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a_daerr

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Posts posted by a_daerr

    Playful Air Snapping

    in Training and Behavior discussion

    Posted

    By the way, I believe I have the same quilt as you. Do you have the matching zebra sheets? Whim just came out with dinnerware, and I couldn't resist buying a pair of the matching zebra mugs.

     

    Yes ma'am! It's Whim! I do have the matching zebra sheets, they're fabulous!

    Now, on to lurk at Macy's and find those mugs. :ph34r

    Playful Air Snapping

    in Training and Behavior discussion

    Posted

    Wolfgang is a smiler and an air-snapper. When he gets excited, he pulls his lips back and sticks out his teeth. When he gets real excited, he starts air-snapping. We think it's funny, and we know enough about greyhounds to see that it's 100% playful. But to other people, it looks a little scary. Anytime we have guests over, someone inevitably asks, "Oh my God! Did he just try to bite me!" Is there anything we can do to re-direct his snappiness? We're having the dogs at our wedding next month.

     

    Dog Door Training Tips That Actually Work!

    in Training and Behavior discussion

    Posted

    Since we adopted Wolfgang last November, we could not get him to use the dog door. I've tried lifting up the flap, coaxing him through with treats, having Truman go in and out to set a visual example. Absolutely no luck. He's scared to death of the flap touching his back. For the last six months, Sterling and I have been his "doormen." Recently, though, I got a new position with work that's further from home (meaning no more mid-day potty breaks). I finally put my foot down this week and made a concerted effort to teach him the dog door.

     

    I found this awesome article with step-by-step instructions on getting timid dogs to learn the dog door. So helpful!!

     

    For the first two days, I removed the flaps and left the door wide open. He immediately started using it. After meals, he'd started letting himself out without any prompting. I started seeing him going out on his own to play with toys and lay in the grass.

     

    On the third day, I tacked up a tea towel that covers the hole halfway. At first, he was totally uncomfortable. I had to hold the towel up for him to go out. Then, coming in, he stood outside for 30 minutes without even making an attempt. Then finally... he did it!

     

    We're going to continue moving slow, gradually lowering the towel, then replacing it with a cardboard flap. Then *hopefully* he'll be able to master the scary rubber flap. But for the first time in many months, I'm encouraged that he's not a total lost cause. :lol For anyone else who has problems getting their grey to use the doggie door, I definitely recommend this article.

     

    2ccmfx3.png

     

    (And just because I know the rules, here's a picture of our Whoopie Pie. Truman has persistently been trying to teach him "tug." He's finally getting it!)

    Older Greyhound Becoming Impossible

    in Training and Behavior discussion

    Posted

    I'm also in the Pittsburgh area. I think you should reach out to Lilian Akin. She is a positive reinforcement, rewards-based trainer who is very well-versed in greyhounds. If money is tight, I might recommend getting in touch with an adoption group, perhaps Mary Fratangelo and the folks at Going Home Greyhounds. They may be able to give you some creative advice or resources. As the others have said, I also recommend consulting your vet to make sure he's not in pain or having vision, hearing, or neurological problems.

     

    Also (I don't mean this to sound harsh, just honest)... please understand the implications of giving up a 13-year-old dog. He is a family member who you've spent the last eight years of your life with. To rehome him in his senior years would be both devastating and heartbreaking. You've made a commitment to him, and it's only fair that he be allowed to live out the rest of his life with stability. If that means your kids and grandkids have to work extra hard at making things quiet and comfortable, or that you stretch your budget to get more specialized training and vet care, that's what should be done. Behavior and health problems aside, there are so many people on this thread that would kill for an extra day with their senior greyhounds. :cry1

    Cat Fight, Or Spider Bite?

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted

    Ugh, either way, it looks really infected. Was she on a 10-day antibiotic for the ear? If so, I'd guess that those ABX were keeping it at bay, but now they're out of her system, this thing is back in full force. I wouldn't be surprised if it was a cat bite. The bacteria the lives on cat teeth is nasty as hell. She'll definitely need a stronger ABX this time.

    Broken Leg

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted

    Oh my goodness!!!!!! So sorry this happened to your boy. As the others said, I would get a second opinion from Dr. Couto (I'm leery about the "nutritional imbalance" bit), but it's entirely possible the break was just the result of the accident. Think of all the healthy greys that break bones on the track due to high speed collisions. Sending positive thoughts your way. :goodluck

    How Do You Prep Your Olewo Carrots?

    in Food and dietary discussion

    Posted · Edited by a_daerr

    Same here. Results were quick, within a day, even with Wolf's hookworms.

     

    I'm wondering if your pup has a bigger issue, like IDB, in which the food doesn't have time to 'bulk up' and is just going right through him. Or, it could be the kibble not agreeing with him. Chronic diarrhea prevents the body from absorbing essential vitamins and minerals, often leading to dull/poor skin and coat. So maybe the itchiness is less an issue of food allergies and more a digestion thing? :dunno

    Recent New Behavior In Our Grey That We've Had For 5 Months

    in Training and Behavior discussion

    Posted

    All great advice so far. I'd just add that when she's exhibiting this anxious behavior, the best thing you can do is to ignore, ignore, ignore. It's natural to want to jump into overdrive to shower her with affection, but the more you do, the more "forced" it becomes. Something happened three weeks ago that scared her, so it's important to give her the time, patience, and space she needs. I know it's hard, but let her do things at her own pace. Ignore, don't make eye contact, and just coexist for awhile. Just remember, you can't hatch an egg with a blowtorch. :)

    Wetherby Martingale Co. Introducing BIOTHANE

    in Pet Merchandise

    Posted

    Love it...it reminds me of Ben though, so I'm a little sad too.

     

    Jan... I'm right there with you. Henry was my inspiration on this one. Heart dogs never truly leave us. :cry1

     

     

    Will the new designs be printed on the same quality tee shirt that you used for your Wetherby mustache? I loved that fabric! Soft, cozy, great fit and not bulky.

     

     

    Ducky, yes! Exact same one! We also added some sweatshirts and hoodies of the same brand that are also super soft.

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