New owner to be <3

[Fucshi' THE chow]

Hello chow lovers Myself and my boyfriend are about to welcome our first chow (a red male, who's currently 5 weeks) into our home and we cannot wait, we have been reading all about the breed and taking in the advice and tips all you chow owners have kindly shared for months learning all we can about this amazing breed. We have named our boy fuschi (foo-shi) but I have spelt it wrong in my username haha! Ooops!
We decided on a chow because they are such a different breed and unlike any we have owned before and we were lucky to know about them ( I say it like this because we are from a very small town in England where the only dogs around are Staffordshire bull terriers, german shepards, collies and not much else) because when my boyfriend was growing up a neighbour had a chow but being so young he didn't know the name of the breed so we researched 'lion dog' and 'blue Tongue dog'. Whilst we have been researching the breed we found that in America they have a really bad reputation but that is the same with Staffs in England and growing up with the staff breed we know that all that is down to the upbringing of the dog and from what we have read (and general guessing) it's the same with the chow chow and probably most other dogs.
We would love and appreciate any and more advice and tips on how to bring up our boy to be a well mannered and loved member of society.
Anyway at the moment I am waffling on but as soon as I have worked out how to upload photographs I shall to show all you chow lovers our gorgeous chunk of love <3. Chow for now - meaning forever x

[cherriemater]

I am sooooo excited for you!!! And BELIEVE me, I know what the next 3-4 weeks will be for you while you wait for your chow chow to be weaned, etc. Amazingly enough, about a week before we went to pick up the boys (11/12/11), this terrific caaaaalm came over me. Joe (my husband) noticed it and when he asked me if I was still anxious, I said, "Nope ... just ... waiting." Then the day arrived and while still calm, the excitement just built and built while we waited for the breeder to meet us (too much snow for us to continue on her dirt road).

Don't forget to go through your house from floor to about 12 inches high. This means EVERY INCH! Make sure cords are protected (I used zip ties to clean them up a bit). Make sure bare wires are protected (our furnace had three wires exposed so we put a crate over the mechanism). And, believe it or not, check for rips or tears in wall paper or walls. Our boys found some rough walls that were painted and chewed enough to rip up the drywall covering. Bummer! Gotta paint in the spring, I guess. Anyway ... make sure that anything you don't want pee'd on when your lovely Fuschi gets to your house is NOT on the floor. Our boys quickly found every rug that was on the floor (we have wood floors) and pee'd on EVERY one. Up they came until they were bigger. It's silly, I know. But trust me. If you have carpet, be sure to have a good carpet cleaner so she does "Oops" you can clean it up right away and remove all traces of smell so she doesn't repeat in the same spot.

Word of caution: DO NOT USE BITTERING AGENTS!! I bought Bitter Yuck to prevent the boys from chewing on our wood furniture but THEY LIKE IT!!! And, for the last two months (since they like it and lick it up) MY MOUTH has been burning from the taste (because OF COURSE you can't NOT pet, kiss, love, hug them). So ... use better discipline instead, remove any objects you don't want chewed on and steer clear of that stuff.

There are lots of chowfolks from the UK here ... so be sure to let them know in what part you live so, perhaps, you can introduce Fuschi to them, too. Can't wait to see pictures!!! Welcome to the forum.

[BeckiHutton]

Hey. I am also from the uk, and I thought you were describing my town for a minute.... soo many staffs!! Lol. And here, it is always the same owners... people with their hoods up, beer in hand. Etc. I don't mind staffs, it is the owners that get me. But, never mind... where in the uk are you... I have never seen another chow. They are not very common here, unfortunately. Looking forward to seeing pictures of your new baby. Good luck, and congratulations

[Jdcell100]

Got our chowling a year ago today he has brought nothing but joy to this household I don't know if I we got lucky or what but he ( little bear) is the best and smartest dog we ever had or seen. He was so easy to train its almost scary. He never dose anything wrong. Me and wife must say this everyday why would anyone own any other breed.

[Sirchow]

Hi and welcome. I am also in the UK...central Scotland. Congratulations on your new baby

Hmm you could be describing my town with Staffies, GHD's and collies though my actual street is full of yapping Westies (my pet hate...the only dogs I ever was bitten by...three different ones!) and shih tzus.

