How to Train a Chow

If you would like a dog that thinks for himself, is quiet and clean in the house and needs only moderate exercise, a Chow may be the dog for you. But a Chow can also be strong-willed, suspicious and dominant, if not trained properly. If you are willing to work with your Chow consistently, you will be able to socialize him, and will end up with a dog that you and your loved ones can enjoy.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Prong collar or electric collar
• Leather leash
• Kennel

1. Start obedience training early. Adult Chow's can be very aggressive, so it is important to begin their training while they are puppies, even though they may not yet show aggression.

2. Earn your Chow's respect. This intelligent dog will not obey you if it does not respect you. You must correct her forcefully every time she shows aggression. This is the only effective way to prevent her from becoming more aggressive.

3. Use a prong collar or electric collar to correct your Chow. His independent attitude and thick fur will work together to counteract the effectiveness of your correction. Using either of these collars will make the dog pay attention when you correct him.

4. Train in the presence of other dogs. It is important that your Chow obey you when you are at home. It is even more important, however, that she obeys you when around other dogs.

5. Control your Chow's environment. Use a kennel as a place where your dog can be quiet and relax. This will give him a safe place to go when he needs a break from the noise and chaos of living with humans.

6. Get professional help. If you are unsure of how to effectively train your Chow, pay a professional trainer to teach you and your dog how to behave. This will be well worth it if it prevents your Chow from hurting another dog or a person.

Tips & Warnings

• When outside of your home or fenced yard, always keep your Chow on her leash. This will help you maintain control of her behavior no matter what happens.
• Do not take your Chow to a dog park to play. With all of the activity, stimulation and strange dogs in the park, he may easily become aggressive.