The Shar Pei is an intelligent and playful breed that can sometimes be headstrong with a stubborn streak. You need to have persistence when training a Shar Pei pup because they are dominant and will try to run your house if they can. By starting training early you can help to establish your position as head of household.
However, it is also important that you take care of your Shar Pei pup so that they can have a long, healthy and happy life. To do this make sure you get your Shar Pei pup vaccinated when you first get them and then make sure you get their booster shots on the exact schedule that your veterinarian recommends in order to maintain their immunity to diseases.
It is also a good idea to discuss flea control products, heartworm preventative treatment and worming with your veterinarian. By doing these things you can keep your Shar Pei pup healthy and happy.
It is also important that you take care of your Shar Pei's diet. A Shar Pei pup should be fed a high-grade dog food. The first ingredient of any dry dog food should be meat. The crude protein of the food should be between twenty-two and twenty-six percent with the crude fat being not less than twenty percent. There should also be a fiber content of four percent or less.
Socializing your Shar Pei pup from a very early age is another important task, especially with children and any other pets in your household. The Shar Pei is often playful around children, but they are also very aggressive around other dogs. Use kinds words and positive reinforcements such as treats when training your Shar Pei pup rather than using a sharp voice. Although due to their stubborn streak you will also need to be firm when handling your Shar Pei pup.
Every day you should exercise your Shar Pei pup, but make sure you keep them on a leash at all times so they don't get into conflicts with other dogs. You should consider taking your Shar Pei pup to puppy kindergarten training classes around ten weeks of age. Although make sure your Shar Pei pup has plenty of shade and water when exercising in hot weather because they are extremely sensitive to heat.
You should brush your dog's coat at least once a week with a bristle brush and several times a day during shedding. Give you Shar Pei pup a bath when necessary but don't shampoo them too frequently as it makes them more susceptible to dry skin.
You should bath your dog no more than once every two weeks if possible. Check your pup's nails regularly and trim them at least every two to four weeks. When your Shar Pei is still a puppy you should begin a nail-trimming schedule. To avoid ear problems make sure you check and clean their ears with a cotton swab often.