GreytHoundPoet

No. Like I said, I get X-Rays done every single year (to watch for that) and it has looked the same since he was 2 (he is 7 now). I do worry he'll get it someday though, which is why we do yearly x-rays and keep a super close eye on it.

Basically, there is very little solid looking bone on an xray. He has a whole lot of arthritis and it looks like the arthritis has taken over or "eaten up" the bone. (It may be a regional dialect term.)

I would consult an orthopedic specialist. I competitively lure course some of my hounds and I can tell you that I would not take my broken leg hound. It is a hardcore sport and the risk of re-injury is high. But, I haven't seen your dog's x-rays, leg, and condition so I really shouldn't give you advice. Honestly, coursing can be harder on the dogs than racing because they are on harder ground making a lot of unanticipated turns, often up and down hills, and running longer distances usually. There really isn't "light coursing" to the dogs. They will run hard even on a short course with minimal, easy turns (like the CAT tests). Most courses that I have run range from 650 yards to 1,000 yards. You might be able to run him on a "puppy practice run" after the trial is over. They don't want young puppies running full courses, for obvious reasons, so they just run the lure straight until a turn would normally happen and just reverse it instead of turning the dog. I know several people who started off coursing Greyhounds and switched breeds due to the larger number of injuries that Greyhound tend to sustain, even without previous ones. Usually it is toe issues. You might be better off trying LGRA (straight racing) if your vet gives you the go ahead to run him. It is easier than coursing, and shorter (only 200 yards). They still run hard though so that is something to keep in mind. My broken leg boy is still super active and runs and plays everyday. He goes hiking too. It is so important to keep them fit and keep that leg strong. As for agility...I have no idea what to tell you. There are people on here who do agility though. You could always try Rally or something if the vet does not give you the ok for more physical sports.

My Timmy broke his hock racing. It healed crooked so he has a permanent limp and a funky looking hock. I get him x-rayed every year since he limps all the time to keep an eye on that area. He has horrible arthritis and the bone is nearly eaten up. The only time it seems to bother him (his limp gets more pronounced than normal) is when it is cold and rainy or if he overdoes it. One thing that several vets recommended to me, and I personally have found helps, is to keep him fit and active. Timmy runs every single day and, as a result, he has strengthened that area. He is very fit and has not gained any weight since he got off the track 5 years ago. Keeping them fit really helps.

I have heard good things about these, and ordered some today. The price is nice. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Soft-Suede-Lined-Leather-Lurcher-Whippet-Running-Dog-Collar-All-Colors-Sizes-/390497543270?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Dogs&var=&hash=item5aeb77a466

Mine have all come from Europe. I have some from Scooby Medina and Celtic Hound Collars, as well as some that a friend bought in England and gave me. I tend to search for them online with the keywords "lurcher collars" to get more variety.

I'd go with a fishtail/European hound collar. I use them all the time and I find them to be just as safe as martingales. I put mine on pretty snug, and then do the "pull test" to ensure that they can't even come close to going over the head. I use them almost exclusively on my Ibizans and frequently with my Greyhounds.

That is frustrating, but it happens every so often. There was a judge a few months ago who dismissed 3 sighthound puppies from the ring in one day for being nervous. Two were 6 months old and it was also their first show, and one wasn't much older. Do you mind messaging me, privately, who this judge was? I am curious if it is the same one. I have shown to some very patient, wonderful judges and to some that I would prefer not to show to again. You figure it out as you go along. But, take heart. Most judges that I have shown to understand puppies and will have more patience. The handling classes are great!

Fear phases are normal. I'm late to the party but you have already gotten some good advice. Puppies go through all kinds of odd phases. I have raised 2 sighthound puppies and neither went through a noticeable fear phase. Both have always been fearless in every situation. My puppies have both been so confident I'd almost label them as bold and cocky if they were humans. I watched for fear episodes to pop up but never saw any. Both were raised working Renaissance Festivals on weekends, and my Beezer baby has also been going to lure coursing trials and conformation shows and matches in addition to the massive amount of other socialization that I have done and continue to do with both (and my adults). Still, you can do everything right and fear phases can pop up so I wouldn't worry too much as long as things pass and you set your pup up for success every time. From everything that I have heard, they come on and go away suddenly.

