Other dogs

[charlottelovessky]

Hello

I’m new on here but would very much appreciate a bit of advice.

I adopted a grey a few weeks ago. He was a racer and completely new to being in a house. He’s gentle in the home, sleeps a lot and we love him loads.

Last week I was walking with him on a lead, and saw someone up ahead who had some dogs not on a lead. I shouted that mine was new to me and had been a racer so I didn’t know how he would react. This other person confidently told me his pack was calm and one of his bounced towards mine. Mine went for him and there was a dog fight. Mine lost and ended up cut on the face.

I bought a muzzle for him. He goes everywhere outside with it on. And he is always walked on a lead.

Today my husband was at home when a neighbour came to pick up a parcel. He accidentally dropped it, which spooked my dog and he shot out of the house. He then went to the end of the cul-de-sac and up a path before attacking another dog. He was pulled off by my husband. He then went for a staffie who bit into him, cuttings is shoulder and tearing the muscle. My dog was rushed to the vets and had an op to stitch it all back again. The other two dogs were fine.

My dog needs castrating and is fresh out of the shelter. I really don’t want to send him back. He’s loved. My daughter and i spent all evening crying about it.

Is there any advice here, will it get better? Is there any training which can help or will he always be chasing after other dogs?

[gvgeam]

Hello and welcome.

You don't say if this is your first greyhound or even your first dog, but regardless, and if you haven't already done so, get in touch with the place you homed him from. They should have assessed him prior to rehoming and they should know what has happened regarding the other dogs.

You have adopted a dog who has no experience of anything beyond the kennels where he lived, other greyhounds and going to and from the track. Everything is completely new to him. He needs to be treated gently and compassionately while he finds his feet in this new world. I'm sure you know that greys are gentle, affectionate dogs and while this is true, they are conditioned to chase (and kill). After all, they are hunting dogs and the racing focuses their prey drive. It's amazing how your seemingly docile walking companion can suddenly turn into a screaming banshee at the sight of a squirrel/cat/dog.

Several things have leapt out of your post at me (and I am a long way from being an expert!)

I'm very surprised he wasn't castrated prior to homing.

I'm also very surprised that you were not advised he needed to be muzzled outside on walks, but I'm glad to hear that you've rectified that.

Invest in a Ruffwear harness (the sort with a handle on the back) and a double ended lead:this will help with control when out, but make sure he still walks beside you.

Take him on the same short walk for now to avoid flooding him with too much to process. Similarly, avoid places with off-lead dogs that are likely to be running.

Research and contact a good behaviourist to help you move forwards. If you are the North West, Jim Greenwood comes highly recommended.

I hope he soon recovers from his wounds.