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Time4ANap

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  1. Rocket is almost 8 and still does this if he gets it in his head that he wants to go a different way. Usually he wants to turn around, so we turn around, then turn around again and continue on the way were originally heading. I also find that taking his leash right at the collar like he is being led (the way they were led out at the track) also gets him moving again. That's probably more of a reflex from his racing days.

  2. You might want to leave a TV or radio on as well. This will create some background noise and mask anything that might be going on outside. Use the search function on this site for "alone training". We leave Rocket out of his crate 24/7, but left the crate setup with the door open. Sometimes he still just likes to go in there and hang out, especially if there's a sun beam involved.

  3. Scars or other marks are most likely from play as a puppy with other GH puppies. Rocket is missing the tip of an ear and it looks like it's been that way for a long time. He has one or two other small marks as well.

     

    As far as the growling: We have a rule in our house even after 5 years. Rocket does not get petted or touched unless he is standing. This means he is awake. If he's lying down, he can be sleeping or groggy, even with his eyes open. We've found that "no petting unless standing" is the easiest way to teach kids or visitors the rules about Sleep Startle.

     

    I have been bitten once, and so has a dog sitter - both time our own faults. We both thought he was awake when he wasn't. One of those large canine teeth through your hand is no fun, and the Animal Control Warden showing up is also not a fun time. This is the same boy who now roaches against my legs and goes to sleep, but I still call his name and wake him up before I move. That's his version of snuggling.

     

    You will find that over the course of 12-18 months you will have a completely different hound from the one who walked in the door. it's a lot of fun to watch the changes.

     

    Also, just an FYI - the word "rescue" is often a heated topic. When people ask if Rocket was rescued, I usually whisper and say "He's adopted, but we haven't told him yet." :bgeorge That diffuses the question most of the time.

  4. Could be seasonal allergies. We have loads of weeds and ragweed here. Rocket has been on allergy meds for about 6 weeks. Every year from August until the first frost he licks and chews, and his eyes are puffy. His meds include Chlor-Trimeton, HC Comfort Spray for Paws, and eye drops, all from the vet.

     

    There are several threads on hounds with seasonal allergies. Search the word "allergies" using the search feature and there are a variety of threads with good info. We found that the the ChlorTrimeton worked well, but he still does more licking of the paws than we would like.

  5. Definitely while you are on break. That will give you time to acclimate to each other, but more importantly, will allow you time to do some alone training before you go back and the pup is alone during the day. Use the search function at the top to find threads on "alone training" and you will find lots of great info.

     

    Good luck!

  6. Did you do Alone Training before going back to work? If not, there is lots of good info about this topic in previous posts,

     

    If you were home all the time and suddenly "went missing" in their minds, that would explain it.

     

    Search on "alone training" and "separation anxiety" using the search box at the top, with and without the quotes. You should find lots of good info.

  7. This is as good a time as any to remind folks about things being down low that you think a hound would never bother. They are curious. In addition to the tea noted above, things like prescription bottles and inhalers can end up being deadly. We've seen it several times here on GT, and it's the things that you really don't think about that can cause the most trouble.

     

    Glad your hound is okay! You'll probably have to start brewing an extra cup though!

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