Training a Shar-Pei puppy requires consistency and patience. Start by giving your puppy a name and use it frequently. When the puppy performs a desired action, provide positive reinforcement such as praise, petting, or small treats. Keep training sessions short to maintain their interest and avoid frustration. It's also crucial to use clear and consistent commands, and correct any undesirable behaviors immediately.
1. **Name Recognition:** Begin by teaching your Shar-Pei puppy its name. Repeatedly call out the name, and when the puppy looks at you, offer encouragement. Once the puppy recognizes its name, you can proceed with further training.
2. **Positive Reinforcement:** Employ a reward-based system. When the puppy performs an action correctly, reward it with praise, affection, or small treats. This helps the puppy understand the desired behavior.
3. **Clear Commands:** Use specific verbal commands for different actions. Once established, avoid changing these commands so the puppy can learn and understand them consistently.
4. **Short and Frequent Training Sessions:** Keep training sessions short and spaced out throughout the day to maintain the puppy's engagement and interest. This approach is more effective than long, infrequent training sessions.
5. **Immediate Correction:** If the puppy makes a mistake, immediately correct the behavior. A firm "no" or a slight reprimand should be enough to discourage the action, ensuring your puppy learns from it.
6. **Encourage Exploration:** Shar-Pei puppies are naturally curious and love to explore. Use this to your advantage by making training fun and engaging. Make the puppy feel that following your lead is more interesting than wandering off.
Why You Might Reconsider Owning a Shar-Pei
1. **Appearance Concerns:** Some people find the Shar-Pei's wrinkled appearance, especially the numerous face folds, unattractive or not cute. This is a matter of personal preference, but a common reason for avoidance.
2. **Grooming Challenges:** The Shar-Pei’s many skin folds can be difficult to clean. Inadequate cleaning can lead to skin infections and other health issues. Treating these infections involves applying medications and cleaning between the folds.
3. **Limited Exercise Tolerance:** Despite their lively nature, Shar-Pei dogs have short noses, which means they are prone to breathing difficulties and overheating, particularly with intense physical activity. Overexertion can lead to oxygen deprivation and in severe cases, can be fatal.
4. **Breathing Problems:** Shar-Peis are prone to oxygen deficiency, and their high energy levels combined with a flat face increase the risk of respiratory distress, and even suffocation, after prolonged strenuous exercise.