Ciao chows' journal
Category: Puppies
Integrating a New Puppy
Multi Chow Chow homes face the addition of a new pack/family member from time to time. In general, Chows know the difference between adults and youngsters and a young dog is usually completely accepted by the adults within a few days.
Some adults may at first avoid a young pup (2-3months of age), as they (correctly, instinctively) fear a protective mother in the vicinity.
As with human children, puppies need to be taught respectful behaviour.
Just as with human children, puppies need to be taught respectful behaviour in the pack/family. To teach boundaries, an older dog may growl or mock charge the puppy. This should be allowed within reason. An overconfident pup can be obnoxious at times and may need human intervention to further guide their behaviour.
Jumping on adults' back and tail grabbing are some instinctive behaviours. However these play behaviours are practice for adulthood. Hence, within the family/pack of dogs and in socializing, these behaviours should be checked and the pup distracted to another more appropriate play behaviour. Essentially this intervention teaches good manners.
A poorly mannered adult, which does not just warn growl or mock charge, but actually hurts or petrifies a puppy should be closely monitored. This adult is teaching the puppy incorrect behaviour and such a pup quickly absorbs wrong behaviour in certain scenarios. This leads to serious character clashes and issues when the pup matures.
Chow Chows are individuals with great variety in temperaments. However, to have a successful pack/family of dogs all need to exercise basic good manners -towards dogs and humans.
May you experience the joy of
a happy pack / family of Chow Chows
