Brandiandwe

I dunno. Of the five greys we've had, and the four we've got, one is my husbands. The rest have been mine. Or I am theirs. But I notice that they do tend to be more excited around my husband, but they come to me when they need to lie quietly, be comforted, sleep, or generally 'be', if that makes sense. They still love me coming home and everything else, but I am their rock, more than anything. I give them a base from which they can explore their world. They are happy to see me when I've been gone, and excited, but it's different to what they give others.

I'm sorry to sound unsympathetic, but I do find this quite funny. After the one of a kind Hester, it must be a rude shock to be dealing with all of these behaviours! It will improve, but he really is just a puppy still. Mine improved in leaps and bounds after the age of three, when they grew brains, but for now, you just have to be consistent and patient.

You've got to get the food in before he goes over threshold. You'll get there.

Use the tools available. The a Freedom harness is fantastic. As for the rest, you need to figure out redirection. Paige is also not food motivated, but has been trained to redirect onto treats rather than going insane. It can be done but it takes time and is not a finite project. It's something you'll need to work at. I wonder if you have a lure coursing club near you? It might be a safe way of allowing him an outlet.

Interesting. Because there seems to be something there, perhaps just a recognition in terms of communication styles or body language then. Odd.

After Bennys departure, we decided to foster a grey or two to help out. The first foster arrived on Friday. He's a big goofy boy if two- still very much a puppy. He's gorgeous, if shy, and is fitting in well here. But most interesting is Paige's reaction. She's his aunt (her mother is Waylin's mother's mother so Paige and his mum are half siblings). Paige came to us just after Waylin's mum was born, and she never met him(she's been here for four years now). But they share so many mannerisms and quirks. Waylin has all of Paige's strengths, but none of her difficult quirks. They move their heads similarly, the body language is the same, they even think alike. It's uncanny. But really weird is how they interact. Paige is quite aloof and a dominant, domineering bitch. I do love her, but she isn't an easy dog for anyone. However, Weylin is allowed to put his head on top of her without an issue. They're lying together no problems. Trotting together on walks. It's like she recognises something about him. Is this possible?

I'm sorry to hear about Hester. I've not been on here much, but wanted to mark the passing of a Greytalk institution. As for Archer, well, you get the dog you deserve, so after your dreamboat, you're in for some fun! First, distraction techniques won't work when he's in full prey drive. When they're like that, their brains are completely switched off to you and are being flooded will all of the exciting and good hormones. They're also very very stressed. The problem I've experienced is that if I've not been able to get Paige 'down' from her high, we can end up in an increasingly hyped up state because her brain and body haven't had enough time between the exciting times to drop down, or I've not given her a release. You also need to try to catch him before he escalates. Second, is he food motivated or toy motivated? What worked for me was shoving something chewy into Paige's mouth as soon as we saw something exciting. Given she was fixating at about 400 metres, this meant hyper vigilance on my part and a lot of treats. She started by spitting them out and then carrying on, but over several weeks, she gradually came to look at me for the treat when she saw something interesting. It had to be something chewy though, like a jerky of some sort, and quite a large piece because she was then able to chew it aggressively which seemed to settle her down. Given she is muzzled that was my only option, but I wondered about you using a squeaky toy or chew toy for Archer to be given as a distraction. Third, when he begins to settle a bit, you can begin more explicitly training 'look at me'. I would start doing that at home away from distractions if possible. Fourth, can you walk anywhere without wildlife? I know it might be difficult, but a bit of time for Archer to bond a bit with you, (perhaps some obedience classes or something?) while not getting him all riled up. Fifth, I use a harness with a front clip especially when Paige is completely gone. But I started because I was seriously worried about her damaging her neck.

TOTW?

We got a second because Brandi needed one. OK. That sorted out a lot of issues. We got a third because we could, and then we rescued a fourth. We're now down to three again. I can honestly say that we will never be a single dog household. Although Paige and Hermon frequently wander off to be by themselves, Brandi is always in the room with one of them or with me. She doesn't do alone. But if you've got a dog like this, you find out off the bat, not after several years. Having said that, my guys love to see each other after being apart, do all play together from time to time, and will lie together on the sofa. They are a pack and are, I think, happier being so. When we've had visiting greys, they've all enjoyed the interactions with everyone else, and have loved walking all together, sniffing and peeing on the same spots, barking at the same birds and cats and just generally having fun. Sometimes I think it would be nice to only have one grey - could take them more places, more money to spend on other things, but really, the benefits outweigh the costs.

Brandi regularly redirects her aggression, particularly to my other dogs. She is always muzzled and they put her in her place, but it is something that happens often enough for me to be aware and to take steps to prevent things escalating.

Chances are yours would be passed as safe anyhow. They'd just need to go through the process and away you'd go. It isn't that big a deal. The bigger issue I'd have would be bringing the dogs through quarantine which is incredibly strict, time consuming and expensive. i completely support the process, but for a few years for a work placement, it probably wouldn't be worth it.

