All the stuff you're describing is typical doggie behavior. He's very smart and know's his home & how it's supposed to be! lol As far as loud noises like fireworks, there are little things you can do to calm him down. When the 4th of July comes, I will turn the stereo on to drown out the boom-boom's. You can't keep him from all loud noises but when it thunders, just hold him & talk softly to him telling him it's just thunder-boomers. Make sure that your attitude in any of these situations is calm and relaxed as this is the best medicine to know that mommy isn't afraid and can protect me & keep me safe.
Not many of these chi's like to get their feet wet and can walk around in the snow for more than 10 minutes without freezing. Haha.
Chis definitely have their own personalities and "DO" choose who they like & who they don't! Nothing that can't be changed tho. This is what makes us love these little guys--their very strong personalities! I'm surprised your chi likes the kids. My chi tolerates my 6-year old twins, but that's because I'll scold her if she lurches at them.

__________________


[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/]

It is up to you how much control he has over you and objects. It sounds like he is in control of a few things right now.

Each of your issues can be worked on and changed with time and effort. I found some good advice by doing a search on 'resource guarding' here in the forum and on google.

For humping, I've heard some people say they allow the dog to do it to one toy only. That way they can correct for doing it on anything else by giving that toy instead. If he's doing it just to control your house, then that's back to the controlling objects subject.

__________________
Here are pictures of Barney: Flickr: Crochet Bouquet's Photostream