KickReturn

Well it sounds like it's OK if I just leave it to Hester to call the shots. But dang, that lunge at the hind quarters was just so primal and predatory.

Hester has always been a serious, no nonsense dog when it comes to meeting other dogs. He will correct transgressions with a deep growl. Repeat offenders (rare) get some snarling and occasionally a show of teeth. This usually does the trick, we've never got to three strikes. When he first arrived I used to intervene until I realized that he was so far ahead of me in sizing up and dealing with potential problems that I was just getting in the way. Other owners have been 100 percent supportive, no one has ever complained that he has gone too far. However, a few days ago we encountered a pair of mixed breeds one of which (a female) was vocal and agressive/defensive. Hester usually ignores this type but on this occasion he seemed to linger and size up the situation for a moment and then made a quick lunge/snarl/snap toward the dogs hind end. The dog tucked its rear, made a quick spin and then sat between its owners legs. Hester went back to sniffing the ground and peeing on everything completely unfazed. The owner commented that his dog is a bit of a pain and did not seem the slightest perturbed by Hester's behaviour. Nonetheless, Hester's behaviour represented a new high watermark for correction of other dogs. The question is: does this cross the line of acceptable? If another dog ever did this to Hester I would be very concerned. I am reluctant to intervene, but I also want Hester to be a good doggie citizen. My gut tells me there is no risk of escallation but I really have no idea. I just base this on Hester's track record. FYI all of this only applies to medium and large dogs. Small dogs and puppies can do pretty much anything without a reaction from him.

I suspect the presence of the other is comforting even they don't show it. They may also bond in the future.

I have an odd rule. No boys but girls are allowed. My boy is 90 pounds with a big wet nose so no way. No the little girly dogs that visit are allowed up after 5:00 AM if they ask nicely. I just can't get over how my dog takes up at least 3 times the amount of space of 60 pound females. To OP: Just be firm and don't feel guilty. You have to mean business. Guard your territory. I would go so far as to confront my dog and back him into his own bed if he pressed the issue. (Truth be told I gave one "uh uh" three years ago when he put a foot up and he hasn't tried since.)

Remember also that many greyhounds can be quite crepuscular (active dawn and dusk only). Best case scenario is a long enough walk in the morning so she doesn't want to move until you get home. Problem is that could be an hour or more if she is young. Tough on winter mornings I know.

Amazing how sensitive some of these dogs are. Very touching. And yes, definitely spread the beds apart. It's a simple, practical safety measure that won't interfer with their affection for each other.

There are some greys that at a certain point in their lives can no longer tolerate being crated. Maybe Ed can be trained to accept the crate but I doubt it. If it were me I would never put Ed in a crate again. There are many threads here on this issue - search them up. I suspect Ed has alread damaged his teeth. When they bite and pull on the bars they grind the enamel off the back of their canines. FInd another solution if you need containment - baby gates etc. If I understand correctly the other dogs are all happy in their crates and Ed is happy with the run of the house. That's a perfect solution.

I agree with this 100% and we rarely use a leash, and have never had a recall failure. If an environment holds the potential for a "panic situation" than the leash has to stay on (with a properly fitted collar). The same could probably be said for many dogs of all breeds. The problem with the greyhound of course is that their panic response is to run. Indeed everyone should train recall for emergency purposes, but true safety will come from keeping a greyhound secure in the first place, spotting trouble before it escalates, and preventing emergencies.

Are you looking for simple recall training info or is this for the purpose of walking a greyhound of leash? If the latter I will offer the following: Even more important than the training IMO is the nature of the dog. Obviously low prey and all dog friendly is most important but after that, is the dog one that gets anxious when its people are moving away or get out of site and will look to find and follow them even if not called? I would always worry that a dog that may have good recall in a training situation will run or wander off to greet other dogs, follow a scent etc., regardless of recall. People must the priority in the dogs mind. Will the dog run in an area that is unsafe? Some greys get excited and will run anywhere. Others will refuse if the space or surface isn’t just right. This is a real safety valve. As for the environment, is the area safe enough so that you are confident your dog will not be injured or lost if you should become separated from it? This means low or no traffic, and natural boundaries such as rivers, fences, dense bush that the dog will not cross. And finally, never off leash in a new area. Establish a route that the dog learns before granting off leash privileges.

