I have been a chow owner for 6 years now (Yes Debra ben will be 6 march 25) and I opened my mind to Debra, Kathy Diamond Davis and others who truly knew more then me. The going was tough since 1 month after getting Big ben we had a tragic accident, but because I followed these women's advice, I have a very settled, well behaved, social chow.
Ben learned from day one where his food came from, who was alpha (By grooming and other pack behavior) and then when he was 18 mos old, we introduced Jamie, our chow rescue.
Once again Debra and Kathy came through on introducing a second dog to the family. Then When Ben was 3 and Jamie was 2 we introduced our daughter to the family. These women helped me thhrough that transition.
So when it was time to keep dog # three this summer after she ran away, owners claimed her then dumped her with us again (4 yr old Schipperke) I was able to look back on all the wonderful advice Debra and Kathy and so many others gave me and the adjustment was smooth.
We only have 1 issue when it comes to food now, Ben and Jamie eat together with no issue, but at meal time we have to keep maggie behind a gate on the other side of the counter and she STILL charges the gate to get at Jamie (Who she acknowledges as Alpha during any other time)
We knew going in what a 3rd Dog could bring to the situation, because of LISTENING to those who know.
I would never dream of bringing 2 puppies into the same house let alone the same sex, no matter what breed, I would never reqard with Pets for Food aggression, as a matter of fact Ben growled at me for teh first time in his life over a bone and that was it. He was in trouble. I took the bone from him, made him get off my bed (which he ran to to hide) and then I put him through a 30 minute training excerise.
THAT is how you deal with that. No petting was given until he passed his training and apologized to me at the end with a kiss on command.
The food aggression with a child in the house is even more dangerous. My daughter has been attacked 2 times by a dog who was rewarded for growling while eating. Thank God she was not seriously hurt and i was present, but that dog stalked her from another room and charged her when I turned my back. That is what rewarding food aggression can cause.
OK, Off my soap box.
Oh One more thing, Socialization can come in many forms. Look up dog shows,take your pet, petsmart, petco and parks where sledding is going on.
It is UP to you as an Owner to socialize your dog no matter what the weather is. Do you keep your human children in when its cold outside?
The internet provides endless info and resources, don't limit yourself.
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Rachel,John,Angela
Big Ben,Jamie & Maggie
There is a time and a season for everything...Just remember what ever it is,God is always holding you in His arms.
