GeorgeofNE

Is it possible you're confusing his actions? My dog nips at me all the time, but it's what is called "nitting." That is to say basically little love nibbles. I would have to say though you seem totally overwhelmed. It's hard enough to deal with teenagers, but if you're not a "dog person," and you end up with a dog that needs some experience, it's probably best that you return this fellow and take a break and try again another time with a different dog. There is no shame in it not working out. But if you're fearful of the dog (and it sounds like you are) and you have a lot of activity in the house, it's most likely going to be too difficult for you to deal with. Best the dog go back now before he's too attached to you.

There is a reason sled dogs and draft dogs wear harnesses. Because they enable them to pull without injury! The dog needs a properly fitted martingale. I would never use a harness on a dog with prey drive. You cannot control the biting parts!

If you're that miserable and frustrated after a week, I'm going to be the voice of descent and tell you to return him now, before HE gets attached to you. Now, if you REALLY want to work this out, you can! Trust me, I went through it, and I know it's a nightmare. Fortunately, I was chairman of my condo board at the time, so really--there wasn't jack squat anyone could do except complain--but complain they did! I wrote a lovely note to everyone who lived next to, beneath, across from, and above me. I explained I had just adopted a retired racer, that he was new and scared, and missing his friends, and that I was committed to working on his noise making. I gave them my phone number, and asked that they call ME to complain, and not our Super. I also invited them to come by and meet a greyhound live and in person. With one exception, everyone was THRILLED to learn about my new dog, and they all told me they were willing to wait--for a while. Next, I ditched the crate. Then I got DAP diffusers for every room! I also got a variety of things to keep him busy. One of which is really neat--it's called a Kong Time. You load four small Kongs, put them in the things, and about every 20 minutes it shoots one of them across the room! Finally, I started calling him up and talking to him through the answering machine (this was a while ago). Oh, and I found the mid day walk actually made him worse because he had to be "abandoned" twice instead of just once. Within a week, he was as silent as could be. One of my neighbors actually came over nearly in tears thinking I had gotten rid of the dog because she complained. She was stunned when he greeted her at the door! It CAN be done. But I've had dogs my whole life--and if I was freaking out--and I was--I can't even imagine how it must be if you're totally unprepared! Do what you have to do. Don't feel guilty or horrible if you can't handle it. But seriously--it's better for the dog if you just get it over with if you're thinking about returning it.

Well, at 2, he's really still pretty much a puppy (greyhounds are, so I am told, slow to mature), so as much exercise as you can give him, if you want him to be calm and quiet when you're not home. As someone said, above, "a tired dog is a happy dog." And there is a difference between the exercise they "require" and the exercise they want to do! Many greyhounds are exceptionally lazy (like mine). My boy is only 3, but he happily sleeps the day away while I am at work, and with our 100+ inches of snow on the ground right now, although he is getting out as often, we aren't walking that far because there is really no where to walk. He doesn't care at all! My last greyhound would have walked all day if I had been up for that.

Allergy shots? I gather you didn't know you were allergic to dogs before you adopted one?

What you describe as "seasonal allergy" sounds more like a contact allergy to me. Something that is actually touching him--my brother's old mixed breed was allergic to GRASS. "Seasonal" allergies are usually pollens--and usually manifest as intense itching. You can have allergy testing done, although it's not as reliable in dogs as it is in people. Can't help with the food issue--but if the itching/rash responds to antihistamines, then you're probably right, it's an allergy. If not, then ... a dermatologist is in order.

Don't leave things like pig ears for the dog when you are not home. They can swallow pieces that are way too big and generally it's just a bad idea. Try giving him the Kong as you're walking out, not before you get ready. You're basically defeating the purpose of the Kong if you give it to him and THEN spend 10 minutes getting ready to leave.

If you want a vegetarian pet, get one. Dogs are omnivores. Why would you deprive them of something they love?

Well, my boy is small, but he only eats 1 cup 2x a day, plus his treats. My last boy was a bit bigger, but same amount.