The vast majority of greyhounds must sleep where they can see their people. For these dogs there are no other options. Be careful with the crate. Many greyhound simply cannot be left alone in a crate. They will destroy themselves trying to get out. Search for threads about this. Some of these dogs however will tolerate a crate if they can see you or are next to another greyhound.

A dog in a crate with people or other dogs present is very different that a dog in a crate in a house all alone. My very firm advice: do not leave this dog unsupervised in a crate - ever, you will regret it. When a greyhound chews on the bars of a crate they grind the enamel off the back of the canines. The teeth are now seriously weakened and prone to decay or fracture. This has likely already occured. And this is the best case scenario. More serious permanent damage to teeth and gums is also likely with continued confinement. Follow the advice here. Go to the muzzle. Many greyhounds lose it in the crate when alone. These dogs often do better when given more space and often do best when given the run of the house. Work on the alone training and this will likely be your outcome. Good luck, sorry you are facing this challenge. Many of us have been through it and come out with perfect dogs on the other end and you will too.

You didn't mention how many hours per day you are walking her.

Sorry if I am repeating anyone above - didn't have time to read the other posts. Don't take him out for a pee before breakfast. After breakfast take him out for his pee and just keep going - he will eventually do the rest of his business.

I see you are in Quebec. The cold in the winter may be a factor. Please make sure you have top quality winter coats for this boy. I recommend Chilly Dogs. They are in Ottawa. Check them out online. Below about 10 celcius mine gets a sweater, below 5 a full heavy coat. For the crating please set up a camera to record what he does while you are gone. If he freaks out or bites the bars than the crate is not an option.

I didn't see mention of using a dremel - the only certain way to avoid a problem. Cordless, with a coarse sandpaper wheel - $50 - $100. Dog standing, with a muzzle on, one person holding the head, giving praise, and feeding high value treats while the other demels away. For lying down situations I am a big proponent of allowing a dog to growl. In fact when there was a growl I would offer a "good boy" and move away. Our dog no longer growls. People can crawl into his bed with him without incident. He has learned complete trust I assume and it only took 2 years.

Forget the crate. Just come up with a muzzle solution that stays on as mentioned above. At the least attach the muzzle to the dogs collar. He will give up if he can't get it off and then he will get used to it. Of course in a year or two he will probably stop chewing.

Try wetting her food with beef or chicken stock. Campbells has low sodium and no sodium types available. A $2 container can last many meals.

My usual rant: don't leave a Greyhound alone in a crate unless you know the dog is happy there. Some greyhounds will destroy their teeth or seriously injure themselves trying to escape a crate. Remember that when Stanley was in a crate at the track there were 20 other greyhounds in crates beside him. Alone in your house is a different story. Sounds like Stanley has separation anxiety. As others have stated begin alone training. It will take time but most dogs eventually learn to relax when you are gone. There are some however that cannot live without another Grey.

Has anyone been using kelp supplement for the specific purpose of improving dental health? Are you happy with result? I brush daily, give a turkey neck every day for lunch and poor Hester still has problems. A dental yesterday - no major extractions but he still lost three more of his little nibblers (incisors) up front.

We never discourage growling. I believe it is quite proper for a dog to have the right to voice its displeasure at someone or something. If the dog is not in danger, respect the growl. If you do have to get something away from the dog then trade up to something better. If there is no reason to take something away - don't just do it on principle.

