greytlucy

4 kids under 11 at the dog park? Our city has banned all children under 12 from dog parks for good reason after way too many incidents. OP, please consider the advice you are getting here.

We had great luck with Adequan and accupuncture. Finally around 13 yo we started a small daily dose of metacam and some chinese herbs recommended by our holistic vet. With this regime we were able to keep our girl comfortable til CHF finally became an insurmountable obstacle for her.

Our greyhound puppy was neutered at 8 weeks. The adoption group would not release him without a neuter. He had a very tall and lanky build...all leg, not much muscle even when he was running every day as a young dog. He was a healthy dog for the most part but at 9 developed spinal issues that were likely related to his build and at 10 developed osteo. Can't prove that the osteo was related to the early neuter but there is a lot of research starting to look into this connection in dogs. Our standard poodle was neutered at 5 mos. He's 18 mos now. I regret neutering him so early - he had some dental issues we needed to take care of and agreed to go ahead and do the neuter then. He also has a lanky build (for his breed). He's had some development issues that the vet thinks might be related to early neuter. I'm nervous about his old age after what we went through with the greyhound. If I were to ever have another puppy I wouldn't even begin to consider a spay/neuter before 12 mos but would probably wait until 18 mos. My experience is purely anectdotal but based on these two puppies I wouldn't do an early S/N again.

Pulling this up to add some anecdotal stuff on the Thundershirt. I bought one a while back for our dog who is young and a little high strung...he was having trouble settling. I bought one to try out and found it helped him...on nights he wouldn't settle (no matter how much exercise he'd had) I'd put it on and he'd soon be sleeping calmly on the floor next to the sofa with us. I only had to use it a few times as we worked with him on his anxiety/hyper vigilance. But we're having a huge dust storm here tonight and the wind is blowing crazy hard. He was getting really worked up and starting to bark at shadows on teh walls so I put it on him and it really helped settle him again. There's apparently rain and thunder behind this dust so if we do get bad thunder I'll be interested to see how he does with it.... Anyway, I know it doesn't seem to work with all dogs and I don't think on it's own it solves everything but I've found it to be a useful tool for working through my dogs nervousness.

Hee. This makes me laugh. My dogs have always lvoed my mom. She's wheelchair bound and ALWAYS has a big bag of dog treats in the bag on her chair. My greyhounds would walk in her house and beeline right to her for cookies. They were tall enough that they were right at chest level with her when she passed out cookies. I let her spoil them because it was a highlight in her week when she got to pass out cookies to them. Now we have our poodle puppy. I've been working really hard on manners with him and he's doing really well learning to control his impulses and not jump on people. But then there's grandma and her bag of cookies! I will say it took some training but I did FINALLY teach my mom to wait for him to sit before she gives him a cookie(he'll automatically do this if the person with the cookie is patient and waits for him to do so). THen I taught her to tell him "paws up" and he'll put his paws up in her lap so his head is up at her level to get his cookies. He loves it, she loves it and while I normally would never let him do this i figure what the heck, it's not the end of the world. When she's in bed when we visit he's so excited to to be there he races abck to her bedroom and leaps up on her bed, all wiggles and wags. He doesn't do this with other people(including us, he'd rather sleep on the floor at our house ). Again, I know I should teach him to wait to be asked but it tickles her so much I just let him go since his manners in other situations and places are coming along so well! About the begging, I don't allow begging at the table. This includes at my parents house when we're there for sunday dinner. I know my parents would both ignore my rule about this if given the chance...so all of my dogs have been taught to stay at my end of the table during dinner and lay quietly. With all of them I had to start withh a leash and attached them to my chair, giving them a bully stick to chew on while we ate. Eventually once they understand the rules(which are the same at home and were trained teh same way) the leash can be put away and they learn to lay quietly in the corner next to my end of the table and not beg down in the "danger zone" near my parents where begging might just get rewarded.

