Service dog

[hannahclaire]

Hello! I joined this forum to ask a few questions.
Are chow chows as hard to train as people say? I was considering one for my service dog. I had a german shepherd dog as my SD but sadly she had to quit service work due to organ issues ):
I have always been attracted to the breed.
So! Questions:
Do YOU think a chow chow would make a good service dog?
Are they very difficult to train?
Are they loving and affectionate? I read that they are very independent and cat like.

Thank you!

[Rory's Dad]

They certainly can be trained as service dogs. They are very intuitive and tend to be in-tune with their primary owners.

Yes, they can be independent, but that is largely due to their intelligence. Many chows like to make their own decisions, but that can be a great trait for a service dog.

They are easily potty trained, and learn the basic commands quite easily when you identify the proper trigger. Some will learn quite easily based on the standard 'good boy' and a nice petting or rubdown. Some will prefer to be rewarded with a food based treat, but that really isn't any different from other breeds. The biggest training issue for Chows is recall. That is a tough one as once they sense a bit of freedom, they like it to continue.

My biggest concern for a Chow as a service dog would be the prey drive. They can have a tendency to ignore whatever is is they have learned to chase down a rabbit or squirrel. With the specialized training they would get to be a service dog, and with good selection as a pup, i think you could find the right dog. Most reputable Chow breeders are currently focusing on the temperment aspects of their Chows. This is making a HUGE difference.

Many of the Chow owners on this site have reported successful CGC testing, and i have seen some recent reports of Companion/Therapy designations. I do believe i have seen a post or two on Service Dog certifications, but they were a while ago.

[DrewBear]

I've been reading through the archives as I research various aspects of Chow ownership and had these links in my notes:

A breeder who also trains service Chows: http://www.ofzorrosdynastychows.com/therapy.htm

For what types of tasks/duties have we trained our Chows?
Reaction dogs: To warn of, or respond to, impending seizures in epileptics, or low blood sugar episodes in diabetics.
Guide dogs: To assist blind or deaf people to respond more appropriately to the world about them; to guard against unseen traffic, or obstacles, or to alert for unheard phones, buzzers, chimes, etc.
Wheelchair dogs: To pull a person in his/her wheelchair; to open doors; to bring specified objects; to assist the person in/out of the wheelchair.

A member who is no longer active: http://forum.chowchow.org/viewtopic.php ... ng#p186668

"So from someone who has a Service Dog/Therapy Dog/titled obedience dog/perfect temperament dog/excellent health dog that happens to be a CHOW from the Redcloud lines..."

[Rory's Dad]

Thanks for looking through the archives DrewBear. I ran out of time last night. Sadly this site is one of the last things i get to before turning in, so it happens some times.

Those quotes are a great help and provide the detail to what i was getting to.

[chowmethemoney]

My Chow, Hank, has been a service dog for over 2 years. Make sure to be consistent in your discipline and consistent in keeping their work time and play time separate. Never "play" during work times or whenever your Chow is wearing a service dog vest. He/She will come to understand that work means work and play is for play time. There are plenty of resources out there to help in training your Chow and getting the necessary accessories for travel and work. Remember, you don't need a certification from a government agency, but having an ID and vest will help you avoid divulging personal information to strangers.

http://www.wikihow.com/Train-Your-Servi ... al-Trainer - for training tips for your service dog
http://www.servicedogcertifications.org - for service dog ID's and emotional support animal ID's
http://www.petpartners.org/servicedogtrainerdirectory - for a directory of service dog trainers in your area

Hope these resources help and good luck with your service dog training!