Could I give a Chow Chow the home it deserves

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woobearwoo
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Could I give a Chow Chow the home it deserves

Post by woobearwoo »

Hi, I wonder if you could give me a little advice, I don't yet own a Chow Chow but would dearly love to.

I have loved the Chow Chows for many years and after bring up my daughter who is now 16 and keeping various pets including rescuing rabbits (and if you have ever come across an aggressive giant rabbit and had to spend hours in the hospital as a result you will understand why I mentioned them) have finally got to a point in my life where I am able to have a pet for me and I would love a Chow Chow. I have done quite a lot of research online and read all the info on how aloof they are, not liking strangers etc etc which didn't daunt me what so ever in fact I think that is one of the reasons I am drawn to the breed. What I was a little concerned about and what prompted me to post here was the fact that on occasions Chow Chows seem to bite for no reason other that they are protecting there owner even from other family members. Now once my daughter leaves home there will only be myself and the Chow Chow although in the future (and may I say a long time in the future I hope) my daughter will settle and have children of her own and I am worried at how the Chow Chow would react to children 'invading' his home and the children would obviously want to share affection and cuddles with me and I wouldn't want it any other way but am I going to have to make sure that my pet is out of the way in another part of the house so as not to become aggressive and risk him/her biting the child. I do understand that the Chow would have to be socialised which can be quite a daunting task after reading some of the posts but as I say my worry is that ultimately my grandchildren would have to come first and I don't want to go headlong into getting my dream pet only to find out a few years down the line that I can't keep him because he is just too protective toward me. I would rather ask the question now and not end up having to put a lovely pet into rescue because I didn't look properly into the breed before I got him/her.
Thank you for reading my post and any advice and all of you opinions will be taken very seriously, who is better to ask than Chow Chow owners themselves, breeders and kennels often just want to make the sale.
Katjusa
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Re: Could I give a Chow Chow the home it deserves

Post by Katjusa »

Hello and welcome :D

As you said, chows need to be socialized. All dogs do, but with chows it's VERY important. Socialization process doesn't begin when you get the 2 months old puppy, it's really important what the breeder has done. You can then just carry on, introduce puppy to strangers, take him for walks to meet other dogs (when it's had its shots) ... take him to a lot of different places so it gets to know strange sounds and new things. But as I said, you need to make sure you're getting a puppy that breeder has been working with. Of course it's possible to raise those chows just as well but it's easier this way.
Now, you're worried about chow+kids combination. First of all, dog and kids together should always be supervised as you never know what the dog OR child will do. But even if you are always there, there's always a possiblity something will happen. You need to let your chow now he's the last one ranking in the house ... it sounds horrible but if the dog gets a feeling that they outrank a child... well they're gonna try things.
But all in all I shouldn't worry. There are a lot of chow owners with children, grandchildren and they're having a great time. You're going into this thing well informed (seems to me you've done some research). You can make it work :D don't forget to school your dog (I remember, for us it was so much fun, and I really learned a lot) and if you ever get any problems call a professional (IF your dog were to show aggresion)
good luck! and if you do decide to get a chow, I hope you find a great breeder
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Victory
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Re: Could I give a Chow Chow the home it deserves

Post by Victory »

Chow can get along with people of all ages. The trick is to socialize them, no matter what their age. A ouppy that is picked up and exposed to people from birth is going to have an advantage, but any chow can and should be socialized. People hear that chows are one person dogs or one family dogs and then allow the chow to behave that way...they should never be allowed to be that way. I have two chows, we live alone, just them and me. A couple of years ago, my apartment was flooded from the apartment above while I was at work. My chows were home alone, and they let four maintainence people invade their house with NO signs of aggression. My chows were upset, yes, and wouldn't approach any of the people, but they simply backed away and watched. They didn't even become aggressive when these strangers moved their food dishes, (which since they free feed had food in them) and their water dishes. When I came home, they both clung to me, and I knew it was part protection for me, and part nervousness, but still there was no aggressive moves or behavior. Not even when I packed them and their food and dishes up to be boarded, and we got to the boarding place, they remained their sweet selves.

I expect my chows, all my chows to tolerate just about everything, and to get them to be this way, I expose them to everything. There are a lot of threads on this site about how to socialize a chow of every age. Read it, and be prepared for long walks, car rides, trips to the pet store, the park and any other place you can take him/her.

