11 Common Pekingese Behavior Problems & Tips

Pekingese pups may be adorable little fluff balls, but like any breed, they can come with their own set of behavior problems.

From stubbornness to separation anxiety, there are a variety of issues that Pekingese owners may encounter. But fear not!

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common Pekingese behavior problems and offer tips on how to tackle them.

So, if you’re a proud Pekingese owner or considering adding one to your family, keep on reading!

Learn more about Pekingese temperaments.

Pekingese Behavior Problems

The following are some common Pekingese behavior problems and solutions:

1. Dominant Behavior

Pekingese dogs can be dominant, questioning their owners’ authority which can some times lead to unnecessary behaviors.

Establishing yourself as the pack leader through regular and assertive training is critical.

Instead of harsh punishments, emphasize positive reinforcement and reward-based training.

Addressing and managing dominating behavior in Pekingese dogs requires consistency, clear boundaries, and good socialization.

2. Unnecessary barking

Pekingese dogs are known to be vocal, and excessive barking can be an issue if they are not properly trained.

It is critical to discover the underlying reason for this behavior to remedy it.

Is your Pekingese barking out of boredom, anxiety, aggression, or to attract attention?

Regular exercise, interactive toys, and walks can help relieve boredom and prevent excessive barking.

Rewarding your Pekingese for peaceful behavior and training them with instructions such as “quiet” or “enough” can also help create boundaries and refocus their attention.

3. Separation Anxiety

When left alone, Pekingese dogs are known for their intense commitment to their owners, which can cause separation anxiety.

Gradual desensitization is required to help your Pekingese acclimatize to being alone.

Begin by leaving them alone for small periods of time and progressively extend the time.

To offer a sense of security, provide comforting items such as clothing with your fragrance.

Making a safe and comfortable location for them, such as a separate area with their bed and toys, can also help them feel less anxious.

Additionally, practicing departures and arrivals without making a fuss might help them learn that your absence is transitory and nothing to be afraid of.

4. Resource Guarding

Pekingese dogs can be territorial over food, toys, or territory.

Teach them the “leave it” command and practice swapping objects for treats while gradually increasing the value of the goods.

Taking goods away forcibly may reinforce their guarding tendency.

Instead, concentrate on educating kids that giving up stuff results in favorable benefits.

If the behavior persists or worsens, get professional advice on how to successfully address resource guarding.

5. House Soiling

Potty training might be difficult for Pekingese dogs because of their stubborn attitude.

It is critical to establish a consistent pattern for regular restroom breaks.

Allow your Pekingese to go outside on a regular basis, especially after meals and naps, and reward them for eliminating in acceptable areas.

Indoors, keep a tight eye on them and provide clear indications and good rewards for using designated toileting areas.

If an accident occurs, never scold or punish the victims because this may induce dread or bewilderment. Instead, be patient and consistent while reinforcing favorable conduct.

6. Destructive Chewing

Pekingese puppies, like many other dogs, may chew on furniture, shoes, or other household items.

When they indulge in harmful chewing, it is critical to provide appropriate chew toys and redirect their focus.

Protect your home from puppies by putting valuable or harmful items out of their reach.

Encourage and reward appropriate chewing activity to assist children in differentiating between permissible and prohibited things.

If chewing activity persists, it may suggest boredom or anxiety, requiring further mental stimulation or professional advice.

7. Jumping on People

Pekingese dogs have a habit of jumping up on people, which can be annoying or even hazardous.

Discourage this habit by not giving them attention when they leap on a regular basis.

Teach them alternate orders like “sit” or “down” and praise them for doing so instead.

To avoid confusion, make sure guests and family members are aware of the rules and frequently reaffirm them.

8. Fear of Strangers

Pekingese dogs can be suspicious of strangers, leading to defensive or scared behavior.

Socialization begins at a young age. Gradually introduce new people, locations, and events to your Pekingese, praising positive and calm conduct.

To associate strangers with positive experiences, use positive reinforcement strategies like treats or praise.

Allow your Pekingese to approach new individuals at their own speed rather than forcing interactions.

Patience and constancy are essential in assisting them in overcoming their fear.

9. Leash Reactivity

When on a leash, certain Pekingese dogs may exhibit reactive behavior such as barking or lunging.

Redirect their attention with commands like “sit” or “look at me,” and reward them for remaining quiet.

