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Care Expectations
Grooming
Chow Chows have a dense double coat that needs regular brushing to prevent matting and manage shedding, especially during seasonal coat blow.
Consistent Routine
Chows thrive on structure. Predictable schedules for feeding, potty breaks, rest, and walks help them feel secure and settled.
Early Socialization
Chows thrive on structure. Predictable schedules for feeding, potty breaks, rest, and walks help them feel secure and settled.
Respectful Handling
Chows do best with calm, respectful interaction. They aren’t a roughhousing breed and they appreciate clear boundaries, especially around kids.
Moderate Exercise
Daily walks and light activity are usually enough. They’re not high energy, but they benefit from consistent movement and mental engagement.
Ongoing Health Care
Routine vet care, prevention, good nutrition, and maintaining a healthy weight all support long term comfort and quality of life.
Chow Chow Basics: Sit, Stay, Lay Down, Come Here
A simple daily guide for building trust, communication, and calm confidence.
Training tip: Keep sessions short (5 to 10 minutes), once or twice a day. Stay calm, consistent, and rewarding.
Sit
How to teach: Hold a treat close to your puppy’s nose, then lift your hand upward. As their head rises, their bottom will naturally lower. The moment they sit, say “sit” and reward.
Practice tips: Ask for a sit before meals, before going outside, and before greetings.
Stay
How to teach: Ask for sit. Hold your palm up and say “stay.” Take one small step back. If your puppy stays, step forward, praise, and reward.
Practice tips: Start with very short stays and increase slowly.
Lay Down
How to teach: Ask for sit, then lower a treat straight down to the floor. As your puppy follows it, they will fold into a down. Say “lay down” and reward.
Practice tips: Use this command during calm moments or when you want your puppy to settle.
Come Here
How to teach: Say your puppy’s name followed by “come here” in a happy, inviting voice. Take a step backward and reward when they reach you.
Practice tips: Always make this command positive. Never call your puppy for punishment.
Krystal Chow Bears • Texas
Puppy Enrichment and Mental Stimulation for Chow Chow Puppies
Simple Puppy Enrichment You Can Make at Home You don’t need fancy toys to raise a confident puppy. One of the questions I get most from new puppy owners is,“What can I do to keep my puppy busy…
Leash training a chow chow puppy the best way
Leash Training Without a Power Struggle A Chow Chow Puppy Guide to Calm, Confident Walks If you’ve chosen a Chow Chow, you already know you didn’t bring home a follower. You brought home a thinker. Chows are intelligent,…
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Simple Puppy Enrichment You Can Make at Home
You do not need fancy toys to raise a confident puppy. Some of the best enrichment is simple, calm, and made from things you already have in your house.
1. The Towel Treat Roll
A calm, confidence building brain game that encourages sniffing and problem solving.
- A clean bath towel
- A small handful of puppy kibble or treats
Lay the towel flat and sprinkle treats across it. Roll the towel up like a cinnamon roll or gently fold it over itself. Place it on the floor and let your puppy investigate.
- Encourages natural sniffing instincts
- Builds confidence without frustration
- Great for young puppies who are still learning enrichment games
2. Cardboard Box Exploration
Low pressure curiosity building that helps puppies learn new textures and sounds.
- A cardboard box
- Crumpled paper, an empty paper towel roll, or a soft toy
Set the box on the floor and place a few safe items inside. You can add a couple treats or let your puppy explore freely. Some puppies will step right in and others will sniff first. Both are perfect.
- Builds confidence in unfamiliar environments
- Encourages curiosity without overwhelm
- Gives puppies something appropriate to investigate
3. Frozen Washcloth for Teething
A simple comfort tool that can be a lifesaver during teething stages.
- A clean washcloth
- Water, or puppy safe broth if approved by your vet
Dampen the washcloth, twist it gently, and freeze it. Offer it during supervised time when your puppy is teething or extra mouthy.
- Soothes sore gums
- Redirects chewing from hands and furniture
- Helps puppies learn how to self settle
4. Muffin Tin Puzzle
A think it through game that slows fast eaters and uses mental energy in a healthy way.
- A muffin tin
- Tennis balls or puppy safe toys
- Kibble or treats
Place food in a few muffin cups and cover them with balls or toys. Your puppy has to figure out how to uncover the food.
- Encourages problem solving
- Slows down mealtime for puppies who inhale food
- Burns mental energy without over excitement
Why I Encourage Enrichment
Enrichment is not about keeping puppies busy. It is about raising balanced dogs. Just a few minutes a day of mental work can reduce destructive behavior, improve confidence and focus, and help puppies learn how to relax.
Simple, calm activities go a long way, especially in those early weeks at home.