We're going through this with our adolescent standard poodle. We have view fencing in the back and none of neighbors think they need to walk their dogs on leash so he's learned to bark at dogs through the fence and has gotten into the habit of watching over the fence for dogs. Additionally, he's hypervigilant and always scanning the environment even when in the house. A car door closing several houses away can set him off. We're using a number of methods to work on this. First we're working on overall relaxation using Karen Overall Relaxation Protocols...hopefully this will help build him to where he won't need to scan the environment much. That's more a long-term overall fix. He's prone to getting overstimulated once he starts barking and when this happens doesn't have an "off" button. I prefer not to use a lot of aversive techniques with him because he is very sensitive and additionally a lot of his behavior is anxiety driven. I use the barking at hte back wall to work on recall with him. We've gotten to where no matter how worked up he is at something he WILL come immediately when I call "COOKIE!!" from the house(we screwed up the "come" command and had to start over with "cookie"). I'll call him to me, reward him, then have him quickly go through a short series of command and eye contact exercises before releasing him. HE'll inevitably go right back to the wall and I call him abck and we do it again...we'll do this a few times and by the end, the stimulus has passed, he's calmed down and when I release him the last time he's quiet in the yard or focused back on me and follows me in the house to see what i'm up to. He's prone to barking fits out the windows in the evening too. When this happens we work on down stays with him and reward him for relaxing. THis is working pretty well too. The last week or two he's taken to explosive barking in the middle of the night when he hears something outside(the windows have been open). In this case, we did take to using a shake can to shut him up at 3AM. Not my favorite technique to be honest but it immediately shut him (he hates the noise) and he quickly learned to be quiet in the middle of the night. Now we can tell him to "leave it" and "lay down" when he starts up and he's been good about responding. The last two nights he hasn't been up at all after lights out so we're hoping this phase has passed. Like others have mentioned I'm not trying to train the bark out of him. He typically gives quiet "woofs" and "clucks" first as an alert and I'm happy to allow him to do this and teach him to settle when asked to while giving these alerts. I also am trying to teaching him three "real" barks are OK when he does start with a full bark and then he needs to quiet. As we work on the overstimulation issues I think this will come pretty well to him as he responds really well when settled and focused.

Our poodle was doing this. It started with just dogs but he started getting stimulated by the other cars too. We were doing clicker training with him and this was workign with two people in the car but the stimulation is just too much for him and even with clicking each and every stimulus he still was really wired to react and with only one person in the car it was just impossible to work with him. (He also chases cars on leash...we use clicker training for this and it works but even after months of working at this if we don't catch him as he's starting to react to each and every car he will lunge and give chase. I'm not sure we'll ever actually completely retire this behavior! ) We looked at crating him in the car but it was just about impossible to find a crate that fit both the 26" tall dog AND my VW beetle. We decided to give a harness a try. We started with the harness in our Element where we could fasten the restraint at floor level and he coudln't get up on the seat to look out the windows. He took really well to this(he's an exceptionally relaxed dog when not overstimulated ironically). He learned to lay down and relax in the car. We clicked and treated a bit at first and offered him a bully stick to keep him busy. The first couple times he would stand up, but it wasn't terrible comfortable for him so he'd settle back down. We drove him exclusively in the Element for a couple weeks and just this past weekend tried him with the harness in my Beetle. We didn't know how this would go since the harness would allow him to sit up on the back seat and he'd be able to see out the windows. Surprisingly, he did really really well. We took him for two "sunday drives" to see how he did. With both of us in the car, we were able to praise and reward(with clicker). We were also able to settle him back down on the seat easily when he did try and stand up. Yesterday my husband used my car when he took Cosmo to daycare in the mornign and picked him up in the evening so it was just the two of him in the car and he reported the ride was uneventful when Cosmo happily relaxed on the back seat the whole time. I'm happy to have found this solution - both so we don't have a crazed dog in the car(dangerous for everyone including other cars!) and so he's safely harnessed in should an accident happen. Good luck!

She's a teenager isn't she? So you're dealing with adolescence and testing boundaries. Important time in her training, especially when it comes to resource guarding which is what this is. I haven't dealt with this with either puppy I've had...mostly because I started with them young learning to give up things on command and allow resources to be taken with them. Since you didn't have her young and she's already guarding you want to handle carefully and not escalate the situation. I know Jean Donaldson has a book out on Resource Guarding that probably has some good techniques to work with. Starting with setting boundaries with her along the lines of NILIF would help a lot and working on the "drop" command(even if she isn't guarding "stuff" yet it will help her learn her boundaries and that "MINE!" really isn't hers). Good luck!

Aw, owie. Hope she heals up quickly!

Has Dr. Cuoto published any of his research yet? And if so, does anyone know in which journal? His methodology for his study should be explained in anything he's published. His study and this one would be apples to oranges anyhow as he is specifically targeted at greyhounds and only looking at cancer and since his sample methodology is unknown to anyone here it seems(are all dogs treated or that have consulted with OSU included in his study?). This study explains it methodology and it would seem that "greyhound" could be generalized to both AKC and NGA. Given the disproportionate distribution of AKC vs NGA nationally a separate study looking at cancer in both sets specifically would be the only way to see if one variety had more of a predisposition towards osteosarcoma than the other. It doesn't seem like Dr. Cuoto's study does this either since there's nothing on the OSU website to make any distinction ebtween AKC and NGA(I assume he studies any "greyhound" that is presented to him?)