No. It's just the greyhound. Because most greyhound owners will own a muzzle here (because most dogs are adopted out with one because of the laws) and most other owners won't own one. So it wouldn't surprise me at all that the grey was being singled out. However, my response would depend on which of my dogs we were talking about (were I the OP). If it was Hermon, my greencollared dog, I would refuse to muzzle him regardless of what someone requested. Because he's been thoroughly assessed by a qualified animal behaviouralist. That's why he has his collar. My two others, I would muzzle because they aren't safe. Benny, rest his soul, got his collar late, and beforehand, although I knew he was small dog safe, he would be muzzled because that's the law. Now, if the OPs grey is actually a Greenhound (which I haven't seen confirmed), then the dog doesn't need to be muzzled as long as its wearing it's green collar (and is in the state in which is was assessed. Please don't get me started on this). If it isn't green collared, then it needs to be muzzled regardless of whether it is small fluffy safe or not. If the trainer wants a greenhound to be muzzled, I'd be politely telling them about the process of assessment, and then walking away.

Where are you? I'm in Sydney, and obviously we've a Queenslander here too, but I'd be surprised if you were the only one around.

If he's greenhounded he should be fine. I took my high prey non greenhounded deliberately yo a mixed breed class specifically to work on her. It is absolutely possible to treat through the muzzle. Though, personally, I wouldn't muzzle unless everyone else was assuming that legally you don't have to. People need to learn that greys aren't dangerous and by muzzling a greenhound you kind of undercut that.

He came home today. He was cremated in his blankets. One was a SS present from last year. The other was a US Marines one bought at an auction on here. He's in a lovely box with an inscription and we'll find somewhere nice for him. Very tired. Very sad.

Thank you. This means a lot.

Today we gave Benny his wings. Many of you know that he came to us two years ago as a rescue. He was in pretty poor shape when he arrived, but his love and affection, and joy in life were obvious from the start. It was also obvious that, while he'd taken a long way round, he was always meant to be with us. Over the past six weeks or so, we have been trying to manage a degenerative muscle wastage. Sadly, this week the process accelerated beyond our ability to manage it successfully, and we made the very difficult decision to send him home before we lost the cheeky, loving, sparky guy we love so much. He was gradually losing his enjoyment in life, and he told me clearly on Wednesday that he was ready to go. He left us at home, surrounded by his pack, and held by my husband and I. It was peaceful and calm, and he will be returned to us next week. I miss him already. Sorry about the huuuuge photos.

He's gone. Will post remembrance thread over weekend.

As you can see above, I've made the call for Benny. He's just 11. The difference? Pain medication isn't helping. He has serious muscle wastage and his rear can't support him. He is disoriented and doesn't like me being out of sight. He is panting a lot. And he's told me he's ready. We can't tell, really, but while Ben is still eating, he's stopped enjoying the sniffs on our little walks, and only wants to go inside again. He isn't trying to run or spin. He doesn't greet the other dogs he isn't enjoying life, or I'd move heaven and earth. Your girls doesn't seem ready yet, but I think you'll know.

I've not been here for far too long, and I'll post about that soon, but Benny has had some sort of degenerative muscle wastage. The process has become too aggressive for treatment and we have made the hard decision to send him home before it gets too bad, and we lose completely the spunky, fabulous hound we know and adore. Benny is getting his wings tomorrow (Friday) morning. Please contact your bridge angels and ask them to prepare for a cheeky, handsome and affectionate new member and show him the ropes till I get there to see him again. Won't post again till after, but any kind thoughts would be appreciated.

How long have you had Finn? One of ours, Brandi, is quite fear aggressive and pain averse. We've got her to the point of being able to clip nails (just), but dealing with wounds requires a lot of time, a muzzle and patience and understanding. It is actually bad enough that if she was injured badly enough to require intensive nursing, I would probably consider putting her down because she finds it so stressful. This is a dog we've had for over four years who is the most loving and affectionate dog. She is just fearful and aggressive in those situations. So you have my sympathy. First, you need to be very calm but firm. Know what you need to do, have a plan and do it. I try to work in a pair. So one person holds the dog down or still and reassures, the other does the work. See if you can get a vet to show you how to handle safely. Second, don't take it personally. Third, work out what needs to be done. Small cuts etc I use a spray on antiseptic so I don't need to handle more than necessary. Fourth practice between times. And build that bond of trust.

We're here for you.

He's getting lots of love! He really is such a special little guy. Yesterday he went with the girls to give a passerby a good barking at and came back eyes bright and tail wagging, so he's good for now. Just watching and loving. He sends cold nose gooses and nuzzles to everyone here.

Another update. He's doing better. Still stiff and sore but walking again, and snuggling like mad. We're working with massage and walking, but the reality is that it can only be managed. When he's suffering too much, he will go ahead to the bridge where he'll hopefully see me. Until then, he's on pain relief when needed, heat packs, and lots of smooches, which he seems to be enjoying.

I would let Nefer go. There are, I believe, dogs and people who never give up their spirit. But I think you need to look at quality of life. I would give him a completely awesome time (a month, two weeks?), then let him go at home, surrounded by his family and the person who loves him best. And I'm crying for you as I type.