I have to say that in general although chows in the UK can be shy and not overly out going unless socialised most are not unfriendly and mine are good with nearly any situation. Izzie loves everybody and Bramble is fine when she gets to know people. Our chows in the UK have been bred much more by breeders with temperament and health in mind and less by back yard breeders who are just in it for the profit as seems to happen in the US. Having said that there are one or two big puppy farms which breed chows so be sure you know what the back ground is.

I think the key to a well manered and friendly chow is to be sure they come from a home and not an outdoor kennel breeder. Socialise, take them to puppy classes, walk through the town and let people get aquainted with them but be very aware what type of personality your baby has and if they are shy dont let people force themselves on the puppy. Let the puppy take the time to get to know strangers on their terms. If they feel any fear then that becomes part of how they feel about strangers and they react to the fear and may bite. Find a good holistic food with no corn, yeast (which can cause hot spots) good quality meat and not from a supermarket. Be consistent and firm with your puppy and dont allow nipping. There will be other things you want to know but best to ask them as you go and get a fuller answere. You sound like you are doing your homework and I am sure you will be fine. Most of all anjoy them because they are tiny for only a few weeks and then you wonder where the time went!!

Cant wait to see photos of your baby

[Fucshi' THE chow]

We are from a small town near Blackpool. Thanks for all the advice and comments, if we ever get stuck with anything we will 100% turn to you all for advice. Everyone is sooooo nice We are super duper excited for him coming home we have just chow proofed our house and got his cage ready (that sounds so cruel ) all his toys and his furminator, brushes, bowls but no harness we are going to wait until we can properly measure him. We have looked into starting him in puppy classes and getting him socialised. Socialisation is the thing we are most concerned with, but I'm not sure why because we are very social people and will take him 90% of the places we go, so it should be all good. When talking to the lady we are getting him off about taking him out and socialiasing (she's not a breeder her male is 10 and her female 5 and she just thought he was too old so didn't expect the business to happen but then it did and resulted in our gorgeous boy and 3 other males) she was saying when she takes her's out people will go over and try to stroke them, because they are so different, and she tell's them please don't they don't enjoy it and the people still say ohhhh they won't do anything, they don't but it's not the point, that's what I'm most worried about because it won't be Fuschi that loses his temper it will be me. hahah. Food is also another worry, no corn and no artificial things and good meat (lucky his dad is a butcher muhahah) Lily's owner Becki your from the UK what do you feed her? Is it bakers, pedigree, science plan? we are really worried, we don't want to make him ill.

Cannot wait for purple kisses and puppy loooove <3 chow for now x

[cherriemater]

I've shared this before and watched it a ton of times. This might help you find the right food once you know what you're trying to look for and why and what you're trying to avoid and why: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTWHxvjI ... ure=relmfu

JEALOUS about the butcher thing!!!

Here in the states I REFUSE to buy any meat (for me or the dogs) from Meijer or Walmart. Their meat is loaded with preservatives and "sodium" water. I won't buy salt! And you can tell in the meat when you cook it because (I think) it physically changes the meat (long sinew turned to hexagonal strands ... weird). So, I makes sure we buy meat without hormones or additives. More expensive at our local grower/butcher but worth every penny!!!

[BeckiHutton]

I feed her a food called arden grange... definitely steer away from any supermarket foods ie bakers, iams, butcher's, etc. Used to feed her James wellbeloved, but she would get hotspots and it gave her the most revolting flatulence ever. Since having her on Arden grange, we haven't had any problems. My local pet store sells it, but not many places do... you can get it online. I would recommend doing research before commiting to any foods. See what fits best. It is all about trial and error. What works for one dog won't necessarily work for another. Another thing about James wellbeloved, lily didn't seen to have very much energy when she was eating it. I think it is meant for higher energy breeds. Since being on AG, she has lots more energy. Hope this helps you. By the way, I am from Suffolk

[Ursa's daddy]

when she takes her's out people will go over and try to stroke them, because they are so different, and she tells them please don't they don't enjoy it and the people still say ohhhh they won't do anything, they don't but it's not the point

That is a common experience. There are some people out there that could cause distress in a pet rock, but most people are somewhat understanding. You and your chow should be prepared for this. Typically what I do is have my two sit or lay down, and I kneel at their hind quarter or behind them, then ask the people to slowly approach from the front with their hand down. I ask them to first let the dogs smell their hand, and then to pet them on their chest.
I see you mentioned a harness for your dog. This is something I recommend. That wonderful lion mane gives enough cushion to allow the chow to back out of a conventional collar. I think the harness is easier for the dog to adapt to wearing, since the pull is on the chest and shoulders.

