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Well it looks like we'll be getting a Chow Chow puppie next month (June).

I just stated getting the books & looking for info today, but I am wondering if there is anything that the current owners can point out that I need to be aware of.

House History.

1) 1 child (3.5 Years old)
2) 2 Birds (Parakeetes) I know to keep the dog away form them or loose the birds
3) 2 Fish No know problems with dogs that I know of.
4) Backyard with side area able to be converted to Dog run if needed. (Grass / Sidewalk)
5) Central California Location (Hot In Summer, Mild/Wet winters)

The Wife wants it to be a primalary Outside Dog, Not going to be doing breeding (It's a Male Dog)

Just wondering what advice you can all give me.

>> The Wife wants it to be a primalary Outside Dog

This is the thing that is a red flag for me.

Chow chows are VERY family-oriented, one person (one family), loyal dogs. In fact one of the things people do not like about them is that they don't like strangers very much. I know that my beloved chow mix Colleen would have pined away and died if kept primarily outside.

If your wife cannot welcome your chow chow puppy into the family on a full time basis, I am afraid your dog will be unhappy, and you will have trouble with bonding and socialization, which are absolutely crucial to this particular breed.

What is her objection to letting the dog live in the home with the family? If it is behavior issues, I can all but guarantee that this is doomed. If it's allergies, then I would consider a different breed.

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Christie Keith
Caber Feidh Scottish Deerhounds
Holistic Husbandry since 1986
www.caberfeidh.com/

>>Well it looks like we'll be getting a Chow Chow puppie next month (June).
>>>>5) Central California Location (Hot In Summer, Mild/Wet winters)
>>
>>The Wife wants it to be a primalary Outside Dog, Not going to be doing breeding (It's a Male Dog)
>>
>>Just wondering what advice you can all give me.
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Debra
ebraDownSth@aol.com" target="_blank">DebraDownSth@aol.com
Blessed Are The Flexible For They
Shall Not Be Bent Out of Shape.]

>>Well it looks like we'll be getting a Chow Chow puppie next month (June) Central California Location (Hot In Summer, Mild/Wet winters)
>>The Wife wants it to be a primalary Outside Dog, Not going to be doing breeding (It's a Male Dog)
>>
>>Just wondering what advice you can all give me.
******************

Dang. I am getting tired of this! It keeps not posting MY response.

Okay, lets try again.

If your wife insists on an outside dog, please do NOT get this dog. Period. Most dogs bites are outside dogs, and male. Chows have a bad rep... not that chows are bad dogs, but they need special training. Planning to keep one outside, with a family with a child, who have no experience with chows... well, you have just set yourself up for major problems and frankly, danger. Just don't get the dog. These dogs, as are ALL dogs, are pack animals. They don't do well alone. No matter WHAT your intentions, its rarely if ever enough to have a pet live outside. When you add in the temperament of a chow, its a real problem. Chows need to live inside, be at your feet, completely bond with the family as a pack member. If you cannot do that, don't get a chow. Frankly, I hope you don't get ANY dog.

http://hometown.aol.com/debradownsouth2/outsidedogs.html

http://www.chowwelfare.com/cciw/training.htm

IF your wife can be convinced to keep the dog INSIDE, then please post back and we can help you with all areas. Of course, the major thing is where this pup is coming from. To be honest, few RESPONSIBLE breeders would place a pup to be an outside dog so I worry you are starting off bad already. Far better to go with a responsible dog rescue group than a back yard breeder. You can only do so much with training, you need a good temperament to start with.
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Debra
ebraDownSth@aol.com" target="_blank">DebraDownSth@aol.com
Blessed Are The Flexible For They
Shall Not Be Bent Out of Shape.]

>>Well it looks like we'll be getting a Chow Chow puppie next month (June).
>>The Wife wants it to be a primalary Outside Dog, Not going to be doing breeding (It's a Male Dog)

Hi - I "lurk" here a lot, but haven't posted. Mostly active on the AOL board. I have to echo what Debra and Christie stated. The big red flag is "outside dog". Any dog, really, wants to be with it's "pack". They are social animals and need to be interacting with the family. I can understand, certainly, having a run where you can put him intermittently, or for a certain period of time.. but to keep him primarily outside? No, not a good idea. Chows especially NEED socialization. My chows have always been excellent indoor dogs. During the day when I am at work, JoJo is inside - alone. I know he's safe inside, and in a "climate-controlled" environment. When I'm home, he pretty much does what he wants..(who's the boss here, anyway? lol).. he's an indoor/outdoor. I even take mine when I go on vacation to visit family. I don't have any children, but I know of several people that have raised their Chows with children and do very well. Maybe they will chime in here. Bottom line, though, if you're going to get him, bring him in and make him part of the family. You'll be rewarded with a loyal and loving friend for life.
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Liz and JoJo
JoJo's Pics

>>-----
>>Liz and JoJo
>> JoJo's Pics

Hm.. well, the link to JoJo's pics didn't work. Sigh. Oh well.

