3greytjoys

Sometimes my pups will stand near the door like that immediately after a walk if they realize they still have unfinished business and need to go back out to relieve themselves. My first boy was extremely reserved and independent (not the least bit shy). He was very confident. He seemed to like the man of the house okay (and other men), but not me (or any other women). This was because he was used to having male handlers. It took him 4-5 months to even pick up a toy. He did so only after we brought in a second hound that he watched play with toys (a young, playful foster). Our boy is extremely intelligent, and watched us, but he was not trusting enough of humans to allow me to teach him much obedience, at first. It probably took about 6+ months of me slowly working to gain his trust before I even attempted to teach sit, etc. (He was already trained to heel perfectly on leash.) Early on, I didn't get too close to him unless he was standing up, and never bent over him. Greyhounds are not used to being bothered (hugged/kissed) while resting in their crates in racing kennels. They have no idea what people are going to do to them when they are approached in a home. (I let sleeping dogs lie.) Long story short, I saw amazing, positive changes with him every few months within the first 2-3 years. He started trusting me more at his own pace. He learned how to let go and play with toys, play with our other hounds, do zoomies, pounce up and down with his front paws to demand dinner (his idea!). I nearly fainted when he planted his first tiny kiss on my face, which probably took over a year... I melted! Now, he's is a total love! He completely loves me, trusts me, he physically hugs his neck around my neck to show affection, and chatters his teeth in happiness. He continues to give us kisses but he doesn't overdo them....they still have very special meaning. He still loves his daddy too, but he has become a total momma's boy! He is even more special to me because of his history. It sounds like your boy is doing great to have already been able to grasp so many commands and tricks this soon. He may just need more time to adjust to being an only dog for the first time in his life, and living in a home and family. Greys are so intelligent, super sensitive, they do feel emotions, and even confident hounds can take a while to adjust. He'd probably enjoy seeing other Greyhounds for walks or playdates, if that's an option.

I hide pills in a small amount of extra yummy canned dog food. I make sure it's a small "swallow" size so they don't try to chew it up. I, too, give a couple of non-pill bites before and after the pills. (I have a couple of difficult hounds who catch on to other coatings too easily.) Other times, I use a plastic "pill shooter" that I originally purchased for my cats. It's about pencil size with a soft rubber tip where the pill is tucked, then a little hand trigger pops the pill into the back of the throat. This is an example of a pet piller: http://www.amazon.com/Pet-Piller-Single-Small-Pets/dp/B0002AL6U6

It sounds like he's a very happy boy in his new loving home! Many Greyhounds do some version of this behavior (including chattering teeth) when they feel extra happy and comfortable with their family. Have fun with your new boy! My boy ranges from a vibrating jaw (as you described) to a full teeth chatter. Some Greyhounds also "smile/grin" by lifting their lips up showing their teeth when they are happy. One of my hounds does this upon awakening to greet me each morning. It's adorable... she makes my day!

In addition to KF's reply... I stop grinding one nail after 3 seconds (so the quick nerves don't overheat from the dremel). Then, I move to a different nail. If more grinding is needed on a nail, I go back to that nail after it's cooled down, later in the session. When trying to shorten quicks, I usually dremel about every 3-4 days (if the nails grow enough to allow it).

3 Greytjoys Santa Rosa, CA

My most sincere thank you to each of you who have responded to all my questions. Every word of every story has been extremely helpful to me, and for others who do a future "search" on Laryngeal Paralysis or Hemangiosarcoma. I'm sure I will re-read this medical thread during my girl's on-going challenging journey. A special thanks to "BoandLazMom" for adopting a 12 year old sweetheart; and to all who adopt seniors. Every Greyhound is sooo deserving of a loving home as part of a family.

