Snaps or Bites female humans

Rich · Post by **Rich** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 8:16 pm

Just inherited a chowchow/choc lab from our recently deceased brother-in-law. Beatiful animal, one-year old, had shots, male, not fixed, well-behaved, understands commands, friendly. Has growled or snapped at his girl-friend, our ten year old niece, wife's friend, and bit my Grandmother (96 years old, dog lover and been around the dog). Filed an incident report with the nursing home, called the vet, set-up appointment to have the dog fixed, waiting for the 10 day quarantine. We treat him with loving care, make sure he gets out, and appears to be comfortable around people. So far he has only been this way aroung females and not males (people). No one has taunted him, messed with his food, or anything that may upset a dog. Does anyone have any suggestions? I don't want to give him up, abandon him, euthanize, or "dog pound".

Post by **kingalls** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 9:51 pm

How long has it been since this Chow lost his owner? Did the Chow get along with your brother in law's girlfriend? Having him fixed may help but don't put all the eggs in that basket.
Just thinking he needs some adjustment time. I'm not sure what kind of help you can get (trainer, evaluator, etc.) but that might help.
Good luck, Karen

Rich · Post by **Rich** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 6:18 am

He's been gone two weeks and was Hospiced at our house with the dog here, girlfriend, and our two youngest niece and nephew (not the fathers children). Previously snapped at the girlfiend before they moved in here, but that was the only instance. "Jack" the chow used to be tied up without a lot of human interaction (wanted to jump on people when tied and they would walk aroung / wasn't inside with people that much). Since being here "Jack" has slept inside, played with tons of children and a great demeanor. Just the instance of snapping a females for what seems no apparent reason.

kiwani · Post by **kiwani** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 8:10 am

Chows tend to make blanket judgments, so any negative association surrounding one person can be transferred to anyone triggering that associative memory.

It could be as simple as the Chow associating the appearance of the girlfriend with his banishment to being tied outdoors. Or it could be something like associating women's emotional displays of grief with fear or anger.

Also, he might be overly protective of you now, especially if you remind him of positive associations in his life.

Putting new positive associations alongside an established negative one, would help to extinguish the negative one. His brain needs time to process all the upheaval in his life, and he is very lucky to have you on his side.

Best wishes.