Do Shar Pei bark a lot? Are Shar-Pei hard to train?
Introduction
Worried if your new Shar Pei pup will turn out to be an aggressive mutt? Can Shar Peis be aggressive? Well this is actually a common and valid concern, considering the breed’s somewhat violent history. The answer is a bit more complicated than a yes or no, but knowing so you can be prepared is always a good idea! Let’s find out!
Can Shar Peis be aggressive?
So, can Shar Peis be aggressive? Yes, Sar Peis do have a tendency to be aggressive toward other dogs, which might be rooted in their dogfighting past. However, if you get your Shar Pei used to socializing with dogs and other pets at an early age, you might just be able to avoid any unwanted aggression later on in its life!.
What is prey drive?
Carnivores have an instinct called prey drive which basically eggs them on to look for, chase and capture prey or any small animal. Shar Peis in particular have a strong prey drive, which will cause them to chase cats, squirrels and other small animals unless they’ve been taught how to behave themselves at a young age. This prey drive is likely credited to the fact that Shar Peis have also been used as hunting dogs, so it’s just in their genes!
Shar Peis were once fighting dogs!
As we said earlier, Shar Peis were once highly prized fighting dogs before larger breeds came in from the west and gave them an early retirement. This history of pit fighting may cause your Shar Pei to be unnecessarily aggressive towards other dogs and be hostile while defending itself. This aggression is much worse if both dogs in the encounter are female or both are male.
Do Shar Pei bark a lot?
One great plus about Shar Peis is that they’re not frequent barkers. This means you can have them in apartments or where there isn’t much space between houses and not annoy your neighbors. They’re quiet, but will bark at perceived danger, owing to yet another past of being guard dogs.
Are Shar Peis stubborn?
Yes, Sharr Peis can be very stubborn at times and you will need to be a confident owner if you want your Shar Pei to do what you want.
Are Shar Pei hard to train?
While Shar Peis may get stubborn at times, they’re surprisingly easy to train, probably because they’re intelligent dogs that love pleasing their masters! You’ll be glad to know that housebreaking a Shar Pei pup is also a relatively simple task. However, if it’s your first time training a puppy, let alone a Shar Pei, you might need a few extra attempts to get the hang of it. Treats and rewards are always great ways to reinforce training and will help you a lot! Remember, the Shar Pei is a stubborn and regal breed, it’ll require a self assured and assertive trainer that it can respect. Be consistent and confident while training your Shar Pei and you’ll be fine!
Are Shar Pei good family dogs?
Their dogfighting and hunting past might scare away families who want to adopt a Shar Pei, but don’t worry, Shar Peis are excellent family dogs (read about how much attention does a Shar Pei need). While they used to be fighters, Shar Peis were also temple guard dogs in China back in the day. This makes them protective and devoted to their family and the ones they love. Shar Peis are also pretty laid back and don’t require a lot of space to be comfortable. This makes them perfect for small houses, apartments and condos! Proper and consistent training will help your Shar Pei behave itself in the family.
However, it is a good idea to let your kids grow up a bit before you get a Shar Pei. Younger kids won’t know when to stop pushing around the dog and are likely to not respect its boundaries.
Conclusion
Shar Peis are glorious dogs with a colorful past full of fighting, hunting, working and guarding. Their past itself might answer the question; can Shar Peis be aggressive? However, their history is not a curse and these lovable lugs can be wholesome and disciplined if trained appropriately! Remember, what dogs really need is some time, love and care!
