Newbie - advice please!
Moderator: chowadmin
Newbie - advice please!
Hi All!
Yep, I'm a newbie
I'm from Brisbane, Australia. My partner and I have just bought our first house, so we no longer have to stick to rental rules. This means we can finally get a puppy - woo hoo!
I've done heaps of research on dogs and their temperament, and I've finally settled on a Chow Chow. Why? I like the idea that they're their own characters - I class myself as more of a cat person than a dog person. This doesn't mean I don't like dogs - on the contrary! - but I like the notion of a dog that's not subservient, who has his own mind and independence, and who is more a member of the family than a pet. It also helps that they're cute! But before you censor me , I'm aware that there is more to a Chow than it's cuteness! We have cats, and I've read that Chows (if as a puppy) can get on quite well with them. We don't have a huge backyard (although it would be compared with the British average size!), and apparently Chows don't need as much exercise/space as, say, a Border Collie.
Here's what I've learned so far from this forum and general research (in a nutshell):
- Very very important to socialise dog from young age, and to keep it up throughout life
- Don't let dog mouth you or other family members
- Very important to bathe and groom properly
- Important to be consistant, not to let dog dominate family, but to use positive reinforcement rather than negative
- Walks are good!
Ummmm..... so, Chows are hard to find in Australia. We'd like a puppy, as we've got cats and we're new Chow owners (we'll teach each other hopefully!), but we don't have the large amounts of Chows in rescue shelters as you seem to do in America. I've contacted all of the breeders in the local area (4 in the whole state!), and a lady says that she has a litter due early June, and we can go on her waiting list, although she has a few people on it already. I've only spoken with her by e-mail so far (I contacted her today), and I'll give her a call either tonight or tomorrow night.
This leads on to my questions:
- How many puppies does a Chow generally have in a litter? ie 2-3, or 5-6?
- Would it be good to visit the Chowling during the first 8 weeks before we can bring it home, or wait until after to try and break the bond? I mean, I've read that if your Chow suffers from separation anxiety, it can be a positive thing to foster it out for a few weeks to a family member to try and break this protective bond somewhat.
- We're only after a Chow for a pet, and not a show quality/breeding dog. Should we ask for a male or female dog? Does it make a difference?
- Should we neuter the puppy ASAP?
- What's a good food that could be found in Australia? Does anyone cook up their own food? My partner's parents do up a rice/vegetable mix with a little meat - could something like this be suitable?
- Should we consider getting the dog professionally washed/groomed/nails clipped? If so, start that ASAP too? How often do people find it's necessary?
- What exactly are hot spots?
- Has anyone had any trouble with their puppy and cats getting on (aside from usual puppy exuberance and cat reticence!), and how did they deal with it?
- We don't have children now, but probably will in the next 2-3 years. Obviously we won't keep the two together alone, but will introducing a Chow to a baby once the Chow's out of it's puppy stage be a problem?
It's good that the puppies won't be available until August - plenty of preparation time! So, between now and then, should we be successful in getting on the breeder's list (she wants to meet and vet our suitability, and make sure we understand what we're doing), I'm thinking we should:
- Go to the breeder's place, check out the condition of her animals, and meet the parents and assess their temperament.
- Get our fences sorted out. They're about 3 feet high - how high should they be? Do Chows try to escape by jumping over fences?
Then, once the puppy arrives:
- Ask breeder for proof of puppy's health (ie vet report), and ask for a health warranty
- Get independant vet check
- Socialise straight away - take to heaps of public places, take around to parents-in-law to meet them and pugs, take around in car?
- Take to behaviour training? There seems to be conflicting info about this.... The socialising aspect is obviously good, but is the actual behaviour training worthwhile?
And that's all I can think of! Is there anything else we can do to prepare, apart from reading the forum?
Sorry for the epic post and all of the questions, but I really want to make sure we're making the right decision and I have all the info we need before even beginning.
Many thanks for any assistance anyone can give!
Yep, I'm a newbie
I'm from Brisbane, Australia. My partner and I have just bought our first house, so we no longer have to stick to rental rules. This means we can finally get a puppy - woo hoo!
