Chows in Public???

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TJordan
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Chows in Public???

Post by TJordan »

Reading some of these other threads got me thinking about what a trainer (or so called trainer) told me last year. I was talking to her about putting Butters in the doggie day care type thing for a few hours a day so he could play with other dogs. She informed me, mind you she had never even seen Butters. But she informed me that I should not ever even take him into public places since he doesn't like people touching him. She said that any dog in a public place is viewed as a dog that can be petted by strangers!!

I was just wondering what some other opinions were. I stopped taking him to Petsmart because I thought well if that is the attitude I can't take him anywhere. But she was also saying parks as well. I just don't think that because he is in a park or even a store that people should think it ok to touch him without asking.

Just wondering what your thoughts were on this???
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Post by jerryo »

Butters is so dang beautiful that people ARE going to want to pet him. That is just one of the facts of life, along with the other fact that there are alot of stupid people on the loose without proper supervision. That said, I would not let it keep me from taking Butters out in public. If you are aware and keep an eye out for idiots, Butters may come to accept them better.

I took Benny and Lady to an Adoption Fair at the mall in Huntsville last year and we all had a great time. They have also been to PetCo and PetSmart with no real problems, although it's hard to push a cart and control two furkids at the same time. :D
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Post by Jeff&Peks »

Pekoe is the same if not worse then Butters, I take Pekoe out in to public everyday twice aday, I take her to stores, malls, out door restaurants, concerts and events all the time. I have never had a problem, being a Chow she does attract allot of attention so all I do is tell the people she doesn't like to be touched they are fine with it. Even though Butters and Pekoe don't like people they will never attack or bite anyone unless forced. Pekoe has been pushed, shoved, stepped on, and bump into by hundreds of people never a problem.
As long as that hand doesn't come toward her she's fine, even with the hand all she does is growl but never an attack or bite.

There will always be one idiot that persist and after an hour lecture on what great dog people they are and how all dogs love them, I say go ahead but if you get bit don't blame me, One growl and the arguments over, my Chow is possessed and they move on, very rare but it does happens, Most people are fine when you explain. On the quick attacks from people and kids you pull the Chow back, say don't touch, you get a dirty look, they walk off no problem.

You worry about Butters to much take him out and have fun, Nothing like you and your Chow out enjoying the world and seeing the sites. don't let other People control your life with Butters becouse of thier stupitdy.
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Post by TJordan »

Well that is true. My parents raised me paranoid!! LOL. I do worry because I don't want that one accident to happen and then they would want to put him down. I run into people at the park who insist I am lying about him not liking strangers touching him. But I guess if something did happen we could go on the run!! Maybe to the carribean, I think Butters is a tropical climate chow!! LOL
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Post by ciaobella »

Wow, I think it would be great to get Butters out in public so he would be less leery of people. Ditto what Jeff and Jerry said, but beware those whiny kids who say, "... but I just want to pet him, he's so fluffy", they are sneaky.
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Post by Jeff&Peks »

You just have to be careful and its not you or Butters that you have to be careful of its the people and kids. Once you start walking around the neighborhood and the local places people will get to know you and Butters, they know not to touch. Once everyone knows the story, they stop chit chat and say hi to the Chow and off they go everyone is happy. The more Butters is out and gets use to the public and people get to know him you never have to say another word. You might get a few that look at you like there;s that wierd lady and her Chow but who cares, that's thier problem.

Keep an eye on the Yapper dogs and the kids your fine. Theres a hundred kids in the park across the street, Conner has spread the word don't touch the black Chow, I can walk Pekoe through them with out any problems at all, if there is a new kid that dosn't know then all the kids yell at him/her DON"T TOUCH THE CHOW, the parents laugh and thinks it funny and the kids are learning dog behavior.
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Post by chowchowdaddy »

We take Ming and Tempest places, but they're pretty social. They especially love going into Three Dog Bakery, they look at the open bins as a huge smorgasbord...

We've not really had any trouble with them, I guess they're just pretty social. But, I do think it's a good idea to try and take your chowlings out as often as possible in order to let them know how much better they are than mere dogs!
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Post by Wes Chow Chows »

Would I take them out in Public. The Answer is YES!!!. Know with that said you need to remember to make sure you keep then under countrol. If he gfrowls correct him and let him know that they is not the correct behanior that you want. I start all of my chows and any that come to me to be shown at about 4-6weeks they go every where I can get them and as many people as I can possiable get to handle them I do. This is how you break that not liking strangers handling them. When they get bigger I tell them to come say hello and then they can come up and the dog knows that they are going to get petted. They get no choice in this I am the ONE AND ONLY in charge. And I have never had a problem.

As for you Chowchowdaddy those two you have a lap dogs they would not hurt a flea.
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Post by chowchowdaddy »

Hey, they resemble that remark!!!!!
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Post by Jeff&Peks »

Socializing is great depending on far you want to take it, Pekoe doesn't like being touched and no matter what her temperament is I don't want people touching her especially strangers, They can't just walk up and touch me or my daughter so they don't need to be touching my Chow, People should be able to admire something with out having to touch it.

