1Moregrey

First off the freezing is normal settling in behavior. Some times it happens from the start, sometimes it pops up when you think wow we have a good thing going. Think of it as the dog’s reaction to believing the world is going to jump out at him at any minute. Before when he was walking fine he was to nervous to pay attention to his environment. As he blindly was following his lead and who was holding it. As they get more comfortable they start to see and hear the world around them. Think blinders on a horse. The view opens up a little bit at a time. When to much comes into focus they freeze they do not know how to process take in the new sights and sounds. Sorry he got rushed by a bigger dog. You both will over come this it just takes time and patience. You may want to spend some time just outside your house for him to take in the sights and sounds of his new world. If you have a yard/garden, driveway/sidewalk or a tree if the weather is nice bring a chair for you and a drink for both of you. Talk to him tell him anything, what it was like growing up, favorite place to travel, funny story. This will help calm both of you. No loud sudden part to story just calm conversation. Just gives him a chance to get used to things. Then start by a driveway walk round and round, make up patterns figure eight, serpentine, you name it. Practice different speeds, stop and start. Teach the “leave it” “watch me” when he starts to focus on something tell him to leave it and focus him back on you. When this is going good venture out into a little longer outing double the space add in a house length or two. Soon the newness will fade into the background. Leave it is great for the dogs that he sees on his walks too. At the first sign that he has spotted something tell him to leave it and then keep on moving or whatever you were doing praise and a treat if you have it. Just a taste he should not have to stop to chew it. Best of luck with Benny, it is a scary new world for them to take in.

Not sure of the cultural differences of the use of crates. We use them for a touchstone of consistency to the new home from the track, the emotional comfort (dogs personal area that they never get bothered in), for training in a new home, to keep them safe from open doors. So they are viewed as more of a training safety tool. Why are you using the crate, what did you want from using it? Why are you shutting the door behind her? What do you want her to do when she is locked out? Sounds like she is new from your other post. By keeping her from it (shutting the door) you have taken her only familiar (safety blanket and emotional security) item away. She is scared she can not get back to her safety so she does not want to leave. Think of it this way you travel to a new place do not speak the language, food comes once in a while you get brave enough to go eat but it only ends in not being able to get back to your safe place. I know I would rather be safe than fed if I was feeling overwhelmed and nervous. She most likely does not want to pee in her crate but is afraid to leave it for fear of not being able to get back in. I think you might be moving to fast, relax and let here come and go while you are able to supervise. When she comes out for food put a leash on her and take her out to potty spend some time together. Then let her eat going into and out of the crate as she pleases. It takes time sometimes we make a few steps forward then a bunch backwards to get comfortable and then just move on in leaps and bounds. Be patient, calm and loving. Reach out to the adoption/place you got her from for information/help and if it is not working out / more than you can handle you can always return the greyhound.

*Your behaviorist should be able to tell you if this is part of your issue. **** (This is not something that can be know from an email or board)****** Just a thought, when young dogs come into there prime and old dogs are not able to physically be the leader anymore. The pecking order needs to be changed meaning The Who is physically able to be leader needs to be fed first, acknowledged first, and so on. If the one who is not able to physically be the leader gets things first. It can upset the natural balance between the dogs and can result negative behavior fights or bites. If you support the pecking order top dog first for everything then the jealousy and bad behavior can be managed. Then you can restore balance and harmony and make everyone feel safe. Example: After a longtime of training and behavior modification I added a second dog. First dog was aggressive to anything with four feet when I adopt her. As long as she was first things were fine. If the second dog got attention first there were issues. So supporting order made all the difference for us. (Was able to have original dog in very selective play group of 4-5 dogs who were middle of the pact for years). *Again you need to work with a behaviorist in person to see if this is even part of your issue.* Just food for thought.... You may want to separate or use a muzzles to protect both your dogs while you figure things out. Just to be safe. Best wishes

I also second the use of a crate. Use a muzzle on him with a stool guard or tape on the bottom to block the holes (anywhere he could grab things but leave the top open for airflow.) It can keep him from eating/chewing things he should not. I also suggest using a leash or limiting the space he has access to. Maybe just a room instead of the whole house. He may just be overwhelmed with to many options. It is important to have him spend sometime alone from the start if using a crate inside the crate while everyone is in the next room. If not using the crate time in his area so that he understands it is ok to be by himself and you will be back. I have some tips in the introduction and biography “New greyhound tips from my Journey” you may find it helpful. Welcome and enjoy.

