jenn8

I don't want to be the grim reaper but "holding it" for long periods of time can actually cause a UTI if bacteria builds up and is not flushed out regularly. This is one reason fresh water should always be given. I don't know if that is the case here but just thought I would mention it. If you do find out he has a UTI, it may require a little more than giving him pills to keep the problem at bay. Jenn

Adorable pictures, Lucy. I will keep my fngers crossed. Jenn

If they sit on their own, then I try to teach them to do it on command. Most of mine learned to lay down instead, which was fine with me. Jenn

You are exactly right. She's got you trained. Don't pick up her foot or tell her to shake. Just carry some treats around with you and wait until she lifts her paw on her own (for whatever reason). Then give her the treat. You can add the command in then or after a few times if she doesn't quite get it yet. I hope that made sense. Someone help me here. Jenn

Onyx had arthritis and would show me signs of pain by moaning. He was not limping at all. Over the course of a year, I tried supplements, vitamins, different NSAIDs. The only thing that worked was a combination of Rimadyl and Tramadol. He was older than your boy though. If it were me, I would give the vet's recommendation for pain meds a little more consideration, maybe just to see if it makes a difference. Jenn

Frontline does not work for us anymore. I have always given a full dose. Maybe they build up a resistance but now we have much better luck with Advantage. Jenn

I don't know if you have tried this already but alone training and/or house training are essential and valuable first steps to take in acclimating your grey to their home. Crates are one of the tools that aid in this training but you do the actual training outside of the crate. Did your adoption give you any instruction on this? If not, we can help or a search on GreyTalk using either of those terms will give you lots of good information. Don't listen to that vet or shut your dog in the bathroom. Most dogs can learn to live in the house if they are trained to do so. The challenge can sometimes be in figuring out which of the many methods work best. Jenn

Did you ever do house training? Maybe he just needs to learn that (outside of the crate, I mean. A lot of greys have worn down teeth before they are adopted. The general consensus is that they chewed on their crate bars. Opionions sometimes differ as to why they would do it but I tend to think like you. They may not have been thrilled to be in there all that time. Jenn

Bug only follows me up or down the stairs, then he goes into a seperate room. He's very wierd. Jenn

Holly, you were one of a kind. I am going to miss your wiggly butt and your stuffie bumps but most of all, those wake up hugs... and yes, I knew they were actually nudges just to get me out of bed but I loved them anyway. I will never forget you, Little-Boo. Why can't I stop crying? I just can't beleve she is gone. Hugs to Michelle and Bill. Jenn

I can't stop crying. Jenn

I make a slipknot with the leash handles and put them both on my right wrist. Then, when leashes get twisted, I just spin them around with my free hand while still attached to the doggies. This only works with two leashes though. Jenn

We don't use muzzles either. Jenn

I would rather not put my dog through continuous stress on a daily basis, just to make that one time I have to crate him easier. Jenn

You can also try a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water to get the smell out. Plus you'll want to keep a close eye on her for the next few days to make sure she doesn't pee there again. Hopefully, she hasn't formed a new habit. Jenn

Why does he have to be in a cage 18 hours a day? That is way too much. Jenn

Dried Bull junk.. LOL In case that didn't answer your question, it's a dried bull hoo-hoo. Jenn

LOL. Heather, I think the expression is nip it inn the bud". I like your version better though. Jenn

Accidents near the door are usually an indication that a dog wants/needs to go out. Do you see that he is doing his business before you leave him alone? There is also the possibility of medical issue like UTI. The above could be causing the vocalization or he may just need a refresher course in alone training. If you haven't tried this already, I would video or tape record him when you leave to see just how long it lasts and to know exactly what you are dealing with. He has already proven that he can learn to behave himself out of the crate, so he probably just needs some retrainig in his new home and/or a visit to the vet. A crate can be a helpful tool to aid in house training when you have to turn your attention away but the actual training is done by you while you are there. Hope this helps. Jenn

There is no harm in showing your dog affection when you first walk in the door... or him showing it to you. It's my favorite part of the day. They learn to handle it just fine. You'll see. You just have to try your options and find what works best for him. I don't think it is necessary to crate if your dog may not like it. Sometimes the only way to know is by trying him without and you may find your problem is resolved. If that were the case, it would be soooo much easier than going through the whole howling, crying and and being ignored routine. JMHO, dogs behave much better when they are relaxed and comfortable. Jenn

Keep an eye on her for the next few days and see if it passes. Greys can sometimes get to panting very quickly from excitement, stress or heat. That long article has a lot of good information but it refers mostly to situations where people expect too much from their new greys. You haven't made any indication of that, so don't worry that your dog is traumatized to that degree. Jenn

Yep, my first grey would start to chew through his leash while I was standing right there holding it. I already knew how fast he could bite it in half and he only seemed to want to do it whenever we were at a stand still on our walk. It is downright scary to see what they are capable of doing whenever the mood strikes. Jenn

Have you thought about getting another dog to keep Echo company? Your roomates probably filled that role in the place you were living before. That may be why he was doing so well. I honestly don't know how to get a dog who hates being crated... to like it or find comfort in there. I would try to focus on your past success and see if you can recreate it somehow. He may just be a dog who cannot be left alone for long periods of time. Jenn

I have dreams like that about my parents who both passed away from cancer. They are always ill in the dreams and in a lot of pain. I am never able to do anything to save them. When I wake up, I am left feeling helpless that the situation was out of my control. Very similar to the way I felt in real life before they died. It's a good thing, at least, you are able to save Riley in your dreams. I think it shows that you realize you did what was best for him. You did save him, Lucy. Jenn