Brand New Owner Nervous Questions!

[Guest MsLeFever]

So we've had Magic for 3 days. This is possibly an overly nervous question but - she doesn't seem to want to get up in the morning! I mean it is 1030am and she is still down for the count. She lifts her head, accepts pets, seems comfy But she hasn't gone outside or eaten. I figured I'd wait until she stood up and then take her out but it seems like it has been a really long time!

 

Do I scoop her up and escort her out? (I did that yesterday and it seemed mean) Let sleeping dogs lie?

 

Thanks so much for your understanding and help!

[PrairieProf]

Yep, greyhounds are very lazy -- not wanting to get up in any hurry isn't the least bit uncommon. Striking that she is so early on, as they often pace a lot and follow you around at the early stage. She may get more active as she adjusts -- she is very, very new and may be a bit shut down with all the newness. Was she in a foster home before or an adoption kennel? That would affect the likely reading of her inertia.

 

Do not scoop her up -- that is asking for a growl or snap or bite and will make her feel threatened. She does need to get on a schedule though! Obviously she has to go out before you have to go somewhere in the morning. I would try to get her up by luring her with food -- that has often been required for most of my greyhounds. Trial and error will show what motivates her enough. My first grey was very conditioned to the sound of the yogurt spoon clinking on her metal bowl, and would leap up from a deep sleep. My current one prefers sliced cheese and the crinkling of the package gets her moving. I don't generally have a problem in the morning (though I do sometimes), but late at night I have almost always needed a little food motivation to get my hounds up for "last call." They are single dogs like yours appears to be too -- in non-home places or with other dogs around mine have always leaped right up. I won't say I haven't given their butts a little shove sometimes to encourage them to get off the couch/bed at home but it tends not to be very effective, and I would be wary of doing that with a dog I didn't know well yet.

Edited March 10, 2017 by PrairieProf

[smurfette]

Sounds like my whole pack. They are the laziest being I ever encountered. We are retired. We only do what we want and when we want it.😆

Edited March 10, 2017 by smurfette

[greysmom]

Luring her up and out with a yummy treat (roasted chicken, lunchmeat, liverwurst, braunschweiger, cheese, whatever works) is much preferable to lifting and carrying. Not only is it asking for trouble, but it sets a bad precedence for her. Another step to try is clipping her leash on - most will move when you give it a bit of a shake and urge them to "Let's GO!" with a lot of enthusiasm.

 

It's a good idea to have them on a schedule. It's how their life has been before and most prefer it. Not saying your girl couldn't be an exception though! Once they know their schedule, most will be excellent tellers of time and remind you of their daily events.

 

She probably is a bit shut down due to the changes in her life. Three days on is *very* early and she's still adjusting to everything that's new and different. That doesn't mean she gets a pass on what she needs to do as a companion pet. Just be gentle with her until you both are more comfortable with each other.

[Hubcitypam]

Always let sleeping dogs lie. During rainstorms I've had poodles and greys not venture out for 14+ hours - with a dog door at their full disposal. If she needs to she'll let you know..

 

 

I was a bartender in my working life and somehow taught dozens of 12-15 month old greyhound "beauty school drop outs" .that couldn't make the track to sleep to almost noon. Maybe it was easier with them because they hadn'tt been on a track schedule.

Edited March 10, 2017 by Hubcitypam

[Guest MsLeFever]

Thank you everyone! I finally got her up and out to potty by placing a treat out of her reach. Then she ate and went back to bad. I'm sure I'll be back with more questions as this process unfolds!

 

Barbara

[mom2four]

I told the nervous couple who adopted the Greyhound we were fostering to give themselves a week and they would feel calmer about the situation. Then I told them to check with themselves at the one month mark. They told me recently (at his 5th Gotcha Day) that I was right, they felt much calmer after a week and even moreso after a month of having him. Give yourself and Magic time.

 

Enjoy seeing her discover what retired life is about.

 

Tin

[XTRAWLD]

Ahhh, the retired life!

[juliemac]

Welcome to Greytalk!

 

We're here to answer your questions, so please keep asking (and don't expect us all to agree ... perhaps the understatement of the year). You might enjoy writing down these questions (and taking a picture of Magic) and building a scrapbook ... you'll probably enjoy looking at it on her 10th birthday, and it would probably be a nice pictorial to share with future adopters if you decide to become active in Meet & Greets.

 

And when you get enough posts (I think you need 50), make sure to post pictures, please <its the RULE! )