that of some other breeds.  They have very small ear canals and any moisture in the ears can cause major ear infections.  If concerned, try using a waterless shampoo for the head area and wipe with a damp cloth.
2. Ear drying solution can be purchased if water does get into the ear canal so it may be a good idea to have some on hand when bathing.
3. Using a medicated shampoo is always a good idea with this breed. Make sure you rinse well, leaving no shampoo residue in their coat.
4. Be prepared. Most Shar-pei’s dislike water, even when they have been groomed since their puppy stages

Often times, dogs do not understand why they are receiving punishment or what they did  to receive the punishment.  It’s important to realize this when learning discipline techniques and training your dog.The first thing to realize is that dogs don’t have the mentality of “I know better.”  With the example listed above, the owner came home to find a mess of garbage on the floor.  Because the mess was made hours before the owner got home, the dog connects the punishment with the owner coming home, not the garbage on the floor.  Discipline should take place when the incident occurs, not after the fact.

The posture and attitude of the owner while cleaning up the mess and verbal greetings such as “So, how much garbage did you get into today!?” creates the guilty look on the dog’s face and is caused by the behavior of the owner, not because the dog has done anything wrong.  The dog may be pleased to see you but the dog remembers the previous incident.  In his mind he’s thinking that greeting you at the door will result in punishment.

There is no evidence to suggest that dogs deliberately misbehave.  Dogs misbehave because they were not taught proper behavior, or they are bored, frustrated, anxious, etc.  A good dog training class is essential for teaching your dogs the basics of good behavior.

Bathing is a necessary evil but when approached with confidence and in a positive manner, it can be hassle-free and fun.  On the other hand, if using a do-it-yourself dog washing facility, we recommend to always bring your own bottle of shampoo to help prevent illness in your beloved companion!

When evaluating a veterinarian, evaluate their staff as well.  Veterinarians using work with a team or

professionals that may care for your pet at one point or another so make sure you find an entire team you think will serve your needs.  Weigh the factors that are most important to you but remember, you may have to drive a few extra miles and possibly spend a few extra dollars to get the quality of care you desire for your pet.

Finding the Right Veterinarian

Recommendations are key when selecting a good veterinarian.   Start with recommendations from a friend, family member, neighbor, animal shelter, dog trainer, groomer, or pet sitter.  The Yellow Pages contains a large section of veterinarians and animal hospitals in your area and could also contain pertinent information such as services, hours, and staff.

Look for veterinary clinics and hospitals who are board certified or have an affiliation with the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).  This signifies that a veterinary hospital has voluntarily pursued and met AAHA’s standards in quality care, equipment, and facility standards.  Other board certified veterinarians hold certifications in certain types of medicine such as surgery, cardiology, or ophthalmology, which means they studied an additional two to four years in the specialty area and passed a meticulous examination.

Once you’ve narrowed your search, schedule a visit to meet the staff, tour the facility, and learn about the hospital’s philosophy and policies. This is a reasonable request that any veterinarian should be glad to oblige. Write down your questions ahead of time.

What Do I Look For?

• Do service fees fit your budget and are there any discounts for senior citizens or multiple pet households?
  Is all work done in-house such as x-rays, ultrasounds, blood work, EKG, endoscopy, etc.?
  Are emergency services available? If so, what types of emergency services are available?
  Are appointments required?
  Are the doctor’s and staff caring, calm, competent, and courteous, and do they communicate effectively?
  How many veterinarians are in the practice?
  What do the other staff members do? Have they had schooling experience?
  Are dog and cat cages in separate areas or combine in one area?
  Is the facility well-organized, friendly, clean, and comfortable?

Training your dog is an important way to create a well-behaved, safe, and valued member of the family.  A good training class is a fun, social activity that not only introduces your pet to being around other animals, but also prevents or modifies behaviors that were once allowed to become problems.

The information below will help you find the dog trainer and class environment that best fits your budget and needs making you and your dog happy!

Is training my dog a necessity?

