Chessies are NOT for everyone! Chessies were bred to retrieve waterfowl in fast moving, icy waters. Then they would guard their masters catch and boat from possible thieves. The chessie is still like that today. They are strong, determined dogs that don't feel pain which made it possible for them to swim those icy waters. They are also protective of anything that is "theirs". Including their people, their home, their car and most of all "their" children.
This breed needs an owner that is confident, and lets the dog know EXACTLY what is expected of him. Chessies can become over protective if not taught who is a threat and who isn't. You can not have people that the dog doesn't know coming into your home without you there to greet them. The dog will consider this stranger a threat to what he loves. I will not sell a chessie puppy to a home that wants to keep him unsupervised in an invisible fence, or allows them to roam the yard alone. Even if your chessie can not get out of the yard, anything can still get in! Chessie are too protective and will assume that their job is to patrol the yard and keep out any intruders. Including salesmen, cats, other dogs, and even young children! A large yard or invisible fence is wonderful for supervised play, but a chessie (or any dog) should NOT be left alone in one!
Chessies are NOT labs or golden retrievers!!! They are not a "happy-go-lucky" breed that will love everyone that they come in contact with. Chessies will watch a new person and then decide if they like that person. A typical chessie will allow a new person in the door when their owner invites them in. They will sit back and observe to see if that person means his family any harm, and then once he feels comfortable with the person he will remember them, and will become a great friend to them.
Chessies are extremely loyal dogs and prefer to stay close to their family. They are very intelligent and most chessie puppies learn what is expected of them very fast. This is why it is so important to be consistent and firm with a chessie. If the dog has no training and is always allowed to do what he pleases he will make up his own rules of the household, and will become a nuisance. I do recommend early socializing and attending an obedience class to learn the basics with your chessie. The absolute most important thing to remember is to be confident and let your chessie know what is expected of him so there is no confusion. A well mannered chessie is an absolute joy to live with. Some hard work when they are young is so little to pay for years of friendship and loyalty!