I've done heaps of research on dogs and their temperament, and I've finally settled on a Chow Chow. Why? I like the idea that they're their own characters - I class myself as more of a cat person than a dog person. This doesn't mean I don't like dogs - on the contrary! - but I like the notion of a dog that's not subservient, who has his own mind and independence, and who is more a member of the family than a pet. It also helps that they're cute! But before you censor me , I'm aware that there is more to a Chow than it's cuteness! We have cats, and I've read that Chows (if as a puppy) can get on quite well with them. We don't have a huge backyard (although it would be compared with the British average size!), and apparently Chows don't need as much exercise/space as, say, a Border Collie.
Here's what I've learned so far from this forum and general research (in a nutshell):
- Very very important to socialise dog from young age, and to keep it up throughout life
- Don't let dog mouth you or other family members
- Very important to bathe and groom properly
- Important to be consistant, not to let dog dominate family, but to use positive reinforcement rather than negative
- Walks are good!
Ummmm..... so, Chows are hard to find in Australia. We'd like a puppy, as we've got cats and we're new Chow owners (we'll teach each other hopefully!), but we don't have the large amounts of Chows in rescue shelters as you seem to do in America. I've contacted all of the breeders in the local area (4 in the whole state!), and a lady says that she has a litter due early June, and we can go on her waiting list, although she has a few people on it already. I've only spoken with her by e-mail so far (I contacted her today), and I'll give her a call either tonight or tomorrow night.
This leads on to my questions:
- How many puppies does a Chow generally have in a litter? ie 2-3, or 5-6?
- Would it be good to visit the Chowling during the first 8 weeks before we can bring it home, or wait until after to try and break the bond? I mean, I've read that if your Chow suffers from separation anxiety, it can be a positive thing to foster it out for a few weeks to a family member to try and break this protective bond somewhat.
- We're only after a Chow for a pet, and not a show quality/breeding dog. Should we ask for a male or female dog? Does it make a difference?
- Should we neuter the puppy ASAP?
- What's a good food that could be found in Australia? Does anyone cook up their own food? My partner's parents do up a rice/vegetable mix with a little meat - could something like this be suitable?
- Should we consider getting the dog professionally washed/groomed/nails clipped? If so, start that ASAP too? How often do people find it's necessary?
- What exactly are hot spots?
- Has anyone had any trouble with their puppy and cats getting on (aside from usual puppy exuberance and cat reticence!), and how did they deal with it?
- We don't have children now, but probably will in the next 2-3 years. Obviously we won't keep the two together alone, but will introducing a Chow to a baby once the Chow's out of it's puppy stage be a problem?
It's good that the puppies won't be available until August - plenty of preparation time! So, between now and then, should we be successful in getting on the breeder's list (she wants to meet and vet our suitability, and make sure we understand what we're doing), I'm thinking we should:
- Go to the breeder's place, check out the condition of her animals, and meet the parents and assess their temperament.
- Get our fences sorted out. They're about 3 feet high - how high should they be? Do Chows try to escape by jumping over fences?
Then, once the puppy arrives:
- Ask breeder for proof of puppy's health (ie vet report), and ask for a health warranty
- Get independant vet check
- Socialise straight away - take to heaps of public places, take around to parents-in-law to meet them and pugs, take around in car?
- Take to behaviour training? There seems to be conflicting info about this.... The socialising aspect is obviously good, but is the actual behaviour training worthwhile?
And that's all I can think of! Is there anything else we can do to prepare, apart from reading the forum?
Sorry for the epic post and all of the questions, but I really want to make sure we're making the right decision and I have all the info we need before even beginning.
Many thanks for any assistance anyone can give!
Re: Newbie - advice please!
hi and welcome i will leave all the advice to the more experienced chow owners just wanted to say hello
Re: Newbie - advice please!
Hi! Lovely to meet you - thanks for the friendly welcome
Re: Newbie - advice please!
Hi, welcome and wow I wish I had been that well prepared!
