Socialisation for Archie?

[jan3]

We adopted Archie 3 months since from RGT. He is almost 6 years old. He is a lovely dog and has been a great addition to our family.He is our first dog and I would just like a bit of advice. When out walking Archie is fine to pass any dog that is on a lead and does not react to barking dogs behind fences etc. However he does not like off lead dogs bounding up to him.He is always on lead. At first he would try and jump out of the way, he is now giving a warning bark. Although this is not a major problem I dont want it to develop.Having read some previous similar threads I have started walking where there are less off lead dogs but am also wondering would a harness be better than his greyhound collar and would socialisation classes be a good idea? If so could anybody recommend classes local to me? I am located in Chesterfield in Derbyshire. Thanks        

[samburns]

Hello and first of all welcome to Gap and to greyhound ownership

To be fair, I think Archie's reaction is pretty normal.....its the dogs that come running over that are being rude (or more to the point the owners that allow them to do it ) 

This article is a really good read to understand why Archie is reacting how he is (it's very long but worth the read!):

www.suzanneclothier.com/the-articles/he-just-wants-say-hi

I think you are already thinking along the right lines: firstly try to manage Archie's interactions with other dogs - so as you say walking away from areas where there are lots of off lead dogs and if possible arrange to walk Archie with other well behaved dogs (there may be Gappers in your area that you could meet up with). 

Don't be afraid to ask dog owners to call their dog away if one comes running over!  Don't be embarrassed and never allow other people to think that you are the one with the problem dog!  Where you can, try to block approaching dogs from getting into Archie's space.  I've never done it but I think some people carry around small treats to throw on the ground away from you so that if a dog does come over you can distract it away from Archie while the owner retrieves their dog.  Hopefully Archie is neutured?  If not get him done, being entire does make them more interesting to other dogs. 


As for harnesses - most of us that use them use them in conjunction with a collar with a double ended lead that attaches to the collar and the harness.  This gives more control for very reactive dogs.  You do need to be careful with most harnesses on their own as dogs can get out of them - the ruffwear harness although quite pricey is excellent, escape-proof and very long lasting. 

If you do go to socialisation classes its an idea to go along without Archie to observe firstly and make sure you're happy with what is going on.  Also just try to take everything at Archie's pace ..... its a whole new world for him after being in kennels all his life.

Hope that helps!  Let us know how you and Archie get on

[jan3]

Thanks very much. Have read the article its really good. As I said I am not an experienced dog owner but this has given me the confidence to ask other people to call their dog away. I will try and find someone nearby to walk him with as well. Will let you know how we get on.

[kamkay]

Welcome to Gap and hope all is going well with Archie. I live in Sheffield and do not drive but am willing to meet up and walk with you if you'd like. Pm me-Kay

[Flaperoo]

Nothing to add to Sam's excellent reply just wanted to say a warm welcome to greyhound gap and greyhound ownership.
Would love to see some photos and please let us know how you are getting on.

Maryx

[andywillow]

Sorry just seen this, I am in Dronfield if you would like to meet up for a walk. Maybe with kay (Kamkay). I'm afraid you have to harden up to idiots with offlead dogs who don't think its a problem to let their dogs run up to yours, they often shout "Oh he's friendly!!" which isn't helpful with a hound who has just finished racing!!!

Let me know if you fancy meeting up for a walk.


Sue

[futuramafan]

Hi

I had the same with Molly but worse in that she went mental at every dog she saw. I tried everything going- behaviourists, dog classes, thundershirts but have found that after a year she has just started to realise that I won't let dogs hurt her and she is just much more confident. Also some of the mad barking was just poor social skills- she wanted to play but just scared the other poor dog to death with her hound from hell bark. She has some dog friends now, the dog walker has a collie who she walks with every day and she meets another collie on a safe small enclosed park once a week and they chase each round like loonies. She also sees a big blue grey called Louie but that is just like something from love story. He is her perfect man. I am in Nottingham but if you ever want to meet up let me know.

Also I was going to say that I went to socialisation classes but I think she just tolerated it to keep me happy as the moment she was out of there she would just revert to being a pain in the bum. A mixture of time, consistent reassurance and having a few dog mates he can trust.

Jane

[jan3]

Thanks For all your replies. Sorry for delay in replying. Dronfield would be a good place for me to get to. I will send you a private message. Will get teenage son to help me put photos on! Thanks once again.