Use positive reinforcement training methods and gradually introduce them to controlled environments where they can practice acceptable leash behavior.

If necessary, seek the advice of a professional dog trainer, who can provide particular strategies customized to your Pekingese’s demands.

10. Excessive Guarding

Pekingese dogs can become territorial and will guard their homes or family members.

Set clear boundaries and guidelines, and reinforce proper behavior with positive reinforcement.

Avoid circumstances that may set off their protective instincts, such as strangers invading their personal space.

Seek professional help if the behavior becomes problematic or constitutes a safety risk to your Pekingese and those around them.

11. Excessive Grooming and Licking

Some Pekingese dogs may groom themselves excessively, resulting in skin irritations or bald areas.

First, speak with a veterinarian to address any underlying medical concerns.

To support maximum coat and skin health, make sure your Pekingese is eating a healthy diet.

Engage in play or training activities to provide mental stimulation to distract them from excessive grooming.

To discourage excessive licking or chewing, employ deterrent sprays or specific collars if necessary.

Seeking professional treatment can assist in determining the root reason and developing suitable measures to manage the behavior.

Ways to Prevent Pekingese Behavior Problems

Here are some ways to prevent Pekingese behavior problems:

1. Start training early: Start training your Pekingese as early as possible, and make sure that you use positive reinforcement techniques.
2. Socialize your Pekingese early: Introduce your Pekingese puppy to other dogs, people, and new experiences gradually. This way, they can get used to new things and won’t develop fear or aggression towards them.
3. Be consistent: Make sure that you are consistent in your training techniques, rules, and boundaries. This helps your dog understand what behaviors are acceptable and what aren’t.
4. Set boundaries: Set boundaries that your Pekingese will follow both at home and outside. For example, not allowing them to jump on people.
5. Exercise regularly: Pekingese dogs need regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and to avoid destructive behaviors due to boredom.
6. Provide structure: Establish structure and routine at home which includes regular feeding times, playtime and exercise session, and bedtime routines.
7. Health check-ups: Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help identify any health issues early on and manage them before they escalate into behavioral problems.
8. Dental care: Pekingese is prone to dental diseases, so providing regular dental care can prevent difficulties eating, pain and discomfort, and inappropriate chewing behavior.
9. Address bad habits immediately: If your Pekingese shows any undesirable behaviors, address them immediately to prevent them from becoming entrenched and hard to correct later.

Learn more about Pekingese behaviors.

Related Questions

Why does my Pekingese bark so much?

Pekingese are known for their tendency to bark excessively, especially when they feel threatened or anxious. If your Pekingese is barking excessively, it may be a sign of an underlying behavior problem that needs to be addressed. You could try training your dog to bark less or addressing the underlying cause of the barking.

How can I prevent my Pekingese from being aggressive toward other dogs or people?

Aggression is not typical of Pekingese, but it can sometimes happen due to fear or a lack of socialization. If your Pekingese is showing signs of aggression, such as growling, snarling, or biting, you should seek the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can work with you and your dog to address the problem and prevent it from worsening.

Is separation anxiety a common problem in Pekingese?

Yes. Due to their affectionate and loyal nature, Pekingese can become very attached to their owner or family and may experience separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. If your Pekingese shows signs of separation anxiety, such as destructive behavior or excessive barking, you could try providing more exercise and mental stimulation or using products like calming pheromone sprays or toys.

Why is my Pekingese so stubborn?

Pekingese are known for being independent and headstrong, which can sometimes come across as stubbornness. They may refuse to obey commands or follow rules if they feel that it goes against their own desires or interests. However, this behavior can be addressed with positive reinforcement training, consistent rules and boundaries, and patience.

How can I deal with my Pekingese’s digging?

Digging is a natural behavior in dogs, and Pekingese are no exception. However, if your Pekingese is digging excessively or inappropriately, it could be a sign of boredom, anxiety, or a lack of exercise. You could try providing a digging area for your dog, providing more exercise and mental stimulation, or addressing any underlying anxiety or behavior problems.

Conclusion

All in all, Pekingese behavior problems can be a handful to deal with, but with patience, consistency, and proper training, they can be effectively managed.

As loyal companions, these furry friends deserve all the love and care we can give them.

So the next time you encounter a Pekingese with behavior issues, remember to approach them with compassion and work towards turning them into well-behaved, happy pups.