Glad you mentioned Amicar. I was fortunate enough to attend a lecture given by Dr. Couto a couple of years ago. (Dr. Couto is one of the best lecturers I've ever seen!) Oh yes, I am very familiar with Aminocaproic Acid/"Amicar" (trade name). A number of people in our area have been sharing the OSU information with our local vets. I was finally able to get Aminocaproic Acid for my girl's last surgery, but it was days after her surgery. In the future, I will make sure it's in my hands immediately before my hounds' surgery. Especially since "bleeders" can start bleeding during surgery or within several days after surgery. I especially don't want to be in a bind without Aminocaproic Acid late at night after regular vet and pharmacy are closed. Now to try to get our local E-Vet hospital to "stock" it.

I'm glad you shared this information... We typically travel a good bit (within state) with our hounds. Looks like we'll be homebound as long as is needed to keep our precious and beloved queen momma calm and cool. It's tough (and sad) trying to sneak out of the house for longer walks/outings with the other pups. Shasta doesn't understand why she's suddenly not included in our family pack. Foxy was a beautiful girl. Looks like she had a long racing career, too. I'm glad she was able to be with you until almost 14.

Oh no, that sounds like torture!! That post surgery situation is one of my concerns, along with the serious risks of surgery, especially with my girl being an excessive bleeder. Do you recall if your Brittany had single or double flap tieback surgery?

Woohoo... Yay Onyx!!! Happy upcoming 15th birthday!!! If you're willing to answer any more questions.... Did she have single or double tie-back surgery? Do you happen to know how much "cutting" was done during her surgery, or was it more like just "sewing" flap/s back? Did you need to elevate her food and water bowls (more than usual)? If so, what height works best for Onyx? Did she vomit a lot more after surgery? If so, how long did it last? Was she able to keep food and water in her stomach better thereafter? You mentioned watching what she eats... Is she on a special diet, or do you do something special to her food (eg: soaking regular kibble in water until completely saturated)? Any aspirate pneumonia scares for Onyx, or has she done well from surgery forward? I'm so sorry to read about your dog lost to Hemangiosarcoma. I've been trying to learn symptoms for which to watch. From your dog's case it seems like either your dog was extremely stoic (like many), or hopefully it isn't a tremendously painful cancer as it grows. Another friend lost her (non-GH) large dog very quickly to hemangiosarcoma of the spleen. Thank you again for sharing your valuable experience. Tracey

Thank you for responding. I'm so very sorry for your loss of Cody. If you're willing, I'm interested in the following: If I understand you correctly, Cody's throat paralysis level was near my Shasta's level upon Cody's diagnosis... Even though he developed the chest mass later, did you notice a dramatic change in his breathing ability during that year? (I have read that LP is sometimes caused by pre-exisiting cancer in older large breeds. Not a fun double whammy for these poor babies.) Were you able to walk Cody much during that year or did he lay low relaxing at home? I'm a bit nervous about walking Shasta too far from home (or car) in case she falls into a crisis mode. (She's almost as large/tall as my boy, she's almost 75 pounds -- so I can't carry her too far!) Thankfully, we've had a cool summer thus far. Terry, thanks again for helping me/us learn about your experience with Cody. Tracey

As always, thank you for your wonderful support (off line), Janet.

No. Unfortunately, the (blood vessel) cancer appeared to extend beyond the surgical margin. I was told masses will continue to recur and is likely already elsewhere in her body. We are still hopeful that she'll be with us a lot longer... At this point, the LP symptoms are the most restrictive to her quality of life. I'm trying to keep her calm, cool, restricting her exercise, and watching her like a hawk when she's eating or drinking (she coughs and vomits). Vet said to keep her near our local ER hospital in the event she goes into breathing/suffocating crisis and needs their oxygen tank(!). Thank you for your reply. She's the best girl on the planet (besides everyone else's hounds on this list!).