Whilst we have been researching the breed we found that in America they have a really bad reputation but that is the same with Staffs in England and growing up with the staff breed we know that all that is down to the upbringing of the dog and from what we have read (and general guessing) it's the same with the chow chow and probably most other dogs.

You are so right about the upbringing. Chows are a bit more stand offish compared to other breeds. If you can visit the parents, you will get some understanding of the potential personality of your chow.
I don't really know how to describe it, but these are wonderful dogs. They adopt you.

[Rory's Dad]

Gonna butt in on the UK posts...lol. Only because i am in the US and that is our thing, ok seriously though, the advice given is spot on. Food choice in the chow is important, they are less tolerant of additives and filler than other breeds. It can be a bit of trial and error, particularly when the breeder is not so experienced as to provide advice. 1st things 1st, look for chicken or meat to be the 1st listed ingredient and stay away from anthing produced in China.

As far as socializing, follow you natural instincts as they sound good. The puppy should simply meet as many people and other dogs as possible. People should include all sorts: children, older people, handicapped, etc. Getting them accustomed to handling should come from you. Touch them, inspect their ears and mouths, handle their paws, rub the chest and belly, etc. This gets them used to it. New persons should be instructed to approach them from the front, below the head. Chows have limited peripheral vision due to the eye set and large main, so they will shy away from side or rear approach. Most puppies will nip when set upon from angles, but with practice, they get over this.

Another thing to remember is Chows are very smart. They need to have purpose in every thing they do. Reward good behavior with treats and encouragement and they will learn very quickly. Negative reinforcement is never a good idea.

Finally, after such a long post, congrats on your new family member. Be sure to keep us posted, pics are always welcome.

[Penelope]

I fed my chow Wellness in the US and James Wellbeloved in the UK - my dog didn't have any gassy problems with James like the other poster!

I'm about to get a new puppy too, and am definitely going to try and socialize her more then I did my first go around. But in particular I am going to walk her around busy streets with cars, because my first dog wasn't ever really around traffic, and as a result everytime I tried to walk her towards a busier road she would freak out! Even living in Montreal for two months crossing the same busy road to go to the dog park, she would freak out crossing every single time, and try to barrel to get across it (not paying attention to cars). Needless to say not ideal!

Seemed funny in the UK, or maybe it was just Leeds, but when you walk your dog in America other dog walkers make a point to come over and have a chat, introduce the dogs... in the UK it seemed like if another dog walker saw me from a ways away they would quickly turn and go the opposite way, and in general everyone made a point of not letting their dogs meet!

[Ursa's daddy]

Rory's Dad is correct.

Touch them, inspect their ears and mouths, handle their paws, rub the chest and belly, etc. This gets them used to it.

My Ursa has some health issues and has to take medication every day. She is really good about having her mouth opened and pills stuffed down her throat. I can take up their food bowl, remove food items, etc if necessary. Having that level of trust from your dog can be critical to his health.

[Sirchow]

Mine were brought up on Burns puppy food and a little extra protein in the way of mince, pilchards, and another food that you can get in the UK called Orijen. I find they do best on Adult Burns but it is a little low in protein so I need to boost it. I tried feeding orijen on its own which is higher protein but it was too high and we had some horrible gas problems and the same with James Welbeloved. All three dogs got very gassy and Izzie was not well on it at all. Funny cos it is meant to be a good food! Never tried Arden Grange but it is also meant to be a good one. I know a number of people with chows who have changed to Burns and find their stomachs are much more reliable on it.

