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YES. I'm glad you understand what I mean because I don't think I explained it very well in my original post. It's not that he hates class or he's so stressed he can't function. I don't want it to sound like I'm forcing him to endure something he doesn't want to do, because even though he's recently been having some anxiety, he mostly enjoys class. Always has. He's simply not motivated to work for treats unless it's one that's "new" to him. The reason I know that is because in these instances, he WILL work EXHUBERANTLY for the "new" treats. But even if I have a variety of 3-4 old treats, he will either ignore them or spit them out. It's becoming a problem now that's I'm running out of treats to try. I've been trying to trick him by phasing the old ones back in, but he's calling my bluff every single time. So frustrating when your dog is smarter than you are! I give him praise for some stuff, but that's doesn't always work when the command requires a lure...

It's really hit or miss. He's only been over threshold twice throughout the whole six week class. A more appropriate word would be unmotivated, rather than disinterested. Last week, he worked for chicken steamed in chicken broth (new), but wouldn't touch hot dogs, roast beef, or beef steak (old). He's also always VERY interested in whatever kinds of treats the trainers are using and will do whatever commands they ask because those are also new to him.

I should also mention that the first time I use a new treat, he will work REALLY hard for it. I got roast beef at the deli last week, and he went nuts for it. Great focus throughout class, did everything perfectly. But no more than a week later, I had to give it away after class because he wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole. Hot dogs and cheese used to be my standbys, but he could care less about those now. Once he's made up his mind that he's done with that particular treat, he's done (even weeks later when I try to rotate the old treats back in).

I asked the trainer about that, and she it's okay to give him breaks once he's over threshold, but not to totally give up. If I just totally stop, he'll learn that acting disinterested = stopping the training session (which is exactly what he wants).

Truman is becoming increasingly picky at what treats he considers "high value." If I threw anything in his dish at home, he'd eat it. But the issue is finding a treat he actually wants to work for. We've done hot dogs, Kraft cheese crumbles, steak tips, roast beef, beef steak, and garlic chicken. If he's stressed or not really interested in the training, he will spit out the treat or turn his nose up at it. He is NOT a picky eater under normal circumstances. The pickiness issue only arises during training. So my question is this- what do you do once the dog gets bored of everything?

A very controversial topic... There are two camps on this one. People who firmly believe you should never approach a dog on its bed, and others who believe dogs can and should be trained to tolerate humans near the bed. I'm of the latter, if only for the safety aspect (and especially in a household with children). My trainer has worked with greyhounds for many years, and she wrote this article. It covers both space and sleep aggression. This should help you. http://www.akinfdt.net/greyhound_sleep_issues.html

Just wanted to say that I would discuss meds with your vet before weaning Luna. Some anti anxiety meds can cause EXTREME agitation if they aren't tapered in the correct way. Best to let your vet make that call. Even if they don't seem like they're working, you may find that she gets much worse when taken off.

I wholeheartedly agree. I have never felt anything but encouragement and respect by the trainers I've had. And we have been through some pretty serious issues over the last few years- fear aggression with Henry, and now, leash reactivity with Truman. The training process can be SO incredibly frustrating. It's their job to help you get to a point where you feel hopeful and encouraged enough to continue working through it. I'd refuse to work with someone who is demeaning. And I still think this woman is an idiot for using a fake hand on a dog that's already been known to guard.

How long has she been on the Merrick? Sometimes dogs will go through a 'honeymoon period' on a new food before it takes a turn for the worst. If you get fecal tests run, and everything comes back clean, I'd probably reconsider the food. Also, FortiFlora should help with diarrhea- never heard of a situation where it caused it.

I found Sam's Club to be the absolute cheapest for prescription veterinary drugs (I've heard the same about Costco as well). I priced around online and at all the local pharmacies, and none were even in the same ballpark as Sam's. Henry's seizure cost about $50 for a 3-month supply. As I remember, they would've been something ridiculous, like $300+ at Rite-Aid. The vet just calls the script into the pharmacy, just like for a person.

Are you free feeding? If so, I would stop. To me, it sounds like he's learned that holding out will get him something better. Put the bowl down and give him 15 minutes to eat it. If he doesn't eat, pick it up and try again at the next mealtime. It usually only takes one or two times, and they learn that they eat what's in front of them. As Judy said, a dog won't voluntarily starve itself.

Boy I feel like gloom and doom in all your posts... Our trainer's cardinal rule is that it's NEVER a good idea to add a second dog for the purpose of solving behavioral problems with the first. You run the risk of ending up with double the problems and double the responsibility. For dogs with SA, it's important to consider meds and alone training. But I would definitely keep working with her in other ways to make her a more confident, well adjusted dog. If you haven't taken a basic obedience class, do it! Take her places. Do new things together. Then if YOU want to add a dog in the future because you're at the right place in your life and the stars align, do it for that reason. I do believe that SA is one of the most frustrating behavioral problems. It's tempting to consider adding another dog and then having the problem 100% go away, but I assure you, it doesn't often work that way.

If you can, have them cauterize with a laser. As I recall, we only had one follow up appointment. No frequent bandage changes.

I disagree with using the squirt bottle. There's a basis for his vocalizations, and the key is find out WHY he's crying. If it's separation anxiety or crate anxiety or housetraining issues, whatever, those issues should be dealt with first. Also, if Dak is being squirted in the crate, then it's very possible he's developed a negative aversion to the crate. That would explain why he's stressed and having accidents. If you're going to use a crate, it is crucial that the crate foremost be a positive, safe, comfortable space for him.

Truman's happy tail was cauterized with a laser. Never had any problems after that.

There's a pic of a greyhound on the homepage! Seems like a great product.

Yay, Freddy!! Fingers crossed for no more problems!

One of mine whines when he has to go, the other gives absolutely NO cues. I just have to pay attention to his schedule.

Are the steps open-backed? Even when my Henry understood carpeted stairs, he still struggled with wood, open-backed stairs. I know it's frustrating, but there's no easy trick. It just takes time and practice.

Well I'm glad I learned it's a Truman thing, not an AKC thing.

We took a greyhound only class in Pittsburgh... Learned about it through the adoption group.

Dealing with the same thing now with Truman. Lots if helpful info here. http://forum.greytalk.com/index.php/topic/300286-reactivity-only-on-leash-only-during-introductions/

That's exactly what I did too. Go up further on the foot. You can see the second longer bone is completely broken.

This is kind of a spin-off question from the "rooing" thread. Have any of your greys' personalities changed once they started getting older? Henry is almost six, and just within the past year, I've noticed a lot of changes in him. For the first three years, he was mostly this shy, timid guy who never made a peep. Now, he's barking everytime we come home. He whines when he's hungry and wants dinner. If I start putting my sneakers on, he'll bow and bark at me to hurry up. He can be downright demanding sometimes! He's also MUCH more snuggly with us, friendly with strangers, not shy about asking for ear scritchies or butt scratches. Wants to be the center of attention. LOVES going places and can barely contain himself when I pick up the leash. I keep asking, "Who are you, and what have you done with Henry??" At first, I thought maybe it had something to do with starting new seizure meds (last December), but he's been gradually getting more goofy over a long period of time. Can it take YEARS for some greys to fully come out of their shells? Here's my goofball.

Truman too!! When people hear him bark, they can't believe such a deep, low bark came out of such a scrawny thing. Now, Henry's "bark" actually sounds like he's saying "roo!!" He's becoming more vocal in his old age.