They may be big for a lap dog but for certain every owner or even those who do not own this breed would like to cuddle and play with this robust and dense-coated Chow Chow. Behind their strong and somewhat dominant aura lies a temperament most owners want in a pet – protective of its owners and good with kids. This breed shouldn’t be aggressive or timid nevertheless owners or potential owners should keep in mind that dogs, regardless of the breed, do not figure out appropriate behavior by themselves. They need their owners to provide effective Chow Chow training and guide them in learning how to behave in desirable ways.

Chow Chows, and other dominant and robust breeds for that matter, require more extensive socialization than other less dominant breeds since socialization helps them get used to sights and sounds they might come across with everyday. If they are used to such things – delivery man, the phone ringing and siren for instance, they’re less likely to show aggressive behavior that if not gotten rid of early on will develop into a habit.

Socialization ought to start during puppyhood but if you adopted a grown or adult dog, you will also have to socialize it the same way you’d socialize a puppy. You need to establish rules and implement them firmly in order to make it clear to your dog that it is not free to do whatever it pleases. Through this, you’re also sending it the message that you are the leader of the pack that should be obeyed and respected. By establishing your role as the pack leader, your sturdy Chow Chow is less likely to display aggressive, dominant and unruly behavior. Owners must be confident, firm in handling the dog and consistent in order to be regarded by the pet as pack leader.

One important step when socializing a puppy is to let it spend time with the mother along with other puppies in the litter because it is during this time that bite inhibition is learned. Bite inhibition is a response wherein a puppy regulates or inhibits the force of its bite so as not to hurt or cause injury to anybody. This period is very important to Chow Chow training considering that this breed is said to be related to dog bites.

Socialization should also include introducing them to everyday scenarios like passersby, be it vehicles or people, delivery man, active neighbors and relatives coming to visit. As a result, they are less likely to feel threatened and make an effort to protect you from these people.

Socialization is essential to every dog and to Chows Chows, it could keep everyone safe.

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Filed under: Advantage for Dogs

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