The Pekingese, with their flat faces, fluffy fur, and lion-like appearance, instantly catch your attention. These pint-sized pups certainly know how to turn heads. But there’s a question that haunts every pet owner thinking about adding a Pekingese to their family – Are they easy to train?
The short answer? It’s complicated. You see, the Pekingese breed, unlike the typical “people pleasers” of the canine world, are known for their independent and somewhat stubborn nature. Centuries of living as revered companions in Chinese royal courts could be responsible for this. They weren’t ordinary dogs, but companions to Chinese emperors, living the life of luxury and carried around on small thrones. Does this luxurious past influence their trainability? Let’s find out.
Training a Pekingese can be an adventure – challenge and charm rolled into one. An important thing to remember is that they were bred for companionship, not obedience. That elegant walk takes its own sweet time, and their expressive eyes reveal a stolid determination to do things at their own pace. However, that’s not to say they’re untrainable, it just requires a bit more patience and understanding.
Training should begin at an early stage for the Pekingese. Beginning the process when they are puppies helps you inject good habits and prevent problematic behavior from developing. Socializing your Pekingese at a young age is imperative. Once your vet gives the green light, exposing them to different people, environments, sounds, and experiences, can significantly help in making them more well-rounded and adaptable dogs.
In terms of house training, Pekingese can be a bit of a challenge. Their independent streak often comes into play here, and they might decide they prefer the carpet over the designated pee pad. But don’t worry, there are ways to tackle this. Consistency is essential in house training. By frequently taking your Pekingese pup outside, especially after meals or naps, you can help your pet associate the outdoors with bathroom time, making the process smoother.
An interesting tip to keep in mind while training a Pekingese is to keep the sessions short but frequent. Pekingese dogs, with their spirited personality, have a shorter attention span. Long training sessions can be both exhausting and unproductive for them. Around 5-10 minute sessions scattered throughout the day can make the training more effective and fun.
Now, as you’ve probably gathered, the Pekingese isn’t known to be the most obedient breed. But does this make them difficult? Not at all. It makes them intriguing. Think of them as the free souls of the canine world, marching to the beat of their own drum. And with the right approach of patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, training a Pekingese can be a rewarding experience.
Remember, the key to success in training your Pekingese lies in understanding their unique qualities. While they might not be the type to follow orders keenly, they’re extremely loyal, dignified, and courageous. With adequate time, your Pekingese can learn the rules of the house and basic commands. Better yet, they’ll shower you with an immense amount of love while doing so.
Lastly, consider involving professional trainers or puppy classes if you find the task daunting. But remember, these dogs thrive on human companionship and bonding with their owners during training can make them feel valued and loved.
In conclusion, are Pekingese easy to train? It depends. They may not swiftly follow your commands like a Border Collie, but they will spice up the training process with their charming, dignified, and slightly stubborn attitude. But isn’t that a part of their charm? And who knows, you might just learn a thing or two about patience and determination from your Pekingese!
