The Shar Pei is an intelligent and playful breed that can also be headstrong at times with a stubborn streak.
It is important to use persistence when training a Shar Pei pup since they are dominant and will run your house if you let them.
By starting training early and being persistent you can establish yourself as the head of household.
However, you also need to take care of your Shar Pei pup in order to give them a long, healthy and happy life.
The first thing you need to do when you get your Shar Pei pup is to have them vaccinated and then make sure you get their booster shots on the exact schedule that your veterinarian recommends so that your Shar Pei's immunity against diseases can be kept up.
It is also a good idea to discuss flea control products, heart worm 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.
From a very early age it is important that you socialize your Shar Pei pup with children and any other pets in your household.
The Shar Pei is very playful around children but they can also be aggressive when around other dogs.
When you train your Shar Pei pup you should avoid using a sharp voice.
Rather the Shar Pei does well with kind words and positive reinforcement, usually in the form of treats.
However, because of their stubborn streak you still want to be firm when handling your Shar Pei pup.
You should make sure your Shar Pei pup is exercised at least once a day, but to avoid conflicts with other dogs you should keep them on a leash.
Consider taking your Shar Pei pup to puppy kindergarten training classes when they turn about ten weeks of age.
When exercising in hot weather make sure your Shar Pei pup has plenty of shade and water since they are extremely sensitive to hot weather.
At least once a week give your dogs coat a good brushing with a bristle brush and during shedding you should do it at least several times a day.
When necessary give your Shar Pei pup a bath but don't shampoo them too frequently since this can make them more susceptible to dry skin.
If possible you should bath your dog no more than once every two weeks.
Trim your pup's nails at least every two to four weeks and check the nails regularly.
Start a nail-trimming schedule while your Shar Pei is still a puppy.
Use a cotton swab to check and clean your pup's ears often in order to avoid ear problems.