unpredictable behaviour

[andywillow]

Are all the other family members male? One of my hounds was a wreck when he first came here, terrified of men but fine with women and kids. I'd give her some space and basically ignore her, when she's on her bed, that is her space and she shouldnt be bothered when on there. You just don't know what happened to them when they raced Its still early days if you've only had her 3 weeks, my lad still gets nervous now and again and he is 5 now, we've had him since he was 18 months old.
She will come to you in her own time when she feels confident, goodluck with her, its so rewarding when they start to trust you and become a loving member of the family ;D

Sue

ETA. I'd also make sure her bed is out of the way so she can relax, before long she'll be taking over your sofa

[Deleted]

Don't want to read & run but she sounds very scared to me, is she the only dog you have, is she your 1st greyhound

Does the adoption centre she came from offer any advice they should know the dog & would perhaps be better placed to offer advice as they will know her background. Did she race, she's young to have raced much, has she been retired through injury?

A good place to start would be to get her a crate & that needs to be her safe place where she can retreat & not be disturbed. Make it comfy, a den, feed her meals & treats in there.

She needs to be ignored totally, eventually she should come to you & start integrating, I have found with the nervous dogs you need a lot of patience. Ideally you shouldn't approach her in her bed, but if you need to get her up for wees get a lead on her & take her out that way.

You say she is wary with strangers is that inside or outside the house, if outside muzzle her in case she panics & snaps at someone, if it's people visiting they need to ignore her also, make sure she can retreat to her safe place. Don't reassure or mollycoddle her, she will learn to trust you, sometimes they are wary of men as they have experienced rough treatment in their racing life.

[vickyb]

If they've never been in a home before it's a pretty scary place and as Sue says they do need somewhere which is their safe space to sleep and retreat when it gets a bit much for them. When we got River he was a mess physically and mentally and our golden rule was if he's in his basket leave him alone. We would just talk to him, say he was a good boy etc.
3 weeks isn't long at all, its taken River 8 yrs to approach strangers but its been magical to see as he now goes up to anyone who shows an interest and asks for a stroke. He would kick you or nip your face if you got too close in the early days, but with patience and understanding he is now the loviest boy who loves kisses and cuddles (he's 11 now and came here at 15 months)
Can you find some food or treats that she can't resist such as small bits of cheese or chicken to calmly entice her out for walks and food? I'm sure she'll come round and I know it can be a bit disappointing at having to ignore her and let her find her feet, but she needs to learn to trust you and come to you in her own time. I'd be surprised if you haven't seen a massive change by 6 months. Best wishes,
vicky

[Nettie]

Great advice so far, definately invest in a crate, you don't need to shut the door, pop a blanket over the top of it and as Wanda said make it comfy and feed her in it. When she's in her crate then leave her be. Its not imperrative that she goes out for walks straight away. Let her get comfortable with being in your home and getting used to the people in your household. Ignore her, she'll come to you eventually, I know its difficult but let her come to you for attention. I also agree that if she is very skitty with strangers that muzzling her when you do take her out would be a good idea until she settles more and you can be sure that she won't snap in fear.

The other thing you could get is a DAP diffuser which is explained

www.vetuk.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=6

Plug it in near her bed, you should find that this makes her less stressed and calmer.

Patience is the key.

[Jane and Sara]

One of my three, Nelly, arrived from kennels two months ago terrified of men - no men here but hates male visitors or, at first, even walking past them in the street - however she is gradually getting better - I have asked male friends to ignore her and her natural curiosity is coming out now and she is gradually accepting one of my neighbours and goes to him for a cuddle! Still a bit afraid of unknown men but it is getting better - be patient! I agree that a DAP diffuser is worth a try - I will have one running soon in anticipation of fireworks! good luck

[cadbury]

Sally sounds a bit shell shocked by her new enviorment. Time will work it's wonders as well as the advice already given above. Are your wife and daughter the feeders ? If so I'd would take it in turns to feed her with everyone in the house to help Sally associate food being something posative with everyone, not just your wife and daughter. Also there being 5 humans in the house is a major shock Sally will have been used to maybe only a hand full of humans in her life that she will have only ever seen at turning out and feeding time at the racing kennels, so letting her come to you in her own time is very important.
I know Sallys behavior will be upsetting for you as all you want to do is show her love care and attention but stick at it watching hr come round will be very rewarding. Also don't be afarid to contact Ruth at Perry barr for help as she knows Sally. I know ruth would rather you get in touch than struggle, she won't judge as getting it wrong or failing Sally in anyway. Ruth took on a very special old girl from gap called Grannie annie a few years ago and she florished in ruths care. So don't be scared she's a lovely person and most defianley dosen't bite.
Let us know how you get on.
Nicky ;D