EllenEveBaz

Just sending

All paws crossed here, and two sets of dewclaws, as well.

Welcome to you, Bea, and Little Buck! Have we seen pictures of your beauties? Some people think Little Buck's jump-and-tug would be endearing, but I'm with you -- not good! Other ideas to try come from Kathleen Gilley, a wonderful greyhound trainer. (Link below.) Gilley says discipline methods should be easy, not hurt the dog, inexpensive, and work within 6 tries. If 6 attempts don't do it, it's not working for that dog and you should try another. squirt bottle -- small plastic squeeze bottle (like sample-size containers) or plant mister set to "stream." Carry with you and squirt water on body part that dog finds most offensive when dog tries offensive behavior shake can -- for dogs sensitive to sound, carry a small can filled with noisy objects such as pennies or screws and bolts. Shake when dog tries offensive behavior. neck scruff -- this suggestion will horrify some people, but it does not hurt the dog (it's what mother dogs use to discipline puppies). You gently grab the loose skin on top of the dog's neck (NOT the neck or head itself) and pull it gently back and forth a few times. Extra points for saying "no" in a loud voice or growling while you do this. My first grey, Eve, hated having her feet touched. She'd scream, buck, and run. You can imagine what trying to trim her nails was like. After six months of bribes, begging, and tears (all mine), I neck scruffed her. Only had to do it twice. And for the rest of our years together, nail trimming was a calm, routine chore. I've never had to do it with another dog. Disclaimer -- I am NOT an expert dog trainer. Kathleen Gilley's No Fear, No Pain Methods of Discipline Let us know what you try and what works best for you and your pups.

I'm so sorry.

We need a bouncing poop emoticon. What flavor?

Bet you never thought you'd be relieved to hear the Scream of Death. $4.11? (thud)

Good boy, Ace!

Thinking healing thoughts for sweet Ace.

Lots and lots of good thoughts to your Smiley boy.

Sending good thoughts! Hang in there.

Very good and very smart! Sometimes they save us from ourselves.

Sending best wishes for the New Year to Drake and you.

No knowledge about Amicar issues -- just so glad she's home and sending lots and lots of good wishes and hugs.

Hoping Missile has been able to enjoy scrambled eggs and other yummy soft foods today.

Just to add my experiences to the list: I worked a lot with my first two greyhounds and they both learned sit, down, come, stay, twirl (turn around on rug when coming in from outside to help reduce muddy pawprints), move, out (of the kitchen or dining room), left (walk on my left), and different walk speeds, for when I was jogging or if it was okay to just mosey. I've probably forgotten some other cues. I've gotten lazy with the more recent dogs, but everybody still knows come, down, stay, move, left, and out. They know not to jump up on people. Everybody has learned to accept nail cutting and ear cleaning. All have learned to use the dog door, except Scout, who refused to go out the door. Everybody knows not to counter surf right in front of me, although I've never been successful in completely banning it. I use almost all positive reinforcement. Eve, my first grey, also needed neck-scruffing on a very few occasions(recommended by Kathleen Gilley of the Dancing Greyhounds fame -- no physical harm, just a reminder of who's boss) to reinforce acceptance of nail trimming and no counter surfing. Scout could also be extremely stubborn, but the other three have been eager to please. I should be doing more work with Romie -- he's very smart, learns from just one "no," and would probably enjoy more attention and work. Most retired racing greys come with some basic manners, and it's easy to expand on that. You'll enjoy working with your greyhound and having the best behaved dog around.

Greyt update. Sterling -- have fun adding the rest of that weight back on.

I don't know about OxyFresh, but our vet tells me that to be effective, brushing has to be at least every other day and more often than that is better. Might you and Italy be up for raw meaty bones?

Good on the no cancer!!!!

Glad to see things look hopeful. Keep eatin' and stop squirtin', Cougs! Tara, for your non-cooking pleasure, I will just add that deli-sliced chicken or turkey has often been snarfed up by otherwise non-eating animals in this house. I don't know what it is about the deli chicken/turkey -- maybe because it's saltier? Or more expensive? VWBuggin -- I'm not an expert, but I would really hesitate to give a dog with diarrhea the fat balls. I've always skimmed the fat off any cooking (chicken and rice, beef and pasta) I've done for dogs with digestive upset.

The positive reinforcement methods above worked well with my first grey. I gave her a biscuit when she got in the car (it seemed counter-intuitive to give a dog who gakked up in the car a biscuit, but it worked!) and we took very short drives to fun places, like parks for walks and friends's houses, where she was made much over.

Sending hugs and cyberPringles.

for Wilbur and you.