In my opinion training has several aspects and meanings; house training; show training; obedience training; agility training etc.

Obedience- training can be difficult with a Chow, they often become bored at repetition. Offering positive reinforcement and providing a suitable stimulation is one way of ensuring training is progressive. Do not however expect a chow to start to perform tricks or be a dancing dog. Another note along this same vein is that while a Chow is obedient at home it does not always follow out of the home, a chow can suddenly forget their name for instance when off of a lead so this is best to be avoided.

Agility- training again due to a Chow’s differing opinion when it comes to being off a lead agility may not be the best, I have however taken part in this (while on the lead). Others have enjoyed success through this and take part regularly, normally and complete clear rounds (off the lead).

Show and house training are both very similar in my opinion. Both require; your dog listening to you; walking on a lead; crate training; other people touching them; socialising with other dogs; and grooming. As such ring craft training is a positive in my opinion as it will get your dog used to everything it will require to be a good family member.

Your dog listening to you, has many benefits. Firstly you will be able to gain their attention, call them away from a door in the house or get them to stop barking (if necessary). All of this is useful and necessary for your dog to be a welcome addition to your family.

Walking on a lead is very import. Again this allows your dog to get used to you, it is a bonding process, where your dog and you are together exploring. When walking a shorter lead is advised to ensure safety over other dogs and control over your own. This will also assist in reducing the possibility of injury. Your dog should be able to walk past other dogs with no interest if that is your desire- they are walking with you and you are their main interest.

Crate training is another important aspect for your dog. A dog should be willing and used to using a crate, this is never a punishment but it can ensure safety. When travelling using a crate will make your dog safer. In your home, you may on occasion want a dog out of the way (for a short time) as such a crate could be useful. If for any reason your dog would need to spend a night at the vets it would need to be in a crate, as such crate training is advised.

Other people touching them, dogs get stroked- it’s part of their life. Ring craft will get a dog used to this being done in a certain way, early socialisation will assist this process. Again, at a vets your dog will be looked at, by you going over your dog they will become more accustom to others doing so also.

Encourage friends and family to go over your dog as much as possible. This will assist your dog in being more outgoing, friendly and ensuring your dog’s temperament remains as good as it can be. A chow doesn’t always enjoy people stroking them on-top of their head, as such stroking under the chin is a better approach. The more your chow gets used to being stroked by strangers at a young age the better they will become.

Socialising with other dogs, this is again for confidence, and temperament. Your dog should be used to other dogs and should be able to behave itself when around other dogs. You can’t always ensure the temperament of other dogs, but you should know how your dog will react and behave in this different situations.

Grooming, this is another important aspect of bonding with your dog. Getting them used to you brushing them, being patient while you brush and groom. Your dog’s temperament is again strengthened and improved during this process. Your house will be hair free by maintaining your dog, your dog will be more comfortable due to a lack of knots, bathing should be part of this process. More on Grooming is in the grooming advise section of this puppy pack.