Activities For American Chow Bulldogs

1k Views
0 Comments
0 Votes

Prepare for unexpected vet bills

Find pet insurance Find pet insurance

Introduction

The American Chow Bulldog is a hybrid breed. The dog's parent breeds are the Chow Chow and the American Bulldog. Tenacious and somewhat aloof, the American Chow Bulldog will require a moderate amount of activity to ensure that the dog is happy and healthy (as well as avoiding mischief). It is recommended that the American Chow Bulldog receives, at a minimum, thirty minutes of daily activity. However, two fifteen minute sessions per day are optimum for this hybrid breed. The American Chow Bulldog requires a variety of activities that challenge them both physically and mentally. Keep in mind that this breed should never be exposed to extreme weather (hot or cold) due to their short coat and brachycephalic nose.

Socialization

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Normal
20 min
Items needed
leash
doggy waste bags
treats
Activity description
Critics often complain of the aloof nature of the Chow Chow parent. Of course, every puppy is different; in addition, with the American Chow Bulldog, you may find your pup is more like the Bulldog parent. However, if you begin socializing your pup at an early age, you can ensure that you have a happy, friendly pup (even if the dog is leery of strangers at first). There are many ways to socialize your pup, and this process will not only help you teach your companion how to act but also promotes bonding between you and the young dog.
Step
1
Visit a popular place
There are many places that you can take a pup so that they can interact with people. Once the dog is about four months old, find opportunities to take them around people. You can take your dog to pet-friendly shopping centers (particularly outdoors). You might take your young dog to the river or beach. You may even just take your pal on a playdate with other young pups. This is the time to teach the dog how to behave around humans and other canines.
Step
2
Dog parks and pet-friendly restaurants
Once your pup has become accustomed to a variety of human friends, it is time to help them make friends with other dogs. Remember to slowly introduce your four-legged friend to other dogs. Although some parks have enclosures for dogs of a particular size, never let a younger dog experience free play with other pups until the dog is ready. Expect your pup to sniff the other dogs and perhaps playfully tussle, but always step in if you feel they are too aggressive.
Step
3
Other unfamiliar environments
One of the goals of socialization is to put the pup in a variety of situations so that they can learn how to act when faced with new or unfamiliar settings. Is there a school that will allow you to bring your dog for show and tell? Do so! A young pup generally loves children and is more than patient when kids pat a little too hard. Visit the walking track and allow friendly strangers to speak to and pat your pup. Be sure to encourage your dog - they will react based on your cues as well as their own instinct.
Love this activity?

Therapy Work

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Moderate
Normal
60 min
Items needed
leash
treats
Activity description
The American Chow Bulldog makes a great therapy dog. In addition, if you decide early on that you might want to participate in therapy work, utilizing the social interaction mentioned in Activity One will pave the way for your pup to work with others in a therapeutic manner. You will need to begin obedience classes and training with your pup once the dog approaches six to eight months of age. Again, give your canine charge plenty of opportunities to interact with people. This will only further the dog's ability to become a therapy animal.
Step
1
Socialize, socialize
Once your dog has received all vaccinations (about six months of age), then seize every opportunity to socialize them. Take them to pet-friendly shopping centers (think an outdoor flea market) where the dog will be petted and interact with friendly strangers. Visit pet-friendly restaurants. Schedule play dates with other pups that are of a similar age. All these opportunities prepare your dog for therapy work.
Step
2
Obedience classes
Before beginning training as a bonafide therapy dog, you should enroll your six to eight month old pup in obedience classes. Obedience classes teach your pup so much more than just simple commands. Your dog will learn patience in addition to learning how to interact with people in new situations (something they need to be therapy dogs). Check with the American Kennel Club for dog clubs in your area that offer obedience classes.
Step
3
Find opportunities for work
Depending on your location, you can find a variety of areas which welcome therapy dogs. Call the local school district and speak with administrators. Some classes allow therapy dogs to come in and visit children with learning disabilities or emotional issues. Hospitals often welcome therapy dogs in the general population as well as in children's wings. Secure permission to provide your pup with opportunities to work.
Love this activity?

Take a Walk

Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Free
Easy
10 - 30 min
Items needed
leash
treats
doggy waste bags
Activity description
As with many dogs with a heavier bone structure, the American Chow Bulldog must be exercised carefully, particularly when the pup is very young. Before a pup is six months old, you should monitor their activity and never allow the dog to participate in intense activity. After the six month mark, you can introduce a walking regimen that will provide your pup with activity while still remaining a low-impact exercise. Keep in mind that this dog breed should never even be on stairs until the six-month mark has passed.  You should always remember to start slowly and allow for plenty of breaks for your pup.
Step
1
Beginning a routine
Begin by taking short, ten minute walks. Choose a path that is easy, relatively flat and even terrain. Work on commands as you go. If you notice that the puppy tries to stop on their own (especially if the pup tries to lay down), then do not expect them to continue. In order to prevent skeletal issues, pick up your dog and carry them home.
Step
2
Short and brisk
For an American Chow puppy, the best way to exercise is to do so in short, brief sessions that take place multiple times a day. Two or three brief ten minute sessions will ensure that your pup gets ample exercise without putting undue strain on their growing joints. In addition, be sure to take these exercises at cool times of the day due to the short snout of the American Chow Bulldog.
Step
3
Dog park
If walking your pup in your neighborhood is not an option, the local dog park likely has a walking track that you can utilize. This also provides a great socialization opportunity for your dog. You should begin with your pup on a leash until you are certain they are ready to interact properly with other dogs.
Love this activity?

More Fun Ideas...

Swimming

The American Chow Bulldog is an excellent swimmer, and, equipped with the proper swim vest, the pup will enjoy taking a dip with you.

Fetch

The American Chow Bulldog will enjoy a fun game of fetch utilizing either a ball or a toy. However, keep in mind that the breed may inherit the brachycephalic nose of the Bulldog parent. Do not allow the pup to become overexerted.

Conclusion

The American Chow Bulldog is a great guardian and a wonderful companion dog. The breed is not extremely active, but the American Chow Bulldog will need a moderate amount of exercise to remain happy and healthy - and out of mischief! Engage your pup in daily activity to encourage bonding and physical fitness.