Q: We have been adopted by a full grown female black Chow. We have no idea where she came from, she just showed up one day on the front porch. She has become very loving to our immediate family but when other family members or strangers come to house, she runs at them growling with every hair on her back standing straight up. We have been told that it is unusual for a grown Chow to adopt a new family, but we have grown to care about her. She seems especially attached to me and will mind me with no problem. Our concern is why is she keeping others away from our house and how do we stop it? We like the fact that she is protecting our house and yard but are scared she may one day bite someone. She hasn't tried it yet--just growls. Any ideas?

A: It sounds like you have mixed feelings about the dog's behavior, and that's one thing you need to work out in order to change the behavior. She isn't going to always know who has a right to be on the property and who does not, and aggressive behavior usually gets more aggressive as time passes. Mail carriers and meter readers are frequent targets of dogs who have this attitude and these folks have great lawyers.

You didn't mention the arrangements at your house in terms of fencing and how much time she spends inside. You will need to make sure people are not placed in direct contact with her carrying out this aggressive behavior, because a bite is likely and this is a big dog who can do a lot of damage.

The best way to determine your liability and what might be done to improve it is to have a trainer or behavior specialist come out and meet with you and the dog in person. In this case, probably at your house is best, so they can see the behavior and your physical arrangements for handling the dog. Your veterinarian may be able to recommend someone in your area.

Chows have some distinctive behaviors that are specific just to that breed, and the better you understand your dog, the more safely you'll be able to handle her. I hope things go well.