Besides the obvious reasons for not touching a strange dog is the germs people Carry around, I am a little ocd'd about people touching so keep the paws off my Chow.
It has nothing to do with training or being social or who's the boss. I don't want my Chow being touched by strangers, let them go pick their nose and wipe it on an obedient dog, not my Chow.
Last edited by Jeff&Peks on Wed Aug 01, 2007 3:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by TJordan »

EEEWWW, Yuck!! Nose picking and chow wiping. You know how hard that would be to get outta chow hair!!
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Post by WildThings »

Tess absolutely hates to have anyone except my family touch her at all. She allows the vet and the vet techs when they have to, but it is really, really rare that she will let anyone else touch her. With that being said, I take her out in public all the time. Her and Tacia are always in the front yard, with people constantly walking by, we go on walks (again, I live in a tourist town, we have a lot of people out walking), to the pet store, to the YMCA when I have to pick my mom up at work, etc. Most people I have come across have asked before approaching her...I just tell them no, she's doesn't like to be touched. When we are in the pet store, if there is an aisle or section that has a lot of people or kids, where we might have to squeeze through, we will find another isle to go down but that's just so we don't have stray hands grabbing at her. I can only think of twice in the last 8 years that I have had someone just reach towards her and pet her, but nothing happened. I'm just usually pretty cautious, and watch people...you can usually tell by the look on people's faces when they are moron and going to pet them.
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Post by sweetpea »

We take Gracie into public places everyday. People here are not at all scared of her, but seem to understand Chows more. They have no fears walking past us, they have no fears jogging past us, I even take Gracie into one of the stores downtown. People will stop to say how beautiful she is, they will stop to say how wonderful Chows are but most dont try to pet her, some we just tell them she has to get to know them first before she will allow it, and they respect that. It also helps that Princess keeps them busy petting her. Although this town is small, when we move again I'm going to miss the ChowChow attitude of this place. But no, I dont think its wrong to take them to public places. Gracie loves her downtown walks, she loves her walks in the park.
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Post by TJordan »

Well I kinda figured that would be the concensus on here. Now if we could teach the idiots in the world our ways all would be well!! We do walk daily and the regulars on our beat say hi and know him by name but understand his ways. So I guess the same could be true if I started taking him other places. Thanks for the input guys!!
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Post by sit_by_the_beach »

I took my first chow Luna everywhere. I could always tell the way a person approached my chow. If they were not doggie savvy I told them not to touch her. We traveled by bus, subway, never had a problem. Ditto with Mikki. I walked her along busy streets, lots of traffic. Then to Petsmart. When Woofstock was happening in June, we traveled 90 minutes by subway and bus each way. hundreds of dogs walking along the street. I am sure some owners were worried something would happen. I didn't see a single incident. Every breed was represented. Big and small. Some pits wore a muzzle, that's the law here. If it makes you more secure, put a halti on Butters.
Some people get upset when I tell them not to touch my chow. I simply tell them to visit a petting zoo. I know I'm being rude.
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Post by cheriekynb »

LOL, Not a petting zoo, I like that! :)

Personally, I would never give up going out for walks and deny Sid of sniffing and running and exploring the world. When Sid WAS timid and more fearful I would keep him close and just tell people that he's afraid and that I'd rather them not pet him. I would say stuff like "You know, he's never bitten anyone but here's a bruise he gave me".. They look at the bruise, say OUCH and leave Sid alone. NOW, of course, it's different. It wasn't an overnight change, that's for sure.

You go Butters, explore the world, look at the people but keep them at a distance.. :) Just stay by your Momma and she will protect you from those HANDS that come towards you. ;)
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Take them out

Post by BigTrucker »

Both of my chows get the trip to petsmart or various places. Minnie Me was alot like Jeffs Peks. She was not a killer and you can let her sniff your hand but she really didn't want anything to do with anybody (except me)..she picked who she would like (this included dogs). I had a couple friends that she really liked and it was great. However she didn't care much for my brother and just simply tolerated and ignored him...if he pushed the issue, she'd grumble a little bit. Now Hailey likes everybody...she likes all dogs as well. Its really amazing how different the personalities. Their common traits are the hard headed attitude and the love to chase critters if given the chance, and their loyalty to me. They both enjoy being with me rather than being left at home waiting for me to return. Take your dogs with you...I think the more they get exposed the better they turn out. You know when its right and when you have to be careful.

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Post by Princess »

I've been thinking about a similar topic for a while... when did it become OK to just touch a random dog, chow or not? When did parents stop telling their children that it's dangerous to do?
This kills me.. everytime I take Gabbana out during day time there's a swarm of kids around her, I'm just lucky she is great with people. If she wasn't I would not hesitate to give people a mouthful about touching her, they can be as angry as they want. I am NOT being forced to put my dog down for THEIR stupidity!!