I will try to cover cats and chows as we have two cats, one chow and a cavalier. We made a gate between Bramble and cats so that the cats could have there own space and take their time to come round. You can't force a cat or a chow! Anyway one cat decided that a meer puppy was not going to spoil his life and he just did what he wanted and ignored the Bramble. Never a cross word - the puppy did not exist. The other cat has spent the best part of four months on his side of the gate and spits at Bramble if she comes too close. Now at last Ollie is begining to come over the barrier and tell Bramble what he thinks of her. The one thing I try never to happen is for Bramble to chase Ollie. If i see it begining to happen I grab her collar and sharply pull it to break her concentration and say NO...LEAVE IT. The trick is to get there before it escalates and in my opinion that is the trick with "training" a chow because once they are off and running there is no stopping them. Let your cat set the pace and make sure it has safe places to go.
Good luck with your puppy search and keep us posted. It sounds as though you have even less breeders than we do in Scotland.
I will try to cover cats and chows as we have two cats, one chow and a cavalier. We made a gate between Bramble and cats so that the cats could have there own space and take their time to come round. You can't force a cat or a chow! Anyway one cat decided that a meer puppy was not going to spoil his life and he just did what he wanted and ignored the Bramble. Never a cross word - the puppy did not exist. The other cat has spent the best part of four months on his side of the gate and spits at Bramble if she comes too close. Now at last Ollie is begining to come over the barrier and tell Bramble what he thinks of her. The one thing I try never to happen is for Bramble to chase Ollie. If i see it begining to happen I grab her collar and sharply pull it to break her concentration and say NO...LEAVE IT. The trick is to get there before it escalates and in my opinion that is the trick with "training" a chow because once they are off and running there is no stopping them. Let your cat set the pace and make sure it has safe places to go.
Good luck with your puppy search and keep us posted. It sounds as though you have even less breeders than we do in Scotland.
Re: Newbie - advice please!
Hi! Thanks for the advice - that's a great idea! I've heard about people using baby fences/gates to block off areas of their house that they didn't want the Chow to enter, but I did not consider it for making the cats feel safe... Our cats have very little experience with dogs, so I'm expecting blind panic, full-on attack, or snootiness from them, or a combination of all three You're right about the chasing though, and that's a good idea to stop that ASAP.
That gives rise to more questions *lol* Do most people keep a collar on their Chows at all times? And are they better sleeping indoors or out at night? We do not have to worry too much about cold nights here in Brisbane, so I think I'd keep the Chow inside more for safety and to make him/her feel secure, as we do with our cats.
Yeah, we have only about 17 proper breeders (as opposed to backyard breeders and petshops), that I can find anyway, in the whole of Australia! That's why I wonder if it would be best to neuter the puppy - am I silly in thinking that removing him from the future gene pool could be detrimental for Chows in Australia?!
Yep, I will definitely keep everyone posted, and hopefully I'll have some photos to put up relatively soon! Well, in three months anyway... sigh... seems so long!
That gives rise to more questions *lol* Do most people keep a collar on their Chows at all times? And are they better sleeping indoors or out at night? We do not have to worry too much about cold nights here in Brisbane, so I think I'd keep the Chow inside more for safety and to make him/her feel secure, as we do with our cats.
Yeah, we have only about 17 proper breeders (as opposed to backyard breeders and petshops), that I can find anyway, in the whole of Australia! That's why I wonder if it would be best to neuter the puppy - am I silly in thinking that removing him from the future gene pool could be detrimental for Chows in Australia?!
Yep, I will definitely keep everyone posted, and hopefully I'll have some photos to put up relatively soon! Well, in three months anyway... sigh... seems so long!
Re: Newbie - advice please!
We keep Brambles collar on at all times as it has her tag on it and it gives you a handle. I would say if you want a pet then keep your puppy indoors at night to begin with at least, so that it becomes part of your family and learns what is OK and what is not. A puppy may well be quite anxious when it leaves its Mum and siblings and will want to be near you for reasurance. We were very lucky with Bramble we let her lie on the kitchen floor with her crate door open for the first three nights as she had never been in a crate before. Then during the day we fed her in the crate and gave her treats in it gradually closing the door and giving her longer in it. Within three days she was happy to spend the night in her crate and never looked back. She never cried once at night and we never had to get up to let her out at night. Chow puppies are very clean and wil not generally mess their space so a crate helps to house train them as well.
The breeder we got her from spent a lot of time sociallising her and even accustomed her to being on her own for short times. This payed dividends - you might ask the breeder if she would do this fo you.