Have you tried mixing Sardines into her food? They are a good source of protein and I have yet to meet a hound that will turn their nose up at stinky fish.

We use freeze dried chicken or liver usually, or cut up pieces of Natural Balance rolls.

He really lived more in his short time on earth than a lot of dogs get to live in a long lifetime. It looks like his life was full of wonderful experiences and tons of fun. Happy birthday at the bridge handsome boy. ((hugs)) to you

One of them got back to me and said that some IGs do have larger hearts, but not all.

I just messaged some reputable IG breeders that I know to see if they have the answer to your question.

One of my boys is a super clingy velcro dog. The other boy is aloof and only wants attention on his terms. Both of my girls are sweet but pretty independent. They like to hang out in the dog room and come up for attention when they want it. My Galgo is super clingy and wants to be on top of you every second of every day. Dogs are not allowed in my bathrooms. So, my Beezers will wait outside the bathroom door for me and then celebrate my return with joyful leaps and dances.

It really depends on the individual hound. Two of my Greyhounds are rough and tumble, wrestle, hardcore play hounds. They will chase and then collide like football players with my Ibizans. They play really, really rough together. Luckily, the Beezers have tougher skin (so the girls don't harm them when they are nipping, biting necks, and being mouthy) and soft mouths (so they don't harm the Greyhounds). My other 2 Greyhounds don't play with others. They either run with others or play by themselves. My Galgo runs with the Greyhounds but plays with the Ibizans.

You are right, it does depend on the hound's individual temperament and personality. You will find a wide variety of breeds and mixes, as well as species, that have lived with Greyhounds. Just be conscientious when you choose and introduce new dogs and other species into your home. Make sure that you do your best to set your hound up for success.

Congrats! Did they give you a title ribbon? If not you can get one from the AKC. A friend of mine keeps her Grey's CGC ribbon hanging above her desk at work.

You don't have enough posts for a PM yet. You can e-mail me at shannon.bridwell@converse.edu There is actually a trial this weekend in Mansfield, GA. I'll be heading down your way Friday night.

Ooohhhh....Atlanta! I am down there often for lure coursing events and dog shows. If he wasn't retired for an injury you should bring him out to a coursing trial sometime. My high energy, full of personality hounds live for it.

I just realized this was an old thread but can't figure out how to delete my post.

Tell your husband that an invisible fence is a bad idea for multiple reasons. They usually don't keep a sighthound in, to begin with. A dog with prey drive will chase no matter what. My coursing Grey suffered a bad foot injury a few months ago running Best in Field at a coursing event and kept going. Also, if they do cross the fence and get shocked what would make them want to cross it again, and get shocked again, to get back into the yard? You will have a loose dog on your hands. Lastly, strange dogs can come into your yard and that could be an issue. What if a dog walked into the yard and attacked your grey? Incidents like that have happened numerous times. I have a 6' chain link fence. It isn't the prettiest thing but it is functional and it keeps the hounds in. When I put it up I had a Dalmatian, Greyhounds, and a Galgo and I knew that in the future I would want other sighthounds. I now have Ibizans, Greyhounds, and a Galgo and constant sighthound visitors. Incidentally, the only dog to ever jump my 6' fence was a senior Greyhound brood mom. Go figure.

I had antlers, fresh cut off the deer, here for years and nobody touched them. I eventually gave them away.

I am so sorry for your loss. What a hard decision! I remember watching her grow up online.

I keep wanting to try agility with one of mine, but between coursing, conformation, working Renaissance festivals, having a job, and getting my Masters I don't have time for anything else. :/