[BeckiHutton]

The gas is horrible, isn't it. I couldn't bear it anymore. Lol

[Chowchowmum]

We are from a small town near Blackpool. Thanks for all the advice and comments, if we ever get stuck with anything we will 100% turn to you all for advice. Everyone is sooooo nice We are super duper excited for him coming home we have just chow proofed our house and got his cage ready (that sounds so cruel ) all his toys and his furminator, brushes, bowls but no harness we are going to wait until we can properly measure him. We have looked into starting him in puppy classes and getting him socialised. Socialisation is the thing we are most concerned with, but I'm not sure why because we are very social people and will take him 90% of the places we go, so it should be all good. When talking to the lady we are getting him off about taking him out and socialiasing (she's not a breeder her male is 10 and her female 5 and she just thought he was too old so didn't expect the business to happen but then it did and resulted in our gorgeous boy and 3 other males) she was saying when she takes her's out people will go over and try to stroke them, because they are so different, and she tell's them please don't they don't enjoy it and the people still say ohhhh they won't do anything, they don't but it's not the point, that's what I'm most worried about because it won't be Fuschi that loses his temper it will be me. hahah. Food is also another worry, no corn and no artificial things and good meat (lucky his dad is a butcher muhahah) Lily's owner Becki your from the UK what do you feed her? Is it bakers, pedigree, science plan? we are really worried, we don't want to make him ill.

Hi!

I live in Lancashire and take my Chow to training classes in Blackpool so if you would like to bring your new addition along we would love to meet him!

There are several other Chows who go to the training too so will give you an opportunity to meet other owners?

Katie



Cannot wait for purple kisses and puppy loooove <3 chow for now x

[chrissybrook]

Hi !!..little late catching up with the posts, but just thought I'd chip in and say that we're from Uk also, but down south. haven't read all the responses, but just caught the bit about food..Maya is fed 'Burns' (she's now 9 months) which she seems to be doing well on. Look forward to seeing some pics and hearing more about Fuschi. Btw..if you're on facebook too, look us up on 'maya chow chow'...x

[Judy Fox]

Hello and welcome!
We are also here on The Island - in Crewe. We also have some Staffies and Staffie crosses here. The Chavs walk around with them off their leads (which is not allowed here in Crewe) and think they look cool!
Chowlings are beautiful little creatures - I think they are the most beautiful puppies in the world.
Advice - I think the most important thing you must settle with him from the very first is that you are the Mummy person and he is the Chow Chows - you say he does!
Chow puppies are very quick to learn and he will soon learn the rules. Stop puppy biting before it starts - it can be play when a little pup grabs your hand but if a fully grown chow gentleman were to grab your hand it would be a whole different matter.
Teach him some elementary manners. To give a paw for his dinner or a treat - not a begging trick but for him to say thankyou.
Socialise him as much as you can. If there is a school near you take him for a little walk when the children are coming home from school. The will be enchanted with him and teach them how to approach him, to hold their hands out for him to sniff etc. and he will get used to people talking to him. If he gets a bit jumpy at first hold him in your arms whilst people say hello. The thing is - socialise, socialise and socialise and you will end up with a beautiful tolerant, stubborn, aloof, elegant chow gentleman and won't he know it. Chow Chows do not think they are "it" - they know it.
I am looking forward to seeing pictures and and hearing about his antics. You are in for a lot of fun.

[micheleA]

I'll give my two cents too!! The day I brought my Baby home I took her into the back yard. I stayed there with her until she went to the bathroom then I praised her and at that time I then let her in the house. I NEVER had a potty accident. Also since I live in USA and do not know your weather.....Here in Texas for example we can have some BIG rain storms so the first time it rained I opened my back door and went out into it....I then called to my Chow to come out (She thought I was crazy) but she finally stepped out into the rain. I then ran around outside and played with her in the rain and just had a good time with her. End Result, she is not afraid of the rain....Also take to heart what the other poster said about touching them and placing your hands in thier mouth from an early age. I kiss my Chow so much that she is use to my face being in her face. I face trained her from day one....Mine does not like people coming up to her, but in a recent situation a 250lb retared man ran up to my dog and picked her up yelling pretty dog before I could do anything.....Chows are pretty dogs and even if your diligent I have discovered you cannot control everything...

[Rory's Dad]

I love rain stories...give a chow some snow and watch with delight...rain, not so much. I try to protect Rory from the rain with my umbrella, but until recently, he had an aversion to the stairs..talk about awkard..a 35lb pup in one arm and an umbrella in the other...i felt so uncoordinated.

[Confuzzled]

My Skadi LOVES the rain. A nice big thunderstorm will start up, and it won't be long before a very happy, soaking wet, half the size she normally is chow comes into the house and expects us to share in her delight.