Could be do to earlier neutering/spaying in pups raised in pet homes. Our Ziggy was ridiculously tall(33" at the withers) but had a very thin and lanky build, never having filled out. He was neutered really early, 8 weeks, before the adoption group would send him to us. While he may have been a tall greyhound no matter what, I'm positive his overall build(and likely some of his height) was due to being neutered so early.

We adopted one greyhound at 4 years old and raised one greyhound(NGA stock not AKC) from 9 weeks old. Really, the main difference was one was a puppy and one wasn't. Greyhound puppies are first and foremost puppies and require all the work that raising a well adjusted, well socialized puppy involves. I've only raised one greyhound from a pup but my experience was he was very slow to mature - he was close to three before I considered him fully mature. Once mature he had the typical disposition of a greyhound, though with his own personality of course(he was always more outgoing and playful than our greyhound who came from the track but I believe that was more personality difference between the two). If you are considering a greyhound puppy I think the question you need to ask yourself is do you want to commit to raising a puppy, not whether there will be a real difference between raising one from a young age or adopting one off the track. Puppies are tons and tons of fun...but also tons and tons of work if you want a well behaved and adjusted dog. Heh. Sounds like our Ziggy. He was really slow to learn things but once he did...he was rock solid on whatever behavior was taught to him. he would never dream of not doing something asked once he understood what it was that was wanted. It's been a real contrast with the standard poodle pup we're raising now. He learns stuff almost immediately but then there's the question of keeping him motivated to do what he's learned. Such a difference between the two dogs!

Wow, sounds tough. She likely is on overdrive actually. Have you tried anything like TTouch to help her(and you) find some calming time in the day? You can also try using some clicker training to reward when she is calm. Start with doing eye contact exercises and build from there. These types of things will likely help you and her relax a little so that maybe take a little tension out of your relationship. I know you said certified vet behavioralist is out of the bduget...have you consider getting any second opinions from other vets in your area? Sounds like this vet might not be a good fit for you? Have you identified what she likes to do? Does she like to get out and run and can you help her do that more? Or? Anything she does like that you can reinforce that and try to keep the scary stuff less part of her day. (I have a high anxiety dog myself so understand this can be easier said then done...we do find keeping the stimulus level down and keeping him exercised helps a great deal for us to work on decreasing his overall anxiety levels).

Your stress is only adding to hers. You probably know this. It's understandable to be stressed dealing with a dog with anxiety issues. You end up playing off each other and neither of you ends up relaxed. It sounds like your vet is taking a trial and error approach. At this point, I'd consider seeing a board certified behavorial vet. They really understand these issues better than your typical clinical vet and can help you both medically and behaviorally work through the issues. Generally finding a DACVB vet isn't easy but looks like you are fortunate to have two in Oregon: http://www.dacvb.org/resources/find/

I've given my dogs Icelandic fish chews. They've all really liked them. They don't last as long as a Bully but still are something to chew on for a bit: http://www.amazon.com/Icelandic-Fish-Skin-Chews-3-5/dp/B000NVD8IC I also recently bought my dogs skate tail chews. They didn't love them as much but if you're looking for something from fish protein it might be an option: http://gooberpetdirect.com/ProductListings/index.php?group_id=10059

Thank you everyone for your kind words. My Ziggy came home this afternoon. He was a one in a million kind of friend.

Our lucy was on meta-cam for two or three years. First occassionally and then on a daily dose that slowly increased over the years. We never went to over a half daily dose until the last few months of her life. We used it long term in conjunction with several other therapies,etc. Included in this were Adequan shots, accupuncture, and several different supplements. Over the years we adjusted as needed. I have two vets I work with - one at a clinic and a mobile one that uses traditional medicine in combination with holistic treatments. Together we all worked out plans and treatments to best address her pain and mobility issues over the years from arthritis and then involved a heart specialist on the team when CHF became an issue and we needed to balance treatment for that with the arthritis treatments. SHe had bloodwork every six months to check organ values and included in her treatments were holistic supplements to support and/or prevent any damage that might occur from the meds. She had strong liver and kidney values til the end.

