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Post by mollysmummy on Jul 3, 2013 15:07:27 GMT -5
Hi everyone =] Am just looking for a bit of reassurance really, that I'm not doing anything wrong, or any advice on what I could do better?
Molly moved in with us on Monday, and she has come straight from living in kennels and racing (though I'm not sure when she last raced). My ex partner works with her previous owner and we were told that she was on a waiting list to be rehomed. I saw a picture of her and fell in love <3 So I spent hours on the internet researching greyhounds in general and as pets, and how best to help them adapt to becoming a pet and living in a house rather than a kennel. After much thought (especially as we have a 2 year old son) I decided I would be able to give her a happy home.
I've done pretty much everything that was advised in all the research I did, and she seems happy enough the majority of the time. We've had a couple of accidents (which I expected and haven't madde a fuss about, I've just let her go outside and cleaned it up, and made a big fuss of her when she's gone to the toilet outside). She has a crate for the time being with a couple of duvets in and a fleecy blanket and I've left it open for her all the time if she feels she wants some space. I've introduced her to my son (who's used to dogs and has said hello then gone off to do his own thing).
Going out for walks with her is a pleasure, especially compared to my parents dogs who practically rip your arm out of it's socket... But I'm worried that she's just so nervous. She'll quite happily walk along next to me or next to the pram if we take it, and she doesn't seem interested in cats at all other than to have a brief glance, but when anyone comes too close she'll try and climb on my sons lap, or run around to the other side of me, and if a man comes towards her she really panics (sexist i know). She also seems very nervous when my ex comes round, so I don't know whether she's just more trusting of women?
She's currently flat out in her crate in the kitchen as she only comes into the living room for a quick sniff and a look around then goes back in there which I've just left her to do, as I don't want to make a big fuss just because she's come in here??
Thanks for reading,
Michelle xx |
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Post by samburns on Jul 3, 2013 16:37:37 GMT -5
Welcome to Greyhound Gap and to the forum and congratulations on adopting Molly  It sounds like you and Molly are doing really well. Its still really early days for her, so allowing her lots of space just to figure things out is definitely the right thing to do, especially if she is a little timid anyway. One of my greyhounds is quite nervous of people, he is more nervous of men though - it probably just depends on what experiences they have had   Greyhounds tend to thrive on routine......having - as far as possible - a set time for food and walks and, certainly to start with, sticking to the same walk, can help them to find some confidence  If you can read her ear tatoos you would probably be able to see when she last raced etc Its a whole new world to Molly though living in a home and after a few weeks you may well see a cheekier personality emerging. Let us know how things go.....it can take a bit longer for them to really show their personalities and to settle into a new environment but when you get to see the dog underneath the 'shut down' exterior it is very very rewarding and you will have a friend for life |
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Post by kamkay on Jul 4, 2013 1:06:02 GMT -5
Congratulations and well done for giving Molly a home. There are people on here with a wealth of hound experience so don't be afraid to ask questions when you feel you need help. I found this forum extremely helpful when my hound first arrived. I would just repeat that she needs time and patience so that she can work out what is expected of her: it will be worth it:-)
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Post by Letty's Mum on Jul 4, 2013 2:36:27 GMT -5
I agree with Sam. Sounds like she's doing fine so far. Just give her time and set up some sort of routine. It will help her to relax. When I brought Buddy, one of my foster dogs home, he hid behind the dining table for days. And it took him weeks before he stopped running for cover when Steve came through the front door And when Lettice first arrived, Steve was larking about and lifted his arm up for some reason. Poor Lettice just flattened to the ground screaming It's so rewarding though to see them gradually start to enjoy life and trust people again. Lots of luck with Molly. Remember, no question is too silly to ask on this forum  Helen x |
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Post by andywillow on Jul 4, 2013 3:15:17 GMT -5
Sounds like she's doing just fine. If she is nervous on a lead, it might be worthwhile to get her a harness and a double leader which connects both to her collar and harness, this gives you extra control and also you feel more confident that wont slip out of her collar if something frightens her. Keep us up to date with her progress and we'd love to see some pics of her. Its one of the most rewarding things watching them grow to trust you and start to get confident and something very cheeky indeed! Sue |
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Post by RulusMum on Jul 4, 2013 3:55:05 GMT -5
Welcome to GG Michelle and Molly.
As already said you're doing everything right! Sometimes it can take many months for them to toally relax and emerge from their shut down BUT hang in there because it is so worth the wait. I agree with Sue getting a harness would be a good idea and maybe when you feel she's a bit more relaxed ask a male just to visit regularly but ignore her and she will gradually realise not all man are to be feared.
Look forward to updates and photo's
Sue xx
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Post by julies on Jul 4, 2013 6:24:25 GMT -5
Hi welcome to greyhounds I'd agree with the harness and double ended lead advice, sounds like you're doing great with the crate too Hopefully you got a lot of bumph from the RGT giving other information but just in case you didn't ... briefly ... allow her to have her own space where she can hide if it all becomes too overwhelming, her bed is hers and no one must approach her when shes on it - racers are never disturbed when asleep (and they can sleep with their eyes open) so if you startle her she may be scared and react with a nip don't risk it, they have never seen our world, cars, other breeds so need a lot of understanding and patience, she will get braver but don't 'force' her .. allow her to come to you and reward her, when you're out don't let people try to stroke her (the worlds full of eejits who want to prove they 'can' ) I just used to say ' my dogs frightened .. please leave her alone' and I'd walk off if they didn't listen Keep a pot of lovely treats such as cooked liver or little bits of sausage, call her in the house and reward her - within 2 secs for her to link the reward to the behaviour ... as usual with any dog do supervise her with children as greys may not have seen children, kiddies move and sound differently to adults so can scare (any) dogs plus kids like to grab and hug which can be very scarey for a dog ..plus their on eye level with dogs ... scarey ... greys are wonderful but need time to adjust Keep asking , we've all probably gone thro it best wishes Julie |
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