I am the owner of a sweet, loveable 9-month old chow-chow. I am also the mother of a three-year-old. From the time I got the puppy at 8 weeks old, her and my daughter have been best friends and she became a huge part of our family. My daughter often lays on top of the dog, hugs her and plays with her. I have never had any temperment problems with this dog before...until the other night when the dog was sleeping in a corner of the house and my daughter wanted to say good-bye to her. As my daughter sort of jumped on top of her for a hug, the dog flipped around and snapped at her face, leaving my daughted scratched and very shaken up. My dog seemed very remorseful once she realized what happened, and tucked her tail between her legs. Nothing like this has ever happened before, but I am scared that it might. I know my dog loves my daughter, but can she be trusted?? Should I keep my dog?????
Good chow chow gone bad
- Thread starter lauren3101
- Start date
That is a hard qustion, but have you seen any other signs other than that? I remember when I was young (about 6) I had a cocker spaniel and it was the same way. she was my side kick and my protector. I can actually remember one time she was sleeping and I snuggled up behind her on the floor. The same thing happened. She growled and snapped at me. But then when she saw it was me she seemed remorseful. I remember it hurt my feelings so bad as a kid. (I guess so if I still can remember it 20 years later). But my whole point is that your dog was sound asleep and all of the sudden someone jumped on her, even if it was her girl, she didn't know it and dogs have instincts. My cocker spaniel was still my side kick after that, I just knew to not startle her when she was sleeping. Think how when you first wake up how groggy you are, I am anyway, so I would be surprised too. Now I am in no way saying the behavior should be tolerated should it keep up, but to me it sounds like an accident. Now this is your child and I understand how this is a hard thing because you would under no circumstances forgive yourself if the dog did something and you should have gotten rid of her, so that is why you need to use your gut instinct. You know the dog's behavior normally better than any of us. Has she been normal since that with your daughter? I would make sure they have supervised playing time together and first signs of any growling, biting, etc. get rid of the dog. Your child comes first and I comlpetely understand that. I still think it was probably just her being asleep and being startled, because it sounds like she loves your daughter very much. Maybe some other people here have some more advice for you, they are always so helpful. I hope it all goes well for you and everything works out ok. Please keep us updated.
To be honest it sounds like there is nothing wrong with the dog; her temperment sounds great 
... Although I suggest that you teach your daughter what is okay and what is not appropriate behaivior for the dog. I don't know anyone who wouldn't be startled and/or a little defensive is someone was waking them up by being on top of them - she's lucky the dog wasn't more defensive and she wasn't injured furher. Its also a good time to teach your daughter about strange dogs, loose or with a stranger-how, when or not to approach them. Kids and dogs just seem to go together, it sounds like your two do
... Although I suggest that you teach your daughter what is okay and what is not appropriate behaivior for the dog. I don't know anyone who wouldn't be startled and/or a little defensive is someone was waking them up by being on top of them - she's lucky the dog wasn't more defensive and she wasn't injured furher. Its also a good time to teach your daughter about strange dogs, loose or with a stranger-how, when or not to approach them. Kids and dogs just seem to go together, it sounds like your two do 
Good advice, you two. Really, you can't expect any dog not to snap when awakened like that. Now's the time, as Brattina says, to take the opportunity to teach your daughter more about how to treat dogs.
I had a friend years ago who raised Chows, and her mother dog helped raise HER daughter. The child learned to walk hanging onto that poor creature's fur. Pam tried to stop her daughter from pulling herself up by the dog's neck hair, but the dog made sure she was always right with the baby - no matter how rough things got.
It really speaks to your dog's exceptionally good temperament and self control that she didn't actually bite your daughter. It sounds like she pulled herself back just as soon as she was partially awake.
I had a friend years ago who raised Chows, and her mother dog helped raise HER daughter. The child learned to walk hanging onto that poor creature's fur. Pam tried to stop her daughter from pulling herself up by the dog's neck hair, but the dog made sure she was always right with the baby - no matter how rough things got.
It really speaks to your dog's exceptionally good temperament and self control that she didn't actually bite your daughter. It sounds like she pulled herself back just as soon as she was partially awake.
Thank you for your advice
Thank you so much for your replies and advice. My dog and daughter have gotten along great ever since the incident, and I have had a talk with her about how to approach the dog when she is sleeping. Because nothing like this has ever happened before, no growling or snapping, I am going to keep my dog and the whole family is very happy about that. My first instinct was that is was just an accident, and that she would never intentionally hurt my daughter, but thanks to your replies, I feel much more comforatable about my decision. Thank you!
Thank you so much for your replies and advice. My dog and daughter have gotten along great ever since the incident, and I have had a talk with her about how to approach the dog when she is sleeping. Because nothing like this has ever happened before, no growling or snapping, I am going to keep my dog and the whole family is very happy about that. My first instinct was that is was just an accident, and that she would never intentionally hurt my daughter, but thanks to your replies, I feel much more comforatable about my decision. Thank you!
I know this may not get read but just wanted to put my two sense in
At Vet Tech school we were taught that a chow-chow is the most aggresive dog out there yes its true and I have seen some very nasty chows now I was raised with one and was bit several times by this dog nothing against chows I still like them
Although this may have been a one time thing the best advice I can give to never ever leave your child unattended with your dog or any dog for that matter and teach your daughter that when the dogs are sleeping and eating to leave them alone dogs are pack animals and that must never be forgotten no matter how domesticated they are
I have been a Vet Tech for 8 years and I have had alot of experience with parents and dogs nipping and usually the child has startled the dog people need to understand that they are still ANIMALS and still have an animal instinct
At Vet Tech school we were taught that a chow-chow is the most aggresive dog out there yes its true and I have seen some very nasty chows now I was raised with one and was bit several times by this dog nothing against chows I still like them
Although this may have been a one time thing the best advice I can give to never ever leave your child unattended with your dog or any dog for that matter and teach your daughter that when the dogs are sleeping and eating to leave them alone dogs are pack animals and that must never be forgotten no matter how domesticated they are
I have been a Vet Tech for 8 years and I have had alot of experience with parents and dogs nipping and usually the child has startled the dog people need to understand that they are still ANIMALS and still have an animal instinct