Dec 21 2011

Chow Chow Training and Getting Rid of Biting Issues

This sturdy built breed with extremely thick double coat is famous for being suspicious of strangers and over protective of its owners as well as property. This personality, though useful to the safety of owners, can be one of the factors this breed is considered as high risk dogs by some since a number of dog bite cases are linked to them. But despite the threat this breed can possibly cause, owners or possible owners don’t need to be fearful for there are useful ways on how to approach this problem and that is right Chow Chow training.

Like other dog breeds especially those with dominant and strong disposition, training a Chow Chow need to start at a very young age. Training at this point in time normally entails thorough socialization with the mother dog along with other puppies in the litter. This is helpful in developing social relationships as well as getting them accustomed to common sights and sounds. It is also during this time that a pup discovers about biting and how to control it.

Referred to as bite inhibition, it is a behavior wherein a dog inhibits or regulates the force of its biting so as not to harm or bring injury to anyone. Supposedly, a dog learns this when playing together thus explains why a dog should not be taken away from the mother and the rest of the litter at a very young age. The theory of bite inhibition is that, when the puppy bites its sibling way too hard, that sibling will yelp, stop playing and disregard the rough puppy. When this takes place every time a pup bites too hard, that pup will quickly realize that play and pleasure stops when the biting is too hard hence will have to regulate the force of its bite for continued fun.

Owners can use this principle during Chow Chow training. If your Chow Chow puppy begins to bite harder than it’s supposed to, yelp and say something like “ouch” or “oww” and then stop playing with that pup. Allow a few seconds to pass and when the biting carries on, repeat the first step. If the initial step appears to be ineffective, you may also need to leave the room or area where you’re at for a few seconds. While you are walking away, never look back or budge regardless of its attempt to play.

This procedure ought to motivate your puppy to bite less hard and less frequently. Smacking your puppy’s nose or hitting the head should not be used when confronted with this issue. It can do more harm than good since a puppy will see the need to defend itself thus will be prompted to bite.

Being a Chow Chow owner for many years, Laura Coleman discovered that this breed needs firm and timely Chow Chow training. To know the most effective and humane methods for Chow Chow training, feel free to visit this site specializing in Chow Chows.

Dec 17 2011

The Importance of Socialization During Chow Chow Training

They might be big for a toy dog but for certain every owner or even those who are not owners would love to cuddle and play with this strong and dense-coated Chow Chow. Their strong and somewhat dominant appearance hides an attitude most owners are looking for in a pet – protective of its owners and good with kids. This breed should never be aggressive or timid however owners or future owners need to remember that dogs, regardless of the breed, don’t figure out good behavior on their own. 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 strong breeds for that matter, need more intensive socialization than other less dominant breeds since socialization helps them get used to sights and sounds they would possibly run into. If they’re accustomed to such things – delivery man, the phone ringing and siren for example, they are less likely to display aggressive behavior that if not eliminated early on will develop into a habit.

Socialization should start during puppyhood but if you adopted a grown or adult dog, you’ll need to socialize it the same way you would socialize a puppy. You have to establish rules and employ them firmly 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 needs to be obeyed and respected. By establishing your role as the leader of the pack, your sturdy Chow Chow is less likely to exhibit aggressive, dominant and unruly behavior. Owners have to be confident, firm in handling the dog and consistent to be regarded by the pet as pack leader.

One significant step when socializing a puppy is to let it spend some time with the mother and other puppies in the litter because it’s during this time that bite inhibition is learned. Bite inhibition is a reaction wherein a puppy regulates or inhibits the force of its bite so as not to hurt or cause pain to anyone. This time is very essential to Chow Chow training considering that this breed is said to be linked to dog bites.

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

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

Laura Coleman believes that this strong dog makes great family dog as long as given correct Chow Chow training. To obtain more tips on Chow Chow training, take a look at her site about this breed.