Liz

Well, there is one major concern I have from your post "Wife wants dog primarily outside."

--WHY?

Dogs are pack animals they need teh companionship? Does she not even want a dog? Why did you decide on a chow? Why not a lab or a small lap dog?

The heat will be a problem if the chow is kept outside.

There is no problems with Childre if the Child learns to be respectful of teh animal, the animal is socialized with children,adults, animals, etc. is thsi yoru first dog? If so I truly would not recommend a chow. Too dominant, hard headed.

What are you looking for in a dog? Chows are not under foot like a lab, but aloof like a CAT. They can and do make great family pets. I have 2 and a 1 year old Child. Chows were their first but they all get a long great (because we trained them and are working with Angela)

How much time do you have for grooming, training, attention? They need a lot of training (daily..rest of life like all dogs) Grooming at least 2-3x a week. Are you prepared to go in for teh long haul if yoru chow becomes ill or has genetic problems?

I am truly not trying to diswade you from getting a chow, but you need to ask yourself these questions. And if the spouse is not in on it, then I would wait until she is ready for a dog, and then consider anothewr breed if you do not have time for grooming and training.

More Info.

The wife is saying it will be an inside / outside dog, and that she wants to be the primary caregiver [Right ]

I have no problmes with taking care of the dog / grooming / walking (Can use the walks myself)/ Vet

The Dog is the Run of a litter, and will be hear in Mid June. Comming up from L.A. California.

I have been reading about "Crating" is that Good / Bad ?
Are they talking about dog carriers ? as the main bed ?

She already knows the dog will start in the kitchen area for training (Only area that has a Easy to clean floor) And I will be getting the baby gate in the next few weeks for locking it out of rooms / hallways for now.

On a Side note we now have 3 Birds 1 May be temporary though, Found a cockatiel, if no one clames him, Another mebmer to the family.

I have a Chow, a red male, and he is great around children, other dogs, other animals, etc.. The ONLY reason that he is like this is because I spent An EXTREMELY TREMENDOUS amount of TIME and EFFORT socializing and training him. If your pup is not socialized and worked with , and allowed into the family, then you won't have a good dog. If you, for ANY reason think your child may harm the dog - don't get a chow. A chow has a low tolerance for abuse. Most don't tolerate being hit at all (I work rescue and the only reason I bring this up is because it amazes me how many people think this is a 'training method'). They are extremely stubborn, are protective, and are really not for first time dog owners. Chows do not end up being good dogs if they are left outside to their own devices.
As far as the birds go, don't let them loose around the dog if you want them to live. Even as a puppy a dog might unintentionally or intentionally hurt the birds.
They can also be fastidiously clean animals. Mine was housebroke in a week. We crate trained him, he hates being wet with a passion.

Read as much as you can, talk to professional breeders, or a rescue, and be sure this is the right dog for your family. Also, have the dogs parents been ofa certified, eyes tested, heart problem free? etc...

>>The Dog is the Run of a litter, and will be hear in Mid June. Comming up from L.A. California.>>

Why would you get the runt? They can have serious health issues. Even the healthy ones can have "Napolean" complex. Who is the breeder? Are the parents both OFA for hips and thyroid? What about CERF for eyes... iow, why THIS pup.
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Debra
ebraDownSth@aol.com" target="_blank">DebraDownSth@aol.com
Blessed Are The Flexible For They
Shall Not Be Bent Out of Shape.]

Well the wife has relised that a Chow Chow would not be the best dog for her, so that is now not an issue.

But after talking a while she relised what she can handle is a small lap dog. So off in that direction.

On a side note, Back down to 2 birds The one we found was picked up by its owner yesterday.

>>Well the wife has relised that a Chow Chow would not be the best dog for her, so that is now not an issue.
>>
>>But after talking a while she relised what she can handle is a small lap dog. So off in that direction.
>>
>>On a side note, Back down to 2 birds The one we found was picked up by its owner yesterday.

Think about a Poodle. They shed practically none at all, adapt to a great many homes who are not very "dog-oriented," and a lot of the training happens from a GOOD dog groomer--make sure any groomer you use for any dog is a great one. Consider a young adult dog who has already learned to be good with kids, and remember that no child under school age should ever be left alone with any dog (including small dogs) for even one minute. Have fun!
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

Or you can go to a local rescue and they can match you up with a dog that would fit better in your family. But you might have to give up the idea of keeping a dog outside. Most rescues that I know of will not adopt to you if you do that because they wan the dogs to be a part of the family. Especially with a small dog.

>>Well the wife has relised that a Chow Chow would not be the best dog for her, so that is now not an issue.
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Debra
ebraDownSth@aol.com" target="_blank">DebraDownSth@aol.com
Blessed Are The Flexible For They
Shall Not Be Bent Out of Shape.]

AGain, my quotes but not post showed up.

I said I was glad she was thinking of another breed that might be a better fit. Best of luck!
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Debra
ebraDownSth@aol.com" target="_blank">DebraDownSth@aol.com
Blessed Are The Flexible For They
Shall Not Be Bent Out of Shape.]