[Suddenly Growling at Dog Walker]

3 hours ago, racindog said:

Your boy is so lucky to have a smart mom like you! And you are already beginning to realize what a special blessing a greyhound is.

Thank you so much for your kind words.  He's just the most wonderful creature, and I feel so fortunate that our paths crossed.

[Suddenly Growling at Dog Walker]

54 minutes ago, Bizeebee said:

Firstly, I'd try to get away from the idea that growling=aggression. That's an oversimplification of the situation, and thinking that way can lead you down a bad path.

More accurately, growling=communication. He's telling the dog walker something by growling, maybe it's "don't sneak up on me" - especially if he's sound asleep right up until the time she approaches the crate ~ aka his safe space. Maybe it's "don't approach me head on, making unblinking eye contact," again, to him that can be seen as an aggressive approach to his safe space. Maybe it's "ugh, why are you here to make me go outside, I was having a nice nap!"

Can you see in detail how they are interacting when she arrives? She may not even be aware that her body language is different than the first few weeks and now making him uneasy.

Does she still open the crate and walk him? If so, how does he behave?

I'm not trying to put down your dog walker, but is it possible that they had an interaction out on a walk (away from the camera) that has made him less comfortable with her? These are sensitive dogs and need a bit different training/discipline techniques than your average dog, and if she doesn't know that, she may have done something that's normal with her other clients that has now made him wary of her.

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond. It's so nice hearing from other owners.  She hasn't been opening the door due to his growling.  My gut tells me something happened on a walk, so we let her go today. Your response makes me feel more empowered and secure in that decision.  Just trying to figure out next steps -- i.e. whether to pursue a new walker, daycare, etc. Thank you again.

[Suddenly Growling at Dog Walker]

Hi, everyone. We've had our boy for about a month and a half, and he's very sweet and laid back. We crate him while we're at work, and we've had the same dog walker coming since Day 1. Within the last week, he's started growling at her when she approaches his crate.  He has been totally fine with her and was always excited to see her (we have a camera). A friend let him out of his crate last night and brought him to her house because we had a nighttime engagement, and he showed no signs of aggression.  He's never growled at anyone else, and he's recently had a checkup at the vet.  No other changes in medication or diet as well.  I had her come two days while I was working from home to walk him, and he seemed okay.  The dog walker seems very sweet and came highly recommended. Has anyone else experienced this?