The breeder we got her from spent a lot of time sociallising her and even accustomed her to being on her own for short times. This payed dividends - you might ask the breeder if she would do this fo you.
Re: Newbie - advice please!
Mmmm, that all makes sense - thanks!
I've read a bit about crating, but I don't really kn ow what's involved *visions of milk crates* *quickly types it into forum search engine...*
I've read a bit about crating, but I don't really kn ow what's involved *visions of milk crates* *quickly types it into forum search engine...*
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- Rank 1
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- Joined: Sat Feb 24, 2007 7:51 am
- Location: fishers, in
Re: Newbie - advice please!
Hi, and welcome to the site!!!
As you can see from having perused the site, there is always excellent advice and I wouldn't even begin to attempt to add to it, mostly just wanted to welcome you to this very exciting and interesting (and, sometimes, lively) site...
We've always kept our chowkids inside, particularly at night. While we live in a gated suburban community, you just never know. Plus, we have opossums, an occasional skunk and coyotes (which have eaten a couple of smaller dogs in a nearby neighborhood). Plus, I like having them inside with us. Ming loves to sleep on the bed in the summer (on a silk coverlet, no less) while Tempest prefers either downstairs in the foyer on the marble floor OR on the upstairs balcony so that she can look down into the foyer while she guards the house. As for collars, they only wear collars when we're going for walks, they're both micro-chipped should they ever get out.
You've done your homework on research, which is a good thing. You'll find that once you bring a chow into your life, you're spoiled forever...
As you can see from having perused the site, there is always excellent advice and I wouldn't even begin to attempt to add to it, mostly just wanted to welcome you to this very exciting and interesting (and, sometimes, lively) site...
We've always kept our chowkids inside, particularly at night. While we live in a gated suburban community, you just never know. Plus, we have opossums, an occasional skunk and coyotes (which have eaten a couple of smaller dogs in a nearby neighborhood). Plus, I like having them inside with us. Ming loves to sleep on the bed in the summer (on a silk coverlet, no less) while Tempest prefers either downstairs in the foyer on the marble floor OR on the upstairs balcony so that she can look down into the foyer while she guards the house. As for collars, they only wear collars when we're going for walks, they're both micro-chipped should they ever get out.
You've done your homework on research, which is a good thing. You'll find that once you bring a chow into your life, you're spoiled forever...
Re: Newbie - advice please!
A pup needs to learn certain things from its mother and siblings, and a pup's brain goes through several developmental phases, such as the first fear imprinting phase, that you should be aware of. There's research information on this in the training forum.Ellie wrote: - Would it be good to visit the Chowling during the first 8 weeks before we can bring it home, or wait until after to try and break the bond? I mean, I've read that if your Chow suffers from separation anxiety, it can be a positive thing to foster it out for a few weeks to a family member to try and break this protective bond somewhat.
No, because those hormones play an important overall role in the body, including bone and muscle health and development, bladder health, etc. There is research on long term adverse effects of early spay/neutering in the health archives. There are several threads on the topic.Ellie wrote: - Should we neuter the puppy ASAP?
No, because overall calcium percentages in growing dogs are an important factor in diet. Too much can lead to serious bone/joint problems. Young pups aren't able to regulate their calcium levels as older dogs can.Ellie wrote:My partner's parents do up a rice/vegetable mix with a little meat - could something like this be suitable?
Slow growth, large breed formulas are recommended for breeds like Chows. There are several archived research threads on this topic as well.
Most often staph infections, brought on by nutritional imbalances. A diet too high in inflammatory fats for instance, increases the itch factor, increases vulnerability to staph/malassezia yeasts.Ellie wrote: - What exactly are hot spots?
Re: Newbie - advice please!
WELCOME, I only have older chows so I can't give you any first hand experience advice but I do know chows are loving animals
David
David
Re: Newbie - advice please!
I would refer you to Rowlee (Sabina), who is in Perth area, I believe. Also Mally, and sengeoz (Judith-Ann).
I mentioned Sabina first, because she is a very successful raw diet feeder. She can give you excellent advice, and likely will, when she sees this post. You can try a PM, that will send her an alert if she has that option set, and you would get a quicker reply.
