Yes, there are problem Chows, but there are problem dogs in all breeds. All too often the 'bad' dog is not bad at all, but the product of bad breeding, bad upbringing, no socialization and no training. The Chow is a part of society, contributing as strongly as any breed to the fabric of our lives. It was time to tell the world what the Chow really is and can be, to put to rest the horror stories and the fear, to show the Chow as a contributing member of the community. When people were panicking, getting rid of their Chows, overloading already overtaxed shelters and rescue groups, an idea was born to use the Chow to safeguard children.
Children lack the judgement and experience to distinguish between a safe dog and a dangerous dog.
When approached by a cute brown-eyed dog or puppy, a child has no means of knowing how to decide whether this is a dog raised by a responsible person or one simply allowed to get bigger and older with no training and no socialization. In short, children are vulnerable to dog attacks and need to be t a ught to protect themselves. A programme to dog- proof our children using gentle stable Chows as teachers would kill two birds with one lesson. The programme, developed by a teacher and youth worker, includes a manual and logbook as well as a list of teaching aids. The lesson plans for different age groups incorporate care and understanding of the family pet as well as the essential dog-proofing lessons.