That's ridiculous! I'd love to know WHERE you read that 'cause there are probably some other good ones too. I once heard a woman say greyhounds have hair, not fur.... I've had ALL my dogs in condos where you're required to clean up, and not only do I do it as soon as it hits the ground, if I see someone else hasn't, I pick that up too! What I do is get an idea in the first couple of days of the dog's natural poop schedule. When I know he has to go (for Buck, that's three times a day--first thing in the AM, after breakfast, and after dinner) I will say to him, "Time to go potty" and when I can see him doing his "poopy dance" I'll say it several times, "time to go potty." When he drops his load, I say, "Good potty!!!" like he's just split the atom, scoop it up--and this is KEY. Don't immediately end the walk. Some dogs actually learn to hold it. If they're a dog who enjoys walks, if you get in the habit of ending it as soon as the dog poops, they can hold it a nice long time and force your hand. I do the same thing with peeing--but obviously different words. Pick whatever you choose, be consistent, and before too long you'll be in the groove. It's important to keep a consistent schedule, and for many dogs, especially newly adopted ones, you have to accept that to them, there is no difference between Thursday and Saturday, so be prepared, at least in the short term, to get up early on weekends if you get up early during the week.

I don't let my dog change sides or cross in front of me EVER. It's not that hard to train--when they do, you stop, say something like "Oh no you don't!" and put them on the correct side (for me it's my left) and continue on. After a few steps, praise them. George was a beast on a leash when I got him. I just used my hips and knees on him, and he figured out soon enough I wasn't kidding. Buck is more apt to fall behind me than charge ahead, so he's been fairly easy.

I agree with Hubcitypam. There is NOTHING special about most routine veterinary needs for Greyhounds. The only thing you need to be aware of is that their lab values will be different, and they are prone to bleeding during surgery, and they are sensitive to anesthesia. Cuts and scraps and UTIs and eye goobers--a dog is a dog.

Yeah, that's NOT a scab. Could be a number of things. Don't pick it off again, and a quick trip to the vet is probably in order!

I get copies of all important stuff when it's done, but yes, absolutely, ask for a copy of your records.

Sounds like he's really bored. Have you tried a nice big Nylabone? Think of something you can do inside to stimulate him--I am currently training my boy to lie down and hopefully to shake. DAP collars worked really well on my cats (well, they're Feliway collars for cats, but same idea).

I hate to admit it (and I have new carpet now) but every single Greyhound who has come into my home has peed in it! Males, females--I don't know why, but it's definitely a marking thing.

Don't fall into the trap of believing your dog is going to suffer if he doesn't get to run. I also live in an apartment, I have absolutely no place to let my dog off leash, and I assure you, he is very happy! And on those occasions I have taken him to a Greyhounds-only playgroup, ALL of the dogs tend to have a few bursts of running followed by long periods of sniffing and peeing on everything!

There's really nothing you can say when a dog is that old. You know what's coming, at some point. Just spoil him to pieces, give him whatever he wants, and take it one day at a time. I'm sure you realize how lucky you are to have had his company for so long!

And I'll be the first to suggest it would be worth having him checked out at the vet. It COULD be that the weather is an issue--and he could be ill or have parasites or any number of other issues. Anytime a housebroken dog starts eliminating in the house, my first thought is medical.

Not everything about Greyhounds is different from "regular" dogs. That is very normal dog behavior!

You can get marrow bones at the supermarket--no doubt for a fraction of the cost! Buck gets one every Saturday and Sunday. I put them down on a towel for him to contain the mess. You can also, obviously, buy chicken at any grocery store. Maybe they think the fancy packaging is worth the extra cost?

Buck does that to me any time I lay on the floor. I find it a bit odd...but usually if I just reach up and pet him, he moves away. Some things I don't really need to look at from that angle, you know?

I live in Canton (outside of Boston, and we have more snow than Boston proper) and my dog is named "Buck Naked" for a good reason--he is nearly bald. I take him out five times a day, regardless of the temp or weather. He is from Florida. I happen to feel that a dog takes his/her attitude about weather from the cues they get from their owner. I may be 100% wrong about that, I admit it. And I know SOME dogs truly hate the cold and/or rain. But I assure you, they are not raised being allowed to decide when they'll go out and in what weather. I don't think that it's "dangerous" to be out for more than five minutes, given your dog is wearing not one but two coats. You either need to keep him out until he goes, or accept that at some point he will pee in the house. We have almost nowhere to walk at this point--just our parking lot at my condo, and the parking lot of the park across the street. It's not ideal, but I find that for Buck, 15 minutes in the morning is plenty. Our other trips outside are shorter, but I am fortunate in that Buck is very cooperative and not fussy about where he goes. But not once have I thought I was endangering him taking him outside. He's a dog, not an orchid! As for yourself, if you don't have snow pants, invest in some! I got a great pair from Zappos.com and they make MY attitude a whole lot better! Warm boots are key, as are anti-slip spikes.

Close the bedroom door?