Mally is on the opposite side of AUS, and may be able to refer you to a reputable breeder. Which leads me to sengeoz, who is an actual breeder, and a good one, too, IMHO. She is very busy and does not come on as frequently as the other ladies, but again, you can try a PM. She does a very conservative numbers of litters, so don't be disappointed if there is a waiting list for any of her chowlings, but she is also well connected in the Chow world there, and may be able to help you find another breeder you can trust.
I mentioned Sabina first, because she is a very successful raw diet feeder. She can give you excellent advice, and likely will, when she sees this post. You can try a PM, that will send her an alert if she has that option set, and you would get a quicker reply.
Mally is on the opposite side of AUS, and may be able to refer you to a reputable breeder. Which leads me to sengeoz, who is an actual breeder, and a good one, too, IMHO. She is very busy and does not come on as frequently as the other ladies, but again, you can try a PM. She does a very conservative numbers of litters, so don't be disappointed if there is a waiting list for any of her chowlings, but she is also well connected in the Chow world there, and may be able to help you find another breeder you can trust.
Re: Newbie - advice please!
*yawn* Good morning everyone! Thanks again for everyone's warm welcome and advice.
Yes Chowchowdaddy, I've noticed that it's been a bit 'lively' lately, but I'm staying well out of that!
Thanks Kiwani, you're right - I have to quit being lazy and search up more archived threads The problem is that there's so many, and I tend to get distracted by one and head off on a tangent and completely forget where I was up to half an hour later
Auddymay - thanks for the contacts, and I'll definitely PM them. It'd be useful to have some Australian contacts, and also to know if they have any feedback about the breeder I'm thinking about going through.
Hey, can anyone help me out with the term 'crate'? I don't know if it's just me being ignorant, or if it's an American term, but I keep thinking of a wooden box! You guys mean like a big cat carrier right? Plastic bottom tray, metal bar sides (or enclosed plastic sides), and a hinged door at the front?
Back to the search engine
Yes Chowchowdaddy, I've noticed that it's been a bit 'lively' lately, but I'm staying well out of that!
Thanks Kiwani, you're right - I have to quit being lazy and search up more archived threads The problem is that there's so many, and I tend to get distracted by one and head off on a tangent and completely forget where I was up to half an hour later
Auddymay - thanks for the contacts, and I'll definitely PM them. It'd be useful to have some Australian contacts, and also to know if they have any feedback about the breeder I'm thinking about going through.
Hey, can anyone help me out with the term 'crate'? I don't know if it's just me being ignorant, or if it's an American term, but I keep thinking of a wooden box! You guys mean like a big cat carrier right? Plastic bottom tray, metal bar sides (or enclosed plastic sides), and a hinged door at the front?
Back to the search engine
Re: Newbie - advice please!
There are a variety of crates:
http://www.petedge.com/catalog/search.j ... &N=0&Nty=1
http://www.petedge.com/catalog/search.j ... &N=0&Nty=1
Karen, Kohana, Takoda, and our Chow Angels Nahkohe and Shiloh
Re: Newbie - advice please!
So, I spoke with the breeder last night and it all went well - I think I've passed the first stage *lol* She was very helpful and passed on a lot of tips and advice. Her parents and grandparents raised Chows, and have done since 1927, making them one of the first families to have Chows in Australia. So I'm not worried about her credentials
I'm fourth on her list, but last time the mother only had three pups, so There's a 50/50 chance anyway.... Or probably a 60/40, as she said that this litter was unplanned, so those on the list before me might not be ready for their Chowlings when they're ready. Both parents are a deep red colour, so that's lovely In photos I've seen. most of the red pups have black around their noses - does this fade with age?
And now all I have to do is wait.... and wait.... it seems so long! And keep reading the forum of course!
I'm fourth on her list, but last time the mother only had three pups, so There's a 50/50 chance anyway.... Or probably a 60/40, as she said that this litter was unplanned, so those on the list before me might not be ready for their Chowlings when they're ready. Both parents are a deep red colour, so that's lovely In photos I've seen. most of the red pups have black around their noses - does this fade with age?