One of the first questions you may ask yourself when owning a dog is, “Does my dog need training?”  The answer is yes, as well as you too!  It’s important to remember that whether you are intentionally training him or not, your companion is always learning, even with older dogs.  If your dog is not taught the rules, it is in his nature to invent his own, and that could be disastrous!  Training allows caregivers to safely and humanely control their dog’s behavior before or after it has become a problem.  Make sure to always keep treats on hand.  Positive training is important to enhance the bond between the dog and the owner and also helps to ensure that your dog will happily respond to your instructions.

What should I look for in a trainer?

One of the most important things to look for in a trainer is the way they conduct their training. It is essential that the dog trainer uses humane tactics that encourage good behavior through positive reinforcement. Some of the ways they should congratulate your dog on good behavior are praise, attention, treats, or play. Look for a trainer that does not reward your dog for behaving inappropriately. The trainer should only reward the dog when desirable responses are achieved. If your trainer yells, chokes, shakes the scruff, or does any other activity to frighten the dog or inflict pain, remove the dog from the class immediately. The training process should always be a positive experience and not abusive or inhumane.

Where can I find a trainer?

A great way to start looking for a trainer is through a recommendation from a friend, family member, neighbor, boarding kennel, groomer, or vet. There are a large variety of listings under “Pet Training” in the Yellow Pages as well. A dog trainer’s membership owned by a dog trainer does not always mean that they are a suitable dog trainer. The associations’ membership criteria may not meet your expectations, so be sure to look into the qualifications of the trainer. The government does not regulate or license trainers, so take it upon yourself to investigate the trainer before enrolling in a class. Below are a few good questions to ask before beginning the enrollment process:

• How many years experience do you have as a trainer?
• How were you educated to become a trainer?
• What type of training methods do you use?
• Always ask for references from previous clients that have completed the class.

Which class format is best?

Group classes allow the dogs to interact with other dogs, and help train them to respond to their owners even when there are other distractions.  It also helps them to accept being handled by other people besides their owners.  Self-help training, private lessons, and one-dog lessons that exclude the owner do not provide these important advantages.  Another disadvantage of dog-only lessons is that the dog may only respond to the trainer and may not transfer his/her learned behaviors to you and your family.

If at all possible, all family members should be participants in the dog’s training.  Developing bonds between your canine and your self/family is the basis of the entire human-canine relationship.

What should I seek in a group class?

One of the most important factors to find out before signing up for a dog training class is whether you can observe the class. When observing, watch for the following:

• Is your dog praised often?
• Are commands given in positive or negative tones?
• Are lesson handouts available?
• Is other information available on topics such as dog grooming, problem solving, etc.?
• Does the trainer use a variety of methods for training?
• Before enrolling, is proof of vaccinations required?
• Are the participants as well as the canines enjoying themselves?
• Are owners and dogs actively encouraged to participate with each other?
• Is the size of the class too big, limiting individual attention?
• Do they separate puppy classes from adult dog classes?
• Are there different class levels such as beginner, intermediate, and advanced?
• Are training and equipment methods humane?

How much does training cost?

Depending on the type of training you desire and where you live, training costs range from $30-$65 per hour for private lessons and may start at $75 for several weeks of group sessions.  Some animal shelters offer subsidized training programs that may range from $30 to $95, depending on whether you adopted your dog from that shelter and the number of sessions held in the program.

What’s the best age for training?

It is best to train your canine companion during their puppy stages, but older dogs can learn new tricks too!  Dogs between 8 and 16 weeks should be enrolled in puppy classes.  Adulthood classes are appropriate for dogs over six months of age.

After choosing a training program:

• Take a trip to your veterinarian and have a check-up done. It’s important that your dog is free from parasites and up-to-date on all vaccinations before beginning training.
• Try not to feed your dog a large meal before class. Trainers rely on treats and food to encourage a desired behavior.
• Purchase and bring the necessary training equipment recommended by the trainer, if any.
• Practice what was learned before each class and always end on a positive note with a treat or reward.

Enrolling and participating in a dog training class will not only help your pooch become well-behaved but will also make for a safer member of your community.