Hi, My (almost) 9 year old broodie has been a fairly loud panter since her adoption 2 years ago. Vet told me not to worry about it 2 years ago. My girl has been having increasing labored breathing over the past couple of months. Vet's recent scoping diagnosis: Laryngeal Paralysis. One side is completely paralyzed, and the other is almost completely paralyzed, just "barely moves." Same surgical visit: Small mass removed (within 1-2 weeks of surfacing on lower leg). Diagnosis: Cancer; Hemangiosarcoma. Since it is an aggressive, blood driven cancer, it's likely festering elsewhere; anywhere blood vessels extend throughout the body. We know it frequently targets heart and spleen. Our surgery challenge: My girl is an "excessive bleeder." Fortunately, the vet was finally able to stop her bleeding enough to let her come home. She began internal bleeding 30 hours after surgery while at home. (This was at night, after vets and compounding pharmacies were closed!). Unfortunately, I was unable to obtain Aminocaproic Acid (to help prevent Greyhound bleedout) during this time. Thankfully, my girl improved over the next 12-24 hours. This time, we were very lucky. I am interested in hearing from anyone who has personal experience with Laryngeal Paralysis and/or Hemangiosarcoma in Greyhounds. My poor girl already has 3 potentially fatal strikes against her, even if we consider the extremely risky LP surgery! I'm especially curious about life expectancy re: this level of Laryngeal Paralysis, without surgery. I know every case is different, but hoping someone can share their story. Thank you...

I'm also strong proponent of using muzzles as a quick, easy safety precaution. They're worth their weight in gold! We use muzzles for our hounds during all of the following potential risky times... Inside fenced enclosures. Multiple hounds in car. When clipping or dremeling a sensitive Greyhound's nails. When multi-hound play could escalate inside house. When cleaning or tending to a wound. When one hound is injured (or very sore), if in close quarters, all hounds get muzzled. (Any hound in pain is more apt to bite, starting a scuffle if their space is invaded, or they're stepped on by accident.) Also, other dogs can become more apt to attack if a dog cries out in extreme pain. Smart to muzzle dog if humans have to move any dog in pain. Arrival of new fosters or visiting dogs. When cat or small dog testing, and thereafter during adjustment periods. (Muzzle guards made to fit on turnout muzzles to help stop hounds from eating feces, licking things, etc. look like a good invention, but I've not tried firsthand.) Good poll topic, glad this resurfaced!

I have used heaver weight, large, flat, wooden puzzles with my hounds. The treat motivated hounds love it! They seem to enjoy the busy brain work, and it's a fun game for them. I'm all for anything that encourages mind work and bonding with hounds. (I can see how supervision is important for larger dogs with the Dog Tornado. If left alone, a hound might try to chew and swallow the separate plastic bone part.)

The girls are the multiple times a day roachers in this house. My boy will only roach about twice a year. He is so reserved, it still brings a big ole ear-to-ear smile to my face when he feels comfortable enough to stick all four legs up in the air. He's finally graduated to giving me brief kisses a few times a year. I do receive daily hugs from him.

I am so very sorry your sweet girl is going through this difficulty. I'm relieved that she is under close watch veterinary care. Please know that Brandy is in our prayers, and positive, healing thoughts. She is a beautiful girl who sounds like she is extraordinarily special to be a therapy dog. Wishing you much strength... You've come to the right place for understanding support.

