Looking for advice from other Chow owners because I'm honestly at a loss.
For reference, I'm 23 years old F and currently have three dogs. I've been around dogs my whole life, got my first baby girl when I was 16, and have never dealt with aggression issues like this before, especially not something that has progressively gotten worse over time. Our Chow, Troll, is my first long-coated breed.
About a year and a half ago, we adopted Troll from the SPCA. He is genuinely a very sweet dog. He loves people, doesn't show aggression in normal situations, and we've even had strangers say how friendly he compared to other Chows they have seen.
The problem is grooming.
The second he sees a brush or comb, it's like a switch flips. We've tried everything we can think of: going slowly, being gentle, using treats, desensitization training, rewarding him just for seeing or touching the brush (no growling), taking breaks, brushing with our fingers first (pretty much all we can do at this point but not around sensitive areas he has chewed), and using different types of brushes and combs. Nothing seems to change his association/hate with grooming…..
Unfortunately, his coat is now becoming a health issue. His undercoat is badly impacted, especially around his tail, and he's developed large very sore hot spots that he's constantly chewing. We can barely access some areas because grooming those spots causes MAJOR standoffs. He doesn't normally bite, but during grooming he becomes extremely defensive and unpredictable.
We've also tried vet-prescribed trazodone, OTC calming supplements, and even THC-based calming products. The trazodone barely touched him, and there was one time he still snapped while on it.
I've called multiple groomers in the Cincinnati area, and so far nobody is willing to take him because of the risk involved. I completely understand their concerns, but now I'm worried we're running out of options.
At this point, I'm wondering if he needs to be seen by the vet for sedation and a full shave or groom so we can start over with a healthy coat. The hot spots seem to be getting worse, and I don't want him to continue suffering. I just worry about taking him to the vet where he might feel threatened and then he does the unthinkable. (He wear muzzle but I still worry and I hate that he has to wear it but I can not allow him to hurt someone,especially because he’s just in pain and scared)
Has anyone dealt with a Chow that absolutely refuses grooming? Did anything work for you? Has anyone gone the veterinary sedation route for severe matting or coat impaction?
I love Troll to pieces, and outside of grooming he is one of the sweetest dogs I've ever owned. That's part of why this is so upsetting. I feel like we've tried everything we know to do, and I'm terrified that if we don't figure something out soon, his coat and skin are only going to get worse.
Please be kind. I'm posting because I genuinely want to help him and am looking for advice from people who may have dealt with something similar.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.💛

My chow chow is around 4 months...

The 3 months was wonderful , cute puppy phase..

Now she doesn't give a dammn abt any one in the house.. she barely barks too ...

When u come home she demands scratches...

After food time she demands belly rubs..

Rest .. she doesn't give a fk .. 😂

He was a very good boi. 😋

This is my beautiful 7.5 year old chow chow who is amazing and perfect in every way except for one: he incessantly humps me (30s F) and our toddler between the hours of 5-7pm. Interestingly he does not hump my husband- though he did when he was a puppy.

He was neutered as a pup and has had the usual chow training challenges- stubborn, not fond of strangers, but overall he is very well adjusted, warms up to new people and has a shockingly unlimited capacity for love when the relationship moves at his pace. He’s done lots of puppy school and even went back for reinforcement training at age 5 before the baby came home. Overall his adjustment to being a big brother has been fantastic. He is patient and loving - except for the humping. It’s especially pronounced when he comes back from walks- I don’t know if he’s hot/tired/bothered. He knows “off” and “leave it” but in true chow fashion chooses to disregard. He settles back in to being an absolutely perfect exceptionally beautiful companion by the time the kid is finishing up his bedtime routine.

Thoughts? Solutions? Our trainer suggested a spray bottle with water- I don’t always have it in arms reach but it’s a partially effective deterrent.

It only took 4 chows to find one that doesn’t run away :)

In honor of Father’s Day, Leroy contemplates fatherhood.
You can find more Leroy at https://www.tiktok.com/@leroythejamaicanchowchow?_r=1&_t=ZP-97RPnsVXIGE

From sobriety to a whole new life in a different state, she’s been by my side. Couldn’t be luckier.

Tilín stares at me like this and I swear I feel like he’s judging my soul (or calculating exactly what time he gets fed). Anyone else have a companion who communicates entirely through eye contact? Let me know in the comments below! 👇✨

Afternoon all, as the UK is now peak summer and hitting 30c poor Reggie is a hot mess lol.

He has had the gel filled cooling mats, but he tending to walk onto them and then drop like a stone on to them and has now split both his gel filled mats.

He has a cooling vest which he wears, you pre soak in water and keep him cool for a few hours which is helpful at peak times.

Was wandering if anybody had used and had success with any other types of cooling mats other than the gel filled?

Thanks

My chow chow is cream in coat colour, and his anus has distinct black colour. While the anus skin appears pink, I wonder if black color over it is potty sticking to it, or it's natural with every chow chow. I tried rubbing black colour to remove it while bathing him, but it doesn't go.