Socialization

Proper socialization is important for puppies. Shar-Pei are very social creatures. It is very important to help them bond with other people rather than canines. They need to learn to be comfortable and happy around people and other animals.

At no time is socialization a bigger issue than when bringing a new puppy into the home. This can be a little unsettling for everyone involved, especially the other animals that may already be there. Read on for some tips and things you should know to make the arrival of a new Shar-Pei puppy the best experience possible.

Genetics

The first thing to understand is that a dog's genetics set a limit on how well-socialized it can become. Early handling and learning to trust are important, but genetics are more important. The Baggins bloodline produces exceptionally tame and happy dogs. This is a result of carefully screening for temperament over 30 years of breeding. They are good with animals both small and large. They adapt very well to living with other animals. Some other dogs have a genetic predisposition for mean or aggressive behavior and no amount of socialization will eliminate this.

Early Handling

Puppies are handled daily from birth by myself and my three grandchildren. The puppies learn very early to trust and like everybody. When all their experiences with people are good, they learn to expect that. It is important to help them bond with other people rather than canines. When they are being weaned, I hand feed them. They lick a mixture of gerber rice cereal and goat's milk from my fingers. They do not mingle with other animals until they are four months old and have completed all their puppy shots. At that point they begin to go to training classes, travel in cars, etc.

New Family

Shar-Pei from the Baggins bloodline need to be part of a family as inside house dogs. They want to be with their people. They are very low-key and tolerant with adults, children and other animals. They have good guarding instincts: letting you know when someone approaches the door. A puppy's age when it moves in with it's new family is not as important as many people believe. Sometimes puppies that are candidates for showing are held for observation for 6-7 months. When these dogs go to a new family, they have no problems bonding with them.

Picky Eaters

When you get a new puppy home, it will be so curious about new surroundings that it will tend to ignore its food, so for the first day or two, you may need to add something to entice the puppy to eat (such as cooked chicken) until you get the puppy back on a normal schedule of three meals a day. At 16 weeks, you can go to two times a day if you prefer.

Joining the Pack

I have not had any problems with puppies not being accepted by the resident dogs, but there will be an adjustment period. This reshuffling of their social order usually only lasts a few days.

Top Dog

If there is an existing dog in the home, that dog should be the top dog in the home. Do not scold the older dog or try to make it become submissive. The puppy should learn from the beginning that the older dog is at the top of the pecking order. Most Baggins puppies will not care and will not vie for the top spot. Chaperone the puppy with the other dog at first. Let the top dog set the limits for the puppy. It's OK to allow it to growl and intimidate, just protect the puppy from physical harm. Giving the older dog lots of attention and the freedom to be assertive with the puppy will help it to relax and accept the new member of its pack.

Pouting

Sometimes the older dog will act indifferent to the puppy and even with the family for 3 or 4 days, as if it is mad at the family. By the end of that period the older dog will usually accept the puppy and realize it is not a threat.

Male Dominance

It is always safest to have opposite sexes, but I have many homes that have two or more males living together. In these cases I always advise that the males be neutered in order to avoid struggles over male dominance.

Crates and Confinement

Crates may seem like cruel torture devices to humans, but they are comfortable havens for puppies. Don't be afraid to confine your new puppy in a crate occasionally. They will play hard for a while and then will need to sleep, much like infants. A crate is a great place for this. Crating can also help the settling in process by giving older dogs a much needed break from the stress of a high energy puppy.

Cats

I do not have cats, but many of the homes I send puppies to do (including my sons). I have never had a puppy returned because of an issue with cats.

If you have any questions or concerns about how your Baggins Puppy is fitting in, please don't hesitate to call me.