With heavy hearts we said goodbye to Ziggy this afternoon. Seems like only yesterday I started the first Adventures in Puppyhood chapter here when he entered our lives as a teeny, gangly 9 week old pup in Apr 2001. So many antics he had, particularly as a young pup. Ziggy always meant silliness and laughter. He never met a dog or person he couldn't charm. We always said he should run for mayor(indeed, politicians could have learned a lot from Ziggy's honest and happy manner). Sadly, there weren't enough chapters in the Adventures series but we're comforted to know he's no longer hurting and is again bouncing and bringing joy and happiness to all who cross his path. As we always said Ziggy, you were just like Tigger in your bounce and joie de vivre and for this we say TTFN! Godspeed, Ziggy Thank you for the joy

My vets have both advised I can use 300 mg daily for my dog(67#). Right now I'm doing 100 mg every 8 hours (he also is given 2.4 cc's of meloxicam once a day). Give your vet a call and let them know you have it, they'll advise you where to start the dosage and how to dose in accordance with any other meds you're giving him. I get ours at CVS very inexpensively.

My Lucy was on daily Metacam for at least a year...probably longer but I've lost track at this point. She never had any issue with it. I used it in combination with Adequan shots and accupuncture(and other holistic supplements)and for the most part kept her dosage at 50% of maximum up until her last 6 weeks or so when we went up to 75%(she finally succombed to complications from CHF not from the arthritis). My Ziggy has been on full doses of metacam for about 6 weeks now. He has a very sensitive stomach and hasn't had problems with Metacam. Both dogs also were given Pepid daily to help prevent any stomach discomfort. No drug is without some risk. Does your dog have any secondary conditions(kidney disease, poor liver values, etc) that might increase complications? All the vets we've dealt with over the past couple years(our two regular vets and all the many specialists we've seen for during this period) feel meloxicam(metacam) is generally a safe option. Not all dogs respond the same to all drugs however...Ziggy doesn't respond as well as Lucy did so we use it with Tramodol. It takes time to find the right pain relief protocol for each dog. Good luck!

Heh. I understand the puppy's owners thoughts. I also like to have other people's dog correct my puppy(a standard poodle not a greyhound). My greyhound won't correct him so he needs to meet as many dogs as possible that will teach him to greet politely....like the puppy's owner you met, I'm particularly tickled to find a dog(usually a female it seems!) that has no tolerance for puppy antics and really can put puppy in his place and help him learn proper dog manners. He's now 11 mos old and is well along the way to developing good manners....I just wish our greyhoudn would have helped out a little more! Ironically we also raised him from a young (8 week old) greyhound pup...and our older dog at that time - a female greyhound - was an awesome puppy raiser/trainer. I have often said during the last several months how much I wish we still had our Lucy around to help this puppy learn his manners as well!

Trust me, I totally agree, Ellen. He's had so few health problems over the years...until this vague stuff started showing up a couple years ago and even then it was mild. But since last fall he's been going downhill fast. He's so young...especially when my frame of reference is Lucy's 14.5 years.

I have no idea who Dr. Holland is but yes he's had several tick and VF panels run over the years(most recently in Nov). Results are consistently negative and titers remain consistent from test to test. Blood work all looks great. As for Adequan, we also had really good results with this with the older greyhound. Vets have indicated they don't feel it will help in this case as there is no sign of arthritis and the pain is throughout his spine(and thus all four legs are not affected) and not centralized in one location.

He's been xrayed several time. No signs of arthritis or cancer. He's been tested over and over for Valley Fever as well as the symptoms fit and he's spent his whole life here in AZ but keeps coming up negative. We've done rounds of steroids, ATBs, NSAIDS, Herbals, Individual Homeopathic, accupuncture and he still keeps sliding and for the last couple weeks we haven't been able to get him as comfortable as I want to see him(though we were able to get him out of the distress he was feeling at one point so he does respond some to pain meds and accupuncture, just not as well as anyone would like to see). We've discussed MRI but both vets I use feel it's probably not worth the stress he'd go through(and to be honest the expense involved). there's been consensus since fall that it's neurological and we've been treating it as such, though unfortunately not with great results.

We've been doing accupuncture since January...I'm actually a little disappointed with the results. Our other greyhound responded so well to it when she started having old age issues...nothing seems to be helping this guy. We did a round of Pred back in the fall and he got very short term relief from it...I've been hoping to find something that will work besides Pred but we're running out of options and the last couple weeks haven't been good for him so if today's accupuncture and the new meds don't do much I'll have to consider the steroids again.