The Chinook Dog - Is It Right for You?

The following guidelines are Chinook slanted, but apply to any dog breed. Always research what you want and need in a companion before making a lifelong commitment, companion animals are not disposable.

Chinooks are working dogs and need to be busy doing something. They were bred to pull heavy loads over long distances at a quick pace, and without a job to do, they can and do get into trouble. Chinooks, like all dogs, need purpose, training and regular exercise.

Chinooks think highly of themselves and some have dominant, pushy personalities. This and intelligence makes it easy for them to try for leadership (alpha) of the family pack. Having a dog lead the household is a dangerous situation. As a dog owner, you must be assertive enough to make sure this doesn't happen. If you have a very soft personality, hate being assertive, are very soft spoken and want a dog who will naturally give in to you without any stress, a Chinook may not be the best choice for you.

All Chinooks need training. Not only does obedience training give your Chinook something to do and think about, it teaches self control. Training also teaches your dog to accept discipline and rules while being comfortable knowing you are in charge. If you will not take the time to train your dog - not just for a five to six week class but for the lifetime of your dog - then do not get a Chinook. For that matter, if you are not committed to providing continual training for any dog you acquire as a companion, don't get a dog!

What kind of training technique should you use? The all positive training techniques aren't always the best for Chinooks. Although all positive training (using no corrections) is wonderful in concept, many Chinooks will take advantage of this type of training. In their world, a dog that gives no corrections is considered weak and at the bottom of the pack. The leader must be able to stand up for himself and give needed directions and corrections. Since you must be your Chinook's leader, you must be able to give fair but firm, humane, and ethical yet effective corrections when needed.

Chinooks need exercise. A leisurely stroll is not exercise. A fast paced walk (where you could talk to someone walking with you, but would prefer not to) of at least 45 minutes a day, a vigorous game of fetch, skijoring, pulling a scooter, a run along side the bicycle on a Springer, these are exercise. Chinooks need exercise every single day without fail. A dog with too much energy and no outlet for it will get into trouble. If you are an active person who likes to walk, hike, jog and do other outdoor activities, then an Chinook might be great for you. If you're a couch potato or a sofa surfer, don't get a Chinook.

Chinooks are not a backyard dog. Chinooks are highly social and want to be with you as much as possible. If you want a dog who will stay in the backyard all (or most) of the time, don't get dog. Dogs are not living lawn ornaments!

Chinooks need socialization. Dogs need socialization during puppy hood to develop into solid adult canine citizens that can live with us on a daily basis. If you are very busy and can't  or won't take the time to get your puppy to different places and to meet different people, then do not get dog. Dogs without proper socialization can easily develop behavior problems. 

I enjoy the challenges of raising Chinooks. I like taking my puppies and dogs places. I love training dogs and keeping their minds challenged and stimulated. I love to teach my dogs tricks because it gives them something to do, and it has helped their acting careers too. I also have a dominant personality and my Chinooks don't push me too far -- although they all try. I like the Chinook's appearance, intelligence, wonderful personality and tremendous sense of fun.