How to Adopt a Chow Chow in Missouri

If you have ever wanted to legally own a lion in the United States, you might have stumbled upon the fluffy and fierce chow chow. A dog with a brilliant and dense mane, the chow chow is a walking haircare commercial with a fiery watchdog lying just underneath its fuzzy surface. They are loyal animals that can keep a home well-protected from bobcats and still make fantastic companions. They will not work well with first-time owners, however, and they are unquestionably a high-maintenance canine. They will require regular grooming, an owner who can train out their stubborn streak, and may prove aggressive towards new people. Because of this, we recommend someone experienced with bigger dogs who can deal with a willful pooch. Because of their size, bravery, and protective nature, we strongly recommend people look at a complete guide to better understand the breed before deciding to move one into their home. This article, however, will focus on how to adopt a chow chow in Missouri and what you need to do to prepare for one in your home.

Chow Chow Adoption in Missouri

If you want to adopt a chow chow specifically in Missouri, you will need to do some research and potentially make a few calls. The days of having to wander around various shelters and rescues are over, and most people can reliably get a roster of pooches from a business’s website or social media. Not every shelter will have an up-to-date page, however, and it can help to call during business hours to see if they have a chow chow or are willing to write down your contact details. You should always prepare accordingly before adopting a dog, but chow chows are an especially important canine to get ready for. They are strong dogs that can be bullheaded, independent, and, depending on who owned them last, potentially aggressive. For this reason, we strongly recommend getting to know a potential pup at the shelter before rushing to adopt to really understand a dog’s personality. Find one that seems sociable, even-tempered, and willing to listen to basic commands. This is especially important if they are older. If they are younger, you should still look for a more amiable pooch, but you have time to raise them and train out their poor habits more easily. An older, stubborn chow chow could be a challenge for even an experienced owner, so take your time. Once you have found one with a temperament and personality that fits you, you can begin the adoption paperwork. Shelters tend to be more discerning for prospective adopters for this breed so it is very important that you take the process seriously. The adoption process consists of an application with questions surrounding your background, pet experience, household composition and contact information, as well as a contract. They may require an in-person interview, a copy of your lease, and a home inspection. If approved, you will need to pay the shelter’s adoption fee before completion.

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How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Chow Chow in Missouri? We have found the average adoption fee throughout Missouri to sit between $500 – $800. For breeders, the price can be far more expensive and run someone a few thousand dollars. If you are looking for a purebred chow chow from a breed specific rescue, expect to pay higher fees. This also applies to chow chow puppies. Talk to the shelter to find out if they are having a sale or offer fee waivers for elderly chow chows or for bonded pairs.

How Should I Train a Chow Chow? You will need to start training as soon as the dog feels comfortable in your home and continue until they prove they meet your standards for aggression, reactivity and obedience. They are not always compliant in training, and owners will need to remain very patient even during the difficult sessions. Keep a positive attitude, and motivate the chow chow with treats when they perform well. Because of the difficulty of training certain chow chows, we recommend using professional techniques to make the process easier for yourself. You should seek out dog trainers with good reviews and experience with chow chows, or rely on one of our many expert-led courses. Dog Training with Dog Academy

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Find the Right Chow Chow in Missouri for You

Don’t let our disclaimers scare you off; chow chows are wonderful canines with a ton of upsides. However, with larger spirited dogs, a timid or laid-back owner will struggle to bring out the chow chow’s best qualities. For the best results, look for dogs with cheerful and eager-to-please personalities, and give yourself plenty of one-on-one time with them before you choose to adopt one. If you train them early, exercise them often, and keep them in a house where they can have a calm, loving atmosphere, they will reward you with years of unrivaled companionship. Just get your brush hand stretched out properly, because they will need constant attention to keep their thick, luxurious coats from tangling or matting.