I once saw a chow socialized in about a day. It was out at the Minnesota Ren Fest. When she came in that morning with her mom and dad, she was obviously not too sure about the whole idea, and a bit overwhelmed, head down, eyes wary and fearful, ears back, tail tucked, she was a picture of misery. I asked how old she was, she was six months old. I saw her as she left the Festival hours later, you might have thought she was a different chow, tail up, ears perked, eyes bright, a smile on her face, she was even approaching people on her own for pets and praise, (and treats). perfectly happy and very friendly.
Now it was obvious that she was somewhat socialized in the morning, because she wasn't barking, snapping, growling or showing any aggressive behaviors. But she was showing a great deal of fear and with a chow this is often more of a problem than pure aggression. But she got over it through exposure and her mom and dad, just acting like everything was normal.

With good leadership, patience, persistence, respect and lots of socialization every chow can be a good canine citizen.
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Auddymay
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Re: Could I give a Chow Chow the home it deserves

Post by Auddymay »

Just like with the nightly news, it's the bad stories that stick out. Despite my best efforts, my Lily is a bit reactive. She has gotten worse in some regard because she has been battling a severe skin issue and I do not take her out as often. When she does go, it is the vet's it seems. Still- I have no fear that she will bite anyone. She avoids, as most will do. Yes, you hear the sudden bite stories, and there have been a couple posted here recently. These are not common, but you see it in greater proportions at a site like this one.

Just by your post, I would say you would be a good candidate, I too like an animal with a little aloofness. I like that my Chow acts regal, and seems embarrassed at certain silliness, yet can suddenly turn silly herself, if only for a brief moment. Your Chow will be everything you raise it to be, guaranteed. So, if you put in the work, you get a great Chow, and if you don't...well, it's a crap shoot what you could end up with. Some Chows grow to fine citizens despite the careless raising.
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jazzmineong
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Re: Could I give a Chow Chow the home it deserves

Post by jazzmineong »

I have 2 6 month old chow puppies. We take them everywhere we go. They love to meet new people. As everyone else said, socialization is very important. And make sure you find a good breeder. I have four granddaughters and they get along fine with our puppies. We had 3 Chows pass away in the last two years. They were all 12 years old at their passing. But they got along with the grandchildren as well. The older ones practiced avoidance very well. When they grandkids came over. Shandra would go lay on our bed. That was what she wanted to do. We did not make her do it. I believe that you will do very well. My chows have all been very loving creatures. I wish you the best on your search.
Live well, Laugh often, Love much
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woobearwoo
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Re: Could I give a Chow Chow the home it deserves

Post by woobearwoo »

Hi and thank you everyone for your replies. Your advise and stories have only made me want a Chow even more. I got very upset a week or so ago when a friend took me over to very large pet shop which has a kennel attached. The kennel has lots and lots of indoor compartments all tiled floor to ceiling with a small window on one wall and a glass door facing out onto a corridor where people walk up and down viewling the puppies. Well I was astonished to find 3 chowlings sitting at the back of one of the pen's. My friend said hey isn't this the dog that you want, they don't seem very friendly they won't comeand say hello. I just pulled him away saying look how sad there eyes are, they will really hate being stared at like that all day long, my heart went out to them and I wanted to take them all home, probably would have done if I'd had the £3000 it would have cost to buy them. I will admit that once we had walked away, I couldn't resist a look over my sholder and all three of the babies had come to the front to look at us but as soon as another couple went towards the pen they backed away and sat at the back again. They looked so sad, it could be that it had been a bigger litter and some had been sold and they were missing them or that indeed they were missing 'mum' I don't know but I hated seeing them like that. You will probably tell me that is normal and I need to toughen up to the woeful Chow expression as I know I have a lot to learn but if that's how I am going to be presented with Chows then I will probably end up with more than 1 as I couldn't leave the others sitting looking like that.
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Victory
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Re: Could I give a Chow Chow the home it deserves

Post by Victory »