Could it be from walking in the snow drifts? Where I am at there is a sharp layer of ice on top that might cause a scrape.

Wonder if he would of done better in a multi dog home if he was an only dog. Some just are so afraid of the world jumping out at them, they get there confidence from others dogs. I have known a few to do well as pairs and when something happens to there “rock”. They regress back to SA. It comes down to being able to manage behavior and training. If they were to easy we would all be so bored. 😂. Glad there are people who can love them all and let them thrive in there own way❤️

I wrote about my new greyhounds first 5 months in introduction and biography section. Hope you find it helpful. You may find that ten days is fine or a little long depending on how things go. I am on number 9. I got my first one from a track vet before there were many adoption groups around. I just went to the clinic an hour away got the dogs and was on my way. I got some very good advice from a new vet that could get us in that day. I really lucked into a good one. 1.) I was told to have her on a leash and go about my day with her following me for an hour or so at a time and then put her up (crate whatever area is going to be hers). This has served me well and I have not had issues with SA. I could have been just lucky too. I try and find out what the gh schedule is and follow that as far as potty time, feeding, turn out walks, and stick to it for a few days and slowly adjust to what my schedule will be. 2.) Never let the dog do anything that you do not want it to as it settles in. Example if you do not want it in the kitchen do not take gh into kitchen as part of the house tour. 3.) Muzzles are your friend but gh can still do damage to small animals with them on. Greyhounds are wonderful, they can be very different from other dogs. They are very tender hearted and respond to gentle tones. Harsh tones or frustrated tones can shut them down. They like to be talked to, so explain things to them (it is ok to be the crazy gh person on the block). Enjoy your time off and exploring with your new hound just be sure you are not the gh whole world until you leave and go back to work. I think that is one reason for SA. One last thing do not let the gh on furniture for a while they need to earn the privilege, and know that you are letting them up they need to share. It is not only for them. Unless it is only for them. Enjoy this is a special time with lots of ups and down. Take it slow and be gentle with yourself and your new friend. Both of your worlds will be changed the minute you take the leash.

You may find that your cat needs a way to move about the house from off the ground. You can make an above ground cat highway by putting up shelves or rearranging furniture. You can also try creating spaces for the cat to escape behind the furniture by pulling it out from the walls so the dogs can not get behind. Make sure the dogs are out of the room in a secure area. Then bring the cat out and spend some time in the area so the cat gets comfortable. Take the cat back to it’s safe space bring the dogs back and see if the cat will come out on its own. I know my cat will stick to the upper cat highway or the edges behind the furniture for a while when new dogs are added. Then will come out in a few days. If play gets to exciting the cat has a safe zone or a good place for an ambush if the cat wants to initiate play.

I do not think gender makes a difference. It is more about the temperament of the dog. They all fold up to small size when they want to nap in your chair. As far as toileting in my experience it comes down to what you are comfortable with. Have only had one male with toileting issues and he needed to have a confident dog in his home. I was fostering he was outside for hours would come in and go. Brought second dog in for a weekend no issues. Second dog went home his issues came back. Had nothing to do with his gender everything to do with he preferred to be in a multiple dog home. Best of luck with your search. Just take it slow during the first few months while they adjust to all the new sights, sounds and routine.

I got side tracked. For going outside the apartment same principle as the harness. If she eats dry kibble and you have some time. Put her leash on her and hand feed her as close as you can get her comfortably to the door. Walk her closer to the door as she will take steps comfortably feed her more you can also vary the amount of treats she gets (think jackpot at a slot machine she never knows if it is a piece or several). Keep doing this until she will walk to the elevator. You may not get out the door the first day with this. So do not rush it. When she is comfortable with this, use the kibble to lure her into the elevator (you can also use special elevator treats cheese, meat scraps, should only be a tiny bit just a taste) while she is in the elevator. So she will be going in just to get the treat.