And now all I have to do is wait.... and wait.... it seems so long! And keep reading the forum of course!
Re: Newbie - advice please!
Yay! Just found out last night that the mommy Chow had 6 puppies - 4 boys and 2 girls! What a lovely big litter! Is it usual for there to be more males than females, or is it just random? The lady will be contacting me again in a week or so to arrange for me to visit the puppies. So exciting!
Re: Newbie - advice please!
Congratulations. This seems to have been the longest chow pregnancy in the world. I was thinking about you the other day and wondering if those puppies had been born yet. Great that it was a big litter you should have plenty of choice. My only advice is pics as soon as poss!
Re: Newbie - advice please!
Oh gosh, I know - it seemed to take forever! And I would've been gutted if she'd said that there were only three puppies I don't know if I'll have heaps of choice considering there's three people before us, but I guess it means we'll still have our pick of three puppies. Not that we mind if it's a male or female, but it's always nice to have choice.
The camera will definitely be going with us when we go for our first visit
Since I last wrote we've also adopted a little kitten, so it's getting to be a real menagerie around here (3 cats, 2 galahs (Australian parrots), assorted fish, 2 crayfish, and 2 axolotls)! My dad reckons we should just settle down and have kids already
The camera will definitely be going with us when we go for our first visit
Since I last wrote we've also adopted a little kitten, so it's getting to be a real menagerie around here (3 cats, 2 galahs (Australian parrots), assorted fish, 2 crayfish, and 2 axolotls)! My dad reckons we should just settle down and have kids already
- Judy Fox
- Rank 4
- Posts: 6320
- Joined: Wed Mar 02, 2005 9:49 am
- Location: Cheshire, On The Island.(But always wishing she was back home in Wales)
Re: Newbie - advice please!
Congratulations!
My Millie and Mabel are from a litter of six - Milly and Mabel and four boys..
So as for choosing - have you decided which you want - a boy or a girl because that will narrow down your choice.
Problem is baby chowlings are so adorable, I do not envy you your job!
Good Luck.
My Millie and Mabel are from a litter of six - Milly and Mabel and four boys..
So as for choosing - have you decided which you want - a boy or a girl because that will narrow down your choice.
Problem is baby chowlings are so adorable, I do not envy you your job!
Good Luck.
Re: Newbie - advice please!
Thanks Judy, and yeah, I think when we see them we're going to want to take the whole litter home with us!
We tentatively would prefer a female puppy, just because we think a girl might be a little more easier on us for our first Chow, but we don't really mind too much either way. As we're 4th on the list, we may find that by the time the first three have chosen their puppy, we don't have a say in the genders left anyway. *shrugs* It's not much of a concern - we're just happy there were so many puppies! It's really weird seeing how many Chows are available/up for adoption in the US, and here we are queuing months for quite expensive puppies in Australia... If this litter hadn't happened (it was an 'accidental pregnancy'), the breeder said that her next litter wasn't planned until November! We would have preferred to adopt a rescue dog, but it really isn't an option here.
Ah well, she's going to call soon, and I'll find out more about what our choices are then
We tentatively would prefer a female puppy, just because we think a girl might be a little more easier on us for our first Chow, but we don't really mind too much either way. As we're 4th on the list, we may find that by the time the first three have chosen their puppy, we don't have a say in the genders left anyway. *shrugs* It's not much of a concern - we're just happy there were so many puppies! It's really weird seeing how many Chows are available/up for adoption in the US, and here we are queuing months for quite expensive puppies in Australia... If this litter hadn't happened (it was an 'accidental pregnancy'), the breeder said that her next litter wasn't planned until November! We would have preferred to adopt a rescue dog, but it really isn't an option here.
Ah well, she's going to call soon, and I'll find out more about what our choices are then
- Judy Fox
- Rank 4
- Posts: 6320
- Joined: Wed Mar 02, 2005 9:49 am
- Location: Cheshire, On The Island.(But always wishing she was back home in Wales)
Re: Newbie - advice please!
Oh goodness, it is so exciting - look forward to hearing the news.
Re: Newbie - advice please!
Hi Ellie, How old is your puppy now and when will you get her/him. What did you choose and what colour. Have you any pix yet? Keep us updated please.