Greyhounds are VERY smart. My Greyhounds are obedience trained quite well verbally, and with hand-signals. (I taught them everything inside my home.) They will quickly respond to: Come, sit, down, heel, stay, wait, leave it, let's go, off, etc... I just happen to enjoy the special bond and the dog's extra self-assurance that obedience training offers. I agree with you re: safety. It also makes life easier for the dog to understand life living in a home with humans. I've trained many different breeds in formal classes (large and small) and found that Greyhounds are so sensitive and eager to please that they are quite easy to teach. Learning obedience helps keep their minds alert, and enriches their lives which helps any dog feel happier, IMO. All of my Greyhounds sit automatically before every meal, or if I am about to offer treats. They are whistle trained to "come" in the event of an unlikely loose hound emergency (hopefully it will work if they're not chasing something, but recall is never guaranteed in any dog). They respond very well to clicker training, and some Greyhounds (not mine) do advanced agility in a fenced enclosure. I have obedience trained other retired racing Greyhounds as well (ages 1.5 yrs. to 8 years old). The most important things to remember training Greyhounds: Be happy, patient, and use very gentle, positive reward methods only. Keep daily training sessions short 5-10 minutes (a couple of times day). Set them up to succeed with something easy (example: "come" to food). If you show them something they have trouble grasping, take a break until the next day, then try to show them what you want in different still very gentle way (especially with "sit"). Greys can sit just fine assuming they don't have an injury that might make it more uncomfortable for them. (I don't ask mine to sit for long periods of time, since they are more comfortable lying down.) Sit: If holding a treat over the head and moving back a little near a corner doesn't work... Another method for "Sit:" Be ready to reward them if they are just about to lie down. After they place their rear on the floor naturally as they are about to fall into a lie down position, stand directly in front of the dog and block dog from lying all the way down on the floor; at the same time say "sit" and offer them a treat before they lie all the way down on the floor. This is only a short moment of hesitation for them until your sit request "clicks" in their mind. Be ready to catch them to reward them for their natural "sit" a few times a day. They will quickly learn the connection to their rear being on the floor with the verbal word "sit." Try not to allow yourself to get frustrated, and never punish any dog for not understanding what you are trying to teach or else the trust relationship will be damaged, and the dog will shut down. Greyhounds are usually so mellow and easy to be around, it's not worth risking your relationship. They need love and understanding. Good luck with whatever breed you decide to adopt. Greyhounds are one of the best breeds, if not the best breed ever!

Only one of my three Greyhounds bark. She only barks occasionally when she is trying to tell another hound she wants to play!

Are those Bengal cats? My friends in Florida have them, and they are the coolest kitties I've ever met! Jersey actually plays fetch. Oh, and yeah, I'm trying to figure out how to get it across that their cats shouldn't be loose outside. We've had conversations about it, but they're like talking to a rock. They essentially say they don't want a litter box in their house. So instead, their cats risk their lives and poop in my garden and potted plants. Great. Bravo to you for engaging your hound in playful exercise. Your neighbors should have thought of the litter box issue before getting cats, and allowing them to affect other people's property. (I developed a terrible case of ringworm on my face that doctors didn't diagnose for over 6 months! The cause: A neighbor's cat pooping in my garden. I was an avid gardener who didn't always wear gloves. I finally diagnosed it myself, before the Internet.) My cats are toilet trained.

I believe it depends on the dog. IMO, many "cat-friendly" Greyhounds are not considered outdoor cat safe when off leash in fenced areas. Game on. If your neighbors are concerned, maybe they could consider keeping their cats inside to keep them safe from many outdoor life hazards; or building a cat enclosure in their back yard for kitty outdoor enjoyment. A lot of other dog breeds and other wildlife would kill a cat if given the opportunity. Vets with whom I have spoken recommend keeping cats inside. I've read the average lifespan of outdoor cats is 3 years (with luck, up to 5 yrs.). Average lifespan of inside cats is 14+ years. Your neighbors have a responsibility to keep their own cats safe, and off of your private property. Back to the lure: IMO a fun toy lure does reinforce the Greyhound's natural chase/prey instinct. After all, professional race track lures are mechanical (not live). I'm interested in reading other opinions.

My girl's dew claws were removed prior to her retirement. (Yay!) She ran a full racing career. Both of my other Greys dew claws are in tact. My boy ripped one of his while running/playing outside; then, the E.R. visit (hearing him scream and cry from the back patient room as they "short clipped" it), and $250.00 later, it grew back for another potential rip! I wish they were all removed, but I understand it's like an amputation of bone.

How fortunate to have these great pictures of your gorgeous boy offered to you, along with a bit of his history! Congratulations to Ringo's new parents! I too was thinking roof top luggage storage + 1 extra Greyhound.