Sounds like you have done nothing wrong. I would just spend some time with her outside just standing by the closest grassy spot so she can get used to sounds and have access to potty area. Just know there are many ways to do things just have to find what works. They are emotionally tender hearted so be gentle and they will forgive you. To get her used to the harness you can make a loop (hook the neck and body hooks together off the dog) with some of her kibble or dog treat in your had pass your hand through the loop with the harness resting on your arm. This will help make a positive association. Do it a few time a day for a day or two. As she gets more comfortable move it down your arm. The goal is to have her put her head through the loops to take the treat. When she can do this then pet her with the harness in you hand. Like you are dying her off with a towel and feed treats at the same time. If that goes well put it over her back and fasten the collar hook. Take it on and off her several times. If she is comfortable with that then hook around chest. Leave it on a few sec to min depending on her reaction and build up from there. Then you can let her ware it around the house. It should take a day to a few days to get her used to it. Let her set the pace. Steps if there are two of you: one can have treats and go ahead of her and one by her side just keep moving like you expect her to follow. The one in front have treat in open hand beside your leg at the back closest to the dog keep just out of reach. So the dog is focused on the treat. One with her can gently hold onto the loop if martingale collar and lift up and forward to keep her moving. I wrote a little about settling in of my new greyhound in the introduction section it might be helpful. The freezing or statue is when they are overwhelmed with all the new stuff and goes away the more confident and familiar they are in the new environment. Hope this helps, not sure I touched on all questions. I had a few interruptions would be happy to help with other areas just let me know.

This is such a personal decision and a hard one. As someone who has been down this road a bunch of times. I am comfortable in reaching the decision based on if they are still able to pee, poo, eat, drink and have a quality of life. Also I need to be able to physically meet there needs and care for them properly and provide pain control. If they or I can not do any of the previous then it is when I really take a look. If I was my dog would I want to live like that is also a question I think about. No one can answer this for you and it will be one of the hardest things to do especially if this is your first pet. It never gets easy no mater how many times you are faced with the decision. As hard and sad as it is when it is the right time it can be the greatest gift we can give them for all the unconditional love they have shared. If you are struggling with this your veterinarian may be a good person to help you work through your decision. Last year i had to make the decision for my dog she lost her sight, had a weak back end, had LS, SLO, could not do steps and then got lymphoma. Any one or two of these was not enough but all together it was just to heartbreaking to watch and she was to big for me to carry. Surgery would only buy a few months but not quality of life. That is how I knew. More time would of been for me not her.

It is never easy whether it is expected or not. Take care of yourself, sending warm thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

If you have read all my adventure this is what my new servant has done/taught to me: 1 Taken me from what I have know and was comfortable with. 2 Taught me the world is not so scary not sure I buy this all the time but servant protects me that I know. 3 I know where I can go in the house 4 The cat IS my friend even if she does not play with me. 5 How servant wants me to walk on a leash and right turn, left turn, wait, stop, leave it, hurry up, sniff time my favorite. 6 Servant says “puppy bite” and touches my hip when I am laying on my bed next to her is a good thing. 7 if servant says it is the cat, servant, or pretend noise I can safely ignore it. It will not get me. 8 I know how to go to my bed and stay there either on my own or when being told. 9 I get to spend more time on my own doing what I want as I get comfortable. 10 I like car rides and spending time with servant 11 I learned this all without a training session just by living my new life and being show what was expected as we went along I think I like my new home I am almost sure I do. Servant says when the snow goes we will learn so much more and maybe I will start to be trained with treats and practice sessions. I think I might be ready then and the world might not be to scary. I wish I was a confident hound that was not afraid of the world. That hit the ground running and fooled my servant into believing I had done this before. I know they exist some were even my friends from my first days of life the ones who were first to try things. That is not me, servant was right this is going to be a big journey into my new life. Servant said we have as much time to learn things and will take it slow. After all I earned my name Journey so I should enjoy the trip and everything on the way. I will share more later hope your journey is good and you get to take the time you need to get comfortable in your new life.

