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Written
100 years ago - still so very apt today,
Lady Dunbar of Mochrum (UK) - one of the pioneer breeders
of the Chow Chow - once commented:
"The Chow has many noble qualities,
his heart cannot be taken by storm, but,
once given, it is yours forever..."
Particularly when adopting a semi-adult/adult Chow,
should one bear those words in mind.
Most Importantly: You must understand the Chow's character,
as well as have patience and time in the first few months. |
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Never
underestimate the advantages of the older Chow: be it the retired
show dog, or bitch that is no
longer needed for breeding, or perhaps the Chow who's owners' circumstances
force him/her to find
another person to love their pet.
Usually these dogs will be available at a lesser outlay because
the owner/breeder's main concern is to
find the truly excellent home. There are not the same concerns as
having to raise a puppy. Particularly
do show dogs make excellent companions as they are used to people
and usually have a steady,
settled temperament. |
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Once
you've found a Chow you would like to give a new
home to, we recommend that you try to meet the Chow
beforehand. Remember it should be wary of strangers,
but it should also be approachable when with it's owner
on it's own property. If at an animal shelter, it may
be withdrawn. It can be coaxed, but should not be forced. |
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Sit
down (at the Chow's level), some small distance away from it, not
facing it nor having your back turned
on it. Do not look it in the eye for more than 1 or 2 seconds at
a time. Ignore it if it approaches you.
Talk gently in a soothing tone all the time, even if you are carrying
on conversation with the owner.
(Find out what games, snacks, food, toys the dog prefers. Also ask
what regular outings/events/grooming
it was used to).
If you feel the Chow is comfortable enough - touch it slowly between
the forelegs on the chest and work
your way up to under the chin. Alternatively, approach it on the
cheek. Do not ever approach a Chow
from above or behind. Have some tasty bits in your pocket and if
the Chow allows petting, offer it a piece.
It may not take from you - it still does not know if it can trust
you! If it is particularly wary, you may have to
use this approach a number of times, handling it more as it allows. |
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If
you have other dogs, provided the owner is known,
fetch its blanket/favourite toy and put it with your
dogs' blankets/toys. In turn, take some of your dogs'
blankets or toys and leave it with the Chow to be adopted -
just for a couple of days. Dogs work by smell - this
allows them to be 'introduced' to oneanother - accepting
that new smell as familiar after a few days. It is also
preferable that all dogs are neutered/spayed.
This prevents trouble induced by hormones! |
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Introduce
your own dogs to the Chow one by one, gradually
increasing it until all are together after a few days. Always
have supervision when the dogs all run together.
When you are not present, always seperate them.
Do this for at least 4 weeks, or as you feel necessary. |
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Of course,
if there are definite personality clashes, this may take time
to resolve, or it may never resolve.
Be prepared to split them up for life.Once at your home, initially
only one person in the family should feed it.
The Chow should be given treats (toy/praise/snack) when it allows
contact and shows trust.
Generally Chow Chows love walks. As soon as enough trust has developed,
slip on a lead and walk it
around the garden (when dealing with a lead trained Chow). Then
progress to walks in the park
(if it is comfortable travelling by car) or around your neighbourhood,
if it is safe from other dogs.
Entice it with games - for a Chow loves to play with its owner,
even well into old age!
Grooming:
Once it accepts you, start brushing it gently on the areas it
allows. If it was used to being groomed,
find out how it was done (on a table..., on the floor..., how
regularly...) If it was not used to brushing,
you might be able to train it if you only do it on certain parts
when the dog is relaxing.
Try make it a relaxing time for the both of you. |
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You may also
have been so very fortunate to
find a well raised, bred and socialised Chow,
perhaps an ex-show Chow, in which case you
may need to apply the above advice in a very
limited measure and for a limited time!
In all instances remember: The Chow Chow is a highly intelligent,
dignified dog that thrives on human companionship and friendship
- if it is treated as an equal. |
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Whilst
the above advice cannot be guaranteed to work in all instances,
or claim to be the
absolutely correct way to handle adoptions in all cases, this advice
is all based on the
experiences of folks who have adopted semi-adult, adult and middle-aged
Chows over the
years very successfully. Some have also re-homed Chows very successfully.
And eventually the adoptive humans have earned that same undying
love from all these Chows! |
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Unless you are very comfortable with the idea and have had
success before, do
not adopt any AGGRESSIVE dog. |
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The Chow Chow's rich history,
breed standards, colours and coat types,
the smooth chow chow, and much more!
Read all about it... |
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Guides
on purchasing, raising, feeding,
grooming, socialising, showing the
chow chow. Care of the senior chow chow,
health concerns and much more!
Read all about it... |
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Find
chow chow breeders accross
Southern Africa. Display adverts
featuring puppies & showdogs.
Find out more... |
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Our
visitors
photographs:
View
the albums... |
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Smooth
chow chows
in Southern Africa,
owners, photos,
albums, history
and more!
Read more... |
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Free
chow chow
wallpapers
for you to enjoy!
Download
them now... |
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