How to train your Chow Chow? Common Mistakes.

Big Dog | June 18th, 2010

The narrow line between training and abuse

Many dog owners think that their Chow Chow is the smartest in the world. There’s no problem with this, up to certain a point. This point is when the owner expects as much from the dog as if it really was the most intelligent creature the world has ever seen. They expect them to learn everything right away, whereas dogs need time to learn things, the same way as we, humans do. Just in a different way :) Well, the point is, that training requires time and patience. It can be different for all dogs, but we do have to keep this in mind and take the time and energy to train our Chow Chow.

Another common mistake (also because of the lack of patience) is to give up. Many people think that they have already tried everything but the dog doesn’t want to learn. In this case, maybe the methods are not the best, or they need more time. There are no dogs who wouldn’t be able to learn at least a few commands. Giving up is never a solution.

So, if we have the time and the patience we can avoid the next, and maybe the biggest mistake: to turn training into abuse. Probably you expect me to tell you where this line is. I can’t. This is something the owner should know. Training is all about communication. If you know your Chow Chow, if you pay attention to him, you see how he feels. Unfortunately many dog owners don’t have this ability, because they only keep pets for entertainment, while a dog is much more than that.

Going back to training, a very important rule is that your goal should be that your Chow Chow obeys to commands because he is keen to do so. NOT BECAUSE HE IS AFRAID. Many-many owners forget about this, and feel the training successful, but actually they are making their dog unhappy. How can someone live happily in fear? No way. These owners are only keeping a dog to make themselves happy, and don’t feel the responsibility they should.

So the point is, that ‘positive training’ is possible. Actually, that’s the only way.

The first difficulties most Chow Chow owners face is potty training their puppy. As with general training, the main principles remain the same: a positive, rewarding approach and a lot of patience is required. There are, however a few tips and tricks that will make the whole process faster and easier for both puppy and owner. Find out what Sharda Baker has to say on the topic, who has developed her best practices by years of trial and error.

Please comment if you have something to add.

How to avoid my Chow Chow being jealous of my new born baby?

Big Dog | June 18th, 2010

Is it normal, anyway?!

Yes, it is. Just imagine the situation from the point of view of your Chow Chow. He is part of the family, often treated as “the kid”, and then, suddenly, a new creature arrives and takes all the attention of his beloved family. It is quite similar to what older children feel, when a little brother/sister arrives. One of the differences is just that the dog can’t speak English :)

Actually, if we are aware of this ‘problem’ in advance, the situation can be handled, but it needs consciousness and to be started in time, long before the baby’s arrival. Let’s see how we can prepare our Chow Chow for the new family member.

If your dog’s daily routine has to be changed with the baby’s arrival (it probably will), you should start changing the rules much earlier, giving him plenty of time to get used to the new set up. This way it isn’t going to be so sudden and shocking. If your Chow Chow hasn’t really been trained before, it’s high time to start. He should learn at least a few commands, like sit, stay, etc. This way, he’ll be easier to handle.

Many families worry about their dog endangering the health of the child, so the best thing to do is to take your pet to the vet, get him checked and get some advice. Get your Chow Chow used to the new smells, sounds in advance (blankets, lotions, toys). It’s also a good idea, that just after your baby was born, send home a blanket that the baby had been in, so your dog can experience the child’s smell in advance. It is very important to know that your  Chow chow will get a lot less attention from the mother, so when taking the baby home for the first time, the mother should greet the dog, so it is better if someone else is carrying the baby.

It is also a good idea not to leave them alone together at the first times, until your Chow Chow feels comfortable with the baby, because, for example, it is very possible that the dog won’t tolerate the child’s crying very well in the beginning. You have to teach him that this is a normal sound, and you should motivate him not to bark (with treats, for example).

And the most important rule for last, maybe it seems too obvious, but it’s still worth mentioning: try to give as much attention to your Chow Chow as you can. The point is that he has to feel that you do care about him. If you keep this in mind, most probably there will be no problem. You could also try Preparing Fido, which is an amazing collection of Baby sounds designed especially to get your dog ready for the arrival of the new Baby!

Chow chow, the small lion

Big Dog | April 26th, 2010

Who can say no to this extremely cute dog, the Chow Chow? Maybe this is one the of the reasons why this breed has quite a dominant and proud personality… In spite of this, the “small lion” mostly remains calm, even though it’s an excellent watchdog. If you feel the need to have a cute Chow Chow, click here.

Sterling Silver Chow Chow Charm

Big Dog | April 11th, 2010

Having a Chow Chow is cool enough, but wearing a Sterling Silver Chow Chow Charm is definitely astounding. A dog charm that is beautifully sculpted with an image of a Chow Chow and made from sterling silver 925, allows you take your Chow Chow with you anywhere you are, not physically though.

Chow Chows are most commonly kept as pet due to its extremely loyal temperament. This breed can easily bond tightly with its owner and its family with its typical affectionate and loving nature. Based on DNA analysis, Chow Chows are proven to be the oldest breed of dog which is one of the most primitive breeds to evolve from the wolf. With deep set, almond-shaped eyes, who will not fall in love with this breed? Chow Chows are prominent and unique because of their unusual blue-black or purple tongue, and you will be the coolest pet owner with your Chow Chow dog charm.

How to train a Chow Chow?

Big Dog | March 7th, 2010

Written by highly experienced dog trainer, Daniel Stevens, Secrets to Dog Training is a comprehensive resource covering all the most important aspects of dog ownership. The 261 page manual is superbly detailed, still the step-by-step format of the book makes it very easy for Chow Chow owners to understand and apply the instructions. The book also comes with a 30 minute downloadable video. By completing the course, you will learn how to:

  • stop and prevent dog fights
  • curb your dog’s aggressiveness
  • make your dog understand what is right and wrong
  • apply techniques professional trainers use
  • house train your dog
  • stop your dog racing in the house
  • deal with a dominant dog
  • overcome separation anxiety
  • stop your dog jumping on people
  • teach your dog when it is appropriate to bark
  • understand how your dog thinks and sees the world
  • apply the cutting edge Dog Whispering technique
  • deal with more than one dog in the house
  • stop the family cat being harassed.

Secrets to Dog Training is very comprehensive, easy to understand and effective. If you want to tackle any of your dog’s behavior problems, this book is for you. You can benefit from the book, even if your dog is perfectly trained as the author shares a lot of his insights on the possible best relationship between dog and owner.

Visit official website.

Are Chow Chow puppies with pink tongues pure breeds?

Big Dog | January 25th, 2010

Chow Chows are considered a heavenly dog that helped lick up the pieces of the sky, giving their tongues the unique blue-black color it is today. This is one of the main characteristics that is sought after by Chow Chow owners. If you are looking for a Chow Chow puppy and notice that its tongue is pink, don’t immediately write them off as being a mixed breed. Chow Chow puppies are born with pink tongues.

And as they grow older to approximately 8 to 10 weeks, they start to darken. But if you are very peculiar about getting a purebred, then just don’t take anyone’s word regarding the tongue color and the age. Its best that you make sure you are dealing with a reliable breeder who can show you documentation about the lineage of the dog. That way, you can rest assure that you are getting a genuine Chow Chow!