Servant does a good job of keeping the cat away from me so I have quite time In the house. Then when I go in my crate the cat comes out! Well three months later and I still have my cone of shame but then it came off. Now I get to go on walks and explore the outside. I finally get to see where some of those noises came from and where all the heads with no bodies go. Turns out they are just regular servants out for a walk behind a fence! On my walks I get to see many fences some have these crazy loud things that run at me and just get louder they are so rude! So not like home, I miss my home with all my friends being able to play all day in big groups none of this silly stuff like “leave it”, “settle”, “wait”, “stay”. I did not have to do it I just went with my group and had so much fun. My new servant was excited when I picked up a toy but I was not sure if I was supposed to touch it so I walked away. It is so confusing learning all the new rules at least I am not in trouble any more having to do things over and over I do not understand what is expected of me and I get scared and want to run to my safe place. Well two more months have gone by servant says I m very good. I learned if I play with toys servant will toss them for me to chase if I bring them back to my bed. I was even brave enough to show the neighbor that gots me lots of warm words and cuddles. I am finally allowed in the bedroom but I have to wear my muzzle cause I like paper and stuff I m not supposed to put in my mouth. How do I know what is a toy and what is a “not yours”. Yesterday was a good day I learned what the couch is. “It is the best dog bed even better than the stack of dog beds. Well servant says it is now to icy and snowy to be out and about like we used to be. So outside training will start again in a few months then we will go to the park, and see buffalos up close! So now we are still working on me being touched on my paws and having my nails done I hate it but they do feel better when they are done but I am not letting servant know I kinda like it. A girl can not give in and be easy all at once, servant needs to know I am still a little scared and not sure of what is going on. I am just waiting waiting to be taken from here cause each time I think oh this will be a good place another new SERVANT comes and takes me away

Then I went outside with the new servant got put in a car and was there for many hours. It took me a long time to lay down. My new servant sat next to me and another one was driving the car. They keep on talking about what my new name should be this went on for hours then the servant that I was resting my head on said this has been such a journey to get her and I lifted my head up and that is how I got my name! My new adventure had started when I got to my new home it was really strange. It did not look like anything I had ever seen. Instead of one house there were many in a row with lost of cars going by all the time and another road going another direction that had almost non stop cars. I had never head that much noise for that long a time. Can it please stop so I can rest! I am alone none of my friends came with me, there is a cat but it is not the same. The only thing I recognize is a crate in the corner it has a nice blanket. Maybe it will be ok? My new servant at least has my schedule down my breakfast and outings are at the right time but they are so different. I do not like being an only hound I am not sure what to do. We hang out outside for a while then we go inside I go to my crate then we do it again and again. Well it has been a few days and I got taken to the place that smells funny servant calls it the vets. I got poked more and servant found out I am allergic to my stitches and need antibiotics and medicine for worms. I did not stay at the vets but I got the cone of shame. Servant realized that this is to much for me to handle so we are just living together at least until the cone come off in two weeks. So far I know to stay out of the kitchen every time a paw goes in I am told out then when I stay just outside I am told I am good! I like this cause I get what I am supposed to do. I am learning to walk nicely on a leash we practice when I go out to potty my favorite part it pushing on servant with my cone. Servant is not that happy with it and holds onto it and move my face away. So far I am setting in still not a fan of all the new noises. I get told a lot that it is not a real noise it is from the tv, radio and I can just ignore it. Or it is the Cat and I am supposed to ignore her too she scares me so I often times get up and go into my crate.

Roo roo, my new name is Journey. I moved from my only home and my big family in July 2020 in the middle of a pandemic!! It was ok cause I took a bunch of my friends with me. After a really long ride I ended up at an adoption kennel. It was a lot like where I came from but also so much different! No track to run in no big turnout runs. But I liked it I had all my friends and new servants to feed me and take care of me. A few weeks later a bunch of new servants came and looked at all of us. We got lots of cuddles and walks. I had never been on so many walks that went nowhere and were so short by servants who did not know my routine or how I liked to be walked. A few days later I went on another adventure this time with just a few of my friends. I was so scared cause I got there and was put in a room that smelled funny got poked and prodded then later I got a shot and felt really tired. When I woke up I felt really odd and my tummy hurt. I went on another adventure back to my friends. Where I got to rest and every time I licked my tummy I got into trouble for it. Never before had I got in trouble for liking my own tummy who knew a lick could get you in big trouble. My friends went off in small groups too we all had the same kind of adventure. Some were getting there stitches out but mine keep on hurting me. One day I got moved into another room. You know the one that sometimes you come back from and other times you disappear for good! What is going to happen to me I wondered? I got a bath and did not like that it ran into my hurtie tummy do not know why I still have my stitches no one that was with me has them! Some of the others that was in the new room had servants that I have never seen before take then outside and they never came back. Where did they go just poof was here then not I went outside and gone. Then someone came and looked at me... they talked to my servant and I got my nails clipped did not appreciate that and my ears cleaned too.

