5. If you want a dog that is one that basically lays around until family needs dog time and is happy to do so, find another breed or adopt a rescue whose personality matches yours.This does not describe a happy Chinook. Mine do lay around but they know to the minute when run time is and are miserable without, and will make your life so until they get what they want. Yes, two 80 lb dogs can both sit in your lap and stare at you whining that Chinook whine at the same time until you give up. What's sleet and hail and lightening compared to that crazy noise they make? We Chinook owners could teach the Postal workers about inclement weather.
1. If you plan on leaving your Chinook alone for long periods of time find
another breed or plan on getting two. Still, if you leave Chinooks alone for long periods you will probably have two very unhappy dogs. Chinooks crave the attentions of their people!
2. As with any dog you will have to do training with your Chinook, unless you want family, friends and neighbors to avoid you and hate your Chinook. (This is NOT an exaggeration!) Chinooks need puppy socialization as well - socialization at a young age is so important!
3. Chinooks have to have some form of intense exercise - whether it be in field, water, snow, walking/running, or a huge fenced in area with kennel mates or dog pals to run with. Each Chinook is different and will let you know what their exercise requirements are, but they do require exercise!
Chinook tips on owner requirements brought to you by Chinooks Shayda and Chance,
and their Chinook guardian Bonnie.
I have a Chinook, Shayda and a Chinook Cross rescue Chance. Both of mine are spayed females and very affectionate BUT Shayda is a very free thinker. She is tremendously affectionate( Loooooooong tongue) but if she is mad at you she will totally ignore you. If you are looking for a family pet the Chinook can be a good dog for you with exceptions:
4. Shayda and Chance are family pets in a rather large family of people and various animals but they are rarely alone and have endless exercise. Chinooks are characters unto themselves and personality wise unlike any dog I have ever lived with. They are so intelligent it can be scary. This may sound wonderful but an extremely intelligent dog needs something to do. If you don't provide an outlet a Chinook will find one. We Chinook owners all have enough stories to fill a book.
6. If you are thinking of getting a Chinook because they sound cool and are different and on paper appear to be just a dream match, forget it until you have spent some time with them. They can be couch potatoes, but I truly feel they are only happy when this is balanced with some form of "fun work" aka exercise and thinking games. If not, you will slowly start to see #4 above start to rear it's ugly head. You can see their eyes literally sparkle with excitement when they know they are going to go do their favorite activities.
7. Let me say this, Chinooks are a devoted breed. When I have been ill from my Chronic renal failure neither dog will move from my side. They follow me around watching my every move and will alert if I have problems. I believe they feel this is their job, their work if you will - what they are meant to do. It is innate to the breed.
YES, Chinooks are wonderful family members as pets BUT it takes a commitment to have them be happy and utilize their natural talents -
as an owner of a Chinook, I feel this commitment is mandatory.
Thanks Bonnie, couldn't have said it better!
"We are looking for a family pet and are attracted to the Chinook Breed. Are Chinooks happy in a pet home or do they need a lot of exercise