woobearwoo wrote:Hi and thank you everyone for your replies. Your advise and stories have only made me want a Chow even more. I got very upset a week or so ago when a friend took me over to very large pet shop which has a kennel attached. The kennel has lots and lots of indoor compartments all tiled floor to ceiling with a small window on one wall and a glass door facing out onto a corridor where people walk up and down viewling the puppies. Well I was astonished to find 3 chowlings sitting at the back of one of the pen's. My friend said hey isn't this the dog that you want, they don't seem very friendly they won't comeand say hello. I just pulled him away saying look how sad there eyes are, they will really hate being stared at like that all day long, my heart went out to them and I wanted to take them all home, probably would have done if I'd had the £3000 it would have cost to buy them. I will admit that once we had walked away, I couldn't resist a look over my sholder and all three of the babies had come to the front to look at us but as soon as another couple went towards the pen they backed away and sat at the back again. They looked so sad, it could be that it had been a bigger litter and some had been sold and they were missing them or that indeed they were missing 'mum' I don't know but I hated seeing them like that. You will probably tell me that is normal and I need to toughen up to the woeful Chow expression as I know I have a lot to learn but if that's how I am going to be presented with Chows then I will probably end up with more than 1 as I couldn't leave the others sitting looking like that.
Nope, sorry, not normal. And exactly what we are talking about how NOT to treat a chow! If those three don't get a permanent home soon, they are going to become shy and perhaps some of that shyness will turn into fear problems and that is BAD news. Fear biting is a problem with chows especially when people don't understand it. Here in the US pet stores that sell puppies and kittens are really looked down on, most puppies and kittens sold here in such a way come from backyard breeders or puppie/kitten mills and the little ones sold are seen as having problems of either health and/or development and temperment. Pet stores that sell puppies and kittens should not be used for anything, even buying treats, toys and food. Go to a breeder of good reputation or a rescue. You'll find some fine animals in rescues, and unless you are planning on showing your chow, a chow from a rescue is just fine. And you can find puppies at rescues too, if those three at that store don't sell, they may well end up in a rescue...
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bellachow
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Re: Could I give a Chow Chow the home it deserves

Post by bellachow »

woobearwoo wrote:..... my heart went out to them and I wanted to take them all home, probably would have done if I'd had the £3000 it would have cost to buy them...
I would take this unpleasant experience and turn it around as an opportunity. I would go back to the store and speak with the manager. Make your case for a reduced price 'no one is going to take them because they are so shy and always at the back of the pen, better some money now than to have to send them to rescue, etc.' I normally do not condone purchasing from a pet store but someone needs to help these little chowlings (plus if there is little financial gain, the store is not likely to bring chow puppies back in). The quicker a chow is in a loving home the more adjusted they will be.
Katjusa
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Re: Could I give a Chow Chow the home it deserves

Post by Katjusa »

I'd never buy those chows... I know you all probably think that would mean saving them but still ... Pet shops sell pets because people BUY them. buying a pet there means you just help them carry on with their business. Besides, you really don't want those chows if you're not really experienced and have loads of time and money. Because that's what you'll need. Those puppies probably already have so many problems and are likely to grow into problematic chows, not really a type for a beginner I think. Or even someone who's owned a chow before ... they need an expert.
I agree with Victory. If you don't decide to find a dog at rescue, find a good breeder. Talk to them, ask them questions. It's fairly easy to recognize a good breeder from how they react to your questions and how much info they're willing to give. Proper breeders usually even ask the potential owners some questions (how you live and plan to raise you dog ...) to decide if they want to sell their dog to them.
Really, think twice before buying a dog from a pet shop.
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Sarahloo
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Re: Could I give a Chow Chow the home it deserves

Post by Sarahloo »

Katjusa wrote:Besides, you really don't want those chows if you're not really experienced and have loads of time and money. Because that's what you'll need. Those puppies probably already have so many problems and are likely to grow into problematic chows, not really a type for a beginner I think. Or even someone who's owned a chow before ... they need an expert.
Agreed. Those Chows need someone more experienced than a first-time dog owner!

Congrats on being strong enough to leave them there!!!
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woobearwoo
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Re: Could I give a Chow Chow the home it deserves

Post by woobearwoo »

Thank you all once again for your replies, they show me that I am learning a little about Chows, all be it just a very small amount but the hours of research are teaching me something. You mention getting a Chow through rescue, I live in the UK and try as I might I can't find anything on the internet for Chow Rescues over here and have scoured the RSPCA site and others like it and can find virtually every other breed but not a single Chow. As I mentioned in my first post I used to foster for a rabbit rescue and would work with each rabbit to find out what it's temperament was like, could it be handled, stroked, etc, was it aggressive, did it like children and generally what it was like as a pet so when a potential owner came to see them I could help them make a decision on a rabbit that would suite them and there home set up and if it was to bond with an existing pet I would do the bonding for them as believe it or not rabbits can be very nasty and inflict some dreadful injury's to each other (and us if your not quick enough to get out of the way). So with all this said I understand the ethos behind rescues and would happily adopt from a rescue if I could find one as I really do know the good work they do.
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