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Post by kaylasue »

I agree totally, you should not feel like you cant take your dog out to different places, its not the dog, its the lack of respect people and their children have. I take Chloe out in our yard many times a day, she can run in the back and i walk her in the front, the neighbors grand daughter came running over when Chloe was only aout 12 weeks old, i didnt have time to tell her not to just run up and pet her, the little girl was covered in cat fur from her granmother's cats and Chloe of course was smelling her, well i guess the little girl didnt want that, cause she turned around and smacked Chloe right on the head. Needless to say i was very mad, i told her it was time for her to go home and we went inside. She comes over whenever we our outside and i dont let her near my dog, especially since Chloe does remember her and barks at her when she is around my little girl. The point is, this was in my own yard, and there are a lot of people that walk by and think the can just walk right up to her and pet her but that only last until she barks at them, the people that realize she is a chow and know more always wait and ask about petting her. i guess you cant expect too much from people, after all when i was pregnant people even strangers thought they had the right to touch my stomach, drove me crazy.
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Post by Auddymay »

My girls ride in the car with me at every opportunity. I had to go pick up meds for my Dad, and the girls rode along. The pharmacy is in a large market. I parked directly across from the front entrance, in a handiscrapper spot (I had my mom's handi-tag). It is hot here, so I was leaving all the windows down while I ran in. I was getting my things in order before going in the store, when suddenly, this kid of about 8 came shrieking up to the car, babbling about the fluffy puppies. He had just come out of the store with his family, and ran through the crosswalk without even stopping to look for cars. He made it to our car before his Dad roared at him (and rightly so). Pip just looked up, and Lily moved to the opposite window. You would be shocked how many times I've come out to find people hanging around my car, some wanting to pet them! Pip would allow it, but never, ever would Lily!

To answer a question that is bound to come up- I buckle Lily through her leash with the seat belt. She has only jumped out the window once- she doesn't like it!
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Post by TJordan »

I could never leave the windows down. Butters can't even ride with the window all the way down, he tries to jump out!!Crazy dog. So when I leave him in the car I leave it running with the AC on, ususally only for a few minutes anyway, but I figure if they are brave enough to get in the car with him snarling and growling at them they can have the car!!
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Post by cleopatra20043 »

[when did it become OK to just touch a random dog, chow or not? When did parents stop telling their children that it's dangerous to do?
/quote]
its the lack of respect people and their children have
I was wondering the same thing myself. When did parents stop telling their children that it is dangerous to try to touch a dog that they do not know? Personally all of my kids know that if they want to pet a dog first and foremost they ask the owner if it is ok. Second ALLWAYS no matter how friendly the dog may seem you let them sniff your hand first. Third never try to go straight for a dogs head allways pet under the chin or chest area first. Depending on the dogs size most often it is better to kneel down at the dogs level so that you are not "above" them sometimes that can casue a dog to be uneasy as well. Oh and of course NEVER look a dog directly in the eyes as they take that as a challenge. Now if only all parents would teach their kids these basic rules we wouldn't have to worry about ignorant people running around that think it's ok to just touch any random dog that they want and when the dog won't let them they deem it as "vicious". Ridiculous!!

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Post by Red Dragon »

I like that, I feel the same way, if they are brave enough to get in the car with a growling snorting Chow they can have it, LOL!!!

Everytime I take one of mine anywhere in public people want to come over and pet them, especially little kids. I just stay on my toes and when I see them coming I get ready. We were at a show one time and a little boy, about 5 or 6 years old took off from his parents running as fast as he could towards me and Po, he just had to pet her, I saw him coming and grabbed Po just in case he spooked her. He petted her and said what a fluffy dog she was, LOL!!! :lol:
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Post by TJordan »

Ya know I don't even mind the children as much. In fact most kids here will approach and ask. But there are a few that try and reach first. But what gets me is the adults. THey are the worst. I have had 10 times the adults walk up and think because they are adults they can pet him. That really pushes my buttons. Or the Adults whom you tell Don't touch, he doesn't like strangers, they go for it anyway. At least kids can be taught, if not by their parents by us.
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Post by Jeff&Peks »

"I like that, I feel the same way, if they are brave enough to get in the car with a growling snorting Chow they can have it, LOL!!! "

Never under estamte the crook they are way beyund you. There where alot of cops that use to walk thier dogs at the dog park I went to, they told me these guys that are out looking for fighting bait or larger visouse type dogs, the crooks know what they are doing. they carry everything from knock out drugs to big sacks and carry those sticks aniaml control carry. They told me no matter how visouse Pekoe was they could have her out of the car and be on thier way in seconds so either never leave her in the car alone or keep your car within eye site. I never left Pekoe in the car alone anyway unless I could see the car becouse I worked in the same Getto parts of town as those cops did and knew what these guys could do.

The most favorate dog knapping places, Walmart parking lot for Yapper and smaller dogs, Home depot and leows for larger dogs and more tempermetal types of dogs becouse alot of Contractors have larger dogs and take their dogs to work with them.

You would be suprised at how many places you can get a chow into, People are suckers for cute, first you ask if you can bring her in then make sure they see her, once they see her most of the time they will say oh a Chow, how cute, I guess it would be alright, just don't let her poop on the floor. Very rarly fails but they have to see the Chow if you say dog and they don't see it, not a chance of getting them in.
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