That's the opposite of what we have. Hester gets a huge turkey neck every day for lunch.The more raw and bone, the less gas we get. Hester would be usuitable as a pet on a kibble diet - I know because we tried. Maybe try oxtail. That way you'll know if it is a raw thing or just a turkey thing. Also good for the teeth and Ruby will love it.

Love the photo. I note how you have your hands wrapped around him - one around his neck and the other around his middle. A very nice hug. What is hard to tell from the photo is if River is enjoying this or just tolerating it. He is on his feet which is safe but watch his signals (you may need to research calming signals) to make sure he is not nervous about being hugged. Some Greys are snuggly all the time from day one. Others take time to learn to love human touch and some never want it. Even though my Grey has learned to love human contact, it must be on his terms and to this day I always approach with the utmost respect and caution, especially when he is down. Don't be alarmed if you get a growl. Growling is good, don't discourage it - lets you know he's not happy. Just give space if it happens. Good looking dog, would love to see a face and full body shot.

If you are concerned about bloat you can delay 20 or 30 minutes. Many owners do a turn out following the first meal of the day because the digestive system is stimulated. Bloat is more of a risk when a dog is leaping around or running hard after a good bit of food or water. I rub my dogs tummy (not chest) after every meal until he lets out a huge belch - we both love it. After that he is good to go. The adventure walks with other breeds sounds great assuming he has no issues interacting with other dogs. Fantastic that he loves his crate. Make sure there is good soft bedding for him. Don't be surprised if his attitude toward the crate deteriorates over time. Like most Greys, ultimately expect him to be safe and happy to have the run of the house when you are not there. Make take weeks, months, or years - depends on the dog.

Having the dog sleep in your room makes sure that if he needs to go during the night you will hear him and let him out. My approach when our Grey arrived was to wake up with him, feed him breakfast and then immediately go out for the big walk of the day. We sometimes go as long as two hours. this sort of distance is not for everybody, or if your rushing off to work obviously it's a little tougher, but the more you can do first thing in the morning the better the day will be for River. Then late afternoon, or as soon as people get home from work and before River has been fed, take him out for another 30 minutes to an hour. This is a great time to train your dog because he will be hungry. Let him sniff and explore at the end of his leash and practice recall by calling his name. When he turns to you, reward him with a peice of kibble from your pocket. This will really help him to bond with you. The final walk of the day should be before bed time. Even though it is winter and dark and cold, for many dogs, particularely those that are new to a home, a quick turnout is not adequate to get them through the night. Getting dressed up and walking for 30 minutes to an hour before bed is tons better then having to get up at 3:00 AM to let the dog out or to clean up a mess. Remember that depending on the fitness of River it may take time to build up to longer walks. At all other times during the day if River stares out side (or just at random), offer him a turn out to the yard. When you add it all up it could be 3 to 4 hours of walking every day. Granted when the weather is bad you can't do all the walking, and many Greys are happy on less than half that amount (seniors of course are a different story althogether). But if you really want to see what is possible give my "recipe" at try. At the very least you will minimize the chance of an accident. I caution again about the crate. Be sure you know what River does when left alone in a crate. Set up a web cam or similar to record him. If he is in distress when you are gone than you will know that you cannot crate him. The biggest danger is if he chews the bars trying to get out. Many Greys have destroyed their teeth this way and other injuries from trying to escape can be serious.

If I read your post above it sounds like River didn't get a chance to walk and had an accident in the crate?? Too relaxed? Fill up the gas tanks? 20 minute window? No need to explain but please avoid such a scenario. Take some advice from a fellow first time Greyhound owner. Get the dog out and walking as much as he will tolerate. It's the fastest way to build a bond and relieve the depression your new pal is suffering. You will end up with a happy, healthy, relaxed, confident dog. For the majority of Greyhounds the whole couch potato thing is nonsense. Didn't really understand your sleeping arrangements but best scenario is the dog on its own bed where it can see you. And re the crate - if the dog gets really upset don't do it!!. Find another solution if you need to contain.