This is the first 5 months of my new greyhounds life and journey into her new home. From her point of view. hope you find it entertaining and for new first time adopters get some pointers. Each dog adjustment is different and there are many ways they get to us. A dog that comes from kennel, foster home, or training center all are going to settle in there own way as well as each temperament type will settle in differently. Journey is a young 2 year old that is sensitive to touch she hates leaves, rain falling on her she whips her head around and looks startled. She wants to be confident but has not had the life experience yet to be confident. She also came with medical issues that slowed our bonding process as she spent the first 2-3 months on mostly crate rest/hand walking only when needed to keep her spay incision from opening up. Hope you enjoy her tails.

Do you mean Von Willebrand? I had a grey I found out she had it and it could be an issue when she was being checked to be a blood donor. For her it was not enough to keep her from donating they said just something to watch for if she got injured and would not stop bleeding it was due to VW. She lived until close to 15 and never had an issue she did get a shoulder bite that needed stitches but was never bothered by. Hope this helps a little. Maybe someone else can tell you more specific information.

Thanks that helps me better understand. In my opinion I think that she is a little to early for formal classes. She might be more willing to participate if she has more time to adjust to her new environment. Is it a basic obedience class? How is she doing in the class? Is she able to do anything or is she to reactive to noise to the point she has shut down? I would of advised you to let her hang out at home and get used to the noises and take her to a variety of places and stay on the side (take her to a kids park and stay as far away from everyone) and just let her watch/listen when she seemed comfortable move a little closer give treats and work on having her watch you, leave it, that kind of stuff. You could work on obedience at home in a quieter setting. Then try classes when she is less reactive and more engaged in public. She needs to build her confidence maybe your class instructor can help with that if they are willing to go off script for her and you. Some greyhounds come off the track and are ready to live in a home and so to speak “hit the ground running”. Others spend a long time “waiting for the world to jump out at them at any moment”. From what you have said she sound like she is waiting for the world to jump. So be patient expose her to noise/new situations from a distance on walks and let her get used to it on her time. Sometimes this takes a few day to a sew months but once she feels safe in her new world she will learn by leaps and bounds. Hope this helps, some things you just can not rush. If I can be of help just let me know.

Can you go out with her and direct her to the spot you want her to pee at and block her from coming back onto the cement? I have a turn out pen attached to my deck that when my new grey came I would take her down and block her in the area I wanted her to go in and say go potty hustle up and when she p&p she was told good girl. As we went down stairs I also said down stairs. Now that I have snow and it all looks and feels the same if she shows signs of wanting to go on the deck. I tell her not on the deck go down stairs and she goes down to p&p. you can also try and fill the space with old cardboard boxes of furniture whatever you can leave on the area you do not want her in while she gets settled in and learns her new routine. Best wishes just time and patience.

Without knowing more and from reading your other post. Unless she has gotten used to and settled in previous mentioned ways freezing and such. She may not be ready for classes. She may need more time adjusting to not being in at the racing kennel. A home vs racing kennel can take more time to get used to than most first time adopters realize. Not all dogs adapt at the same rate. If she is rock solid at home and nothing spooks or surprises her that is different. Each different stage requires a different technique based on what works for your grey. With more information I would be happy to offer ideas.

How is she at home? What are you working on in class, I am confused why her head in a box?

A few question: How long have you had her? Where did she come from/grow up retired race, bouncer as a stray in the country? What type of environment do you live city, village, suburban,

Sounds like he is overwhelmed with his new surroundings. The first few days they are kinda in shock and just follow the leash. Then they start to freeze as they adjust process the new things. So this sounds normal. Is it possible to have a window open during the day even for a little bit to get used to the new sounds. Is there a quiet time in the city to get him outside even if it is really early or late to pee/poo and just slowly get used to things. You may just need to load him into the truck to do like you are doing and spend some time just freezing so he can get used to the sounds and sights. Will let people who live in city’s offer specific advice. He is just over stimulated and taking it all in.