guard dog whippet?!?

[sue]

Hi, I'm a new member and a bit green sending out messages!
We own a beautiful 19month old silver fawn whippet, he's a big boy with tons of character. There's both myself and my husband and our two daughters, 10 and 6, who love Elmo our whippet dearly. He is great with the kids, brill with other dogs, but he has suddenly developed a BIG dislike to certain males who come to our door, especially the window cleaner and my best friends husband, who he bit on the bottom a couple of weeks ago!! Thankfully my friend and her husband saw the funny side. We try to be vigilant with him but he can be very unpredicatable, he has also just started becoming very vocal when the postman comes or if someone knocks at the door , he goes absolutely crazy. I know this sounds silly but we think Elmo thinks he's an Alsation trapped in a whippets body!! Does anyone own a whippet who has a similar character, I feel daft asking such questions and maybe just accept this is what some dogs do, and he's being protective of his home, I was just surprised whippets could be so terratorial, I would really appreciate any replies

[Tuesday's Rose]

Hi there.. welcome to the boards

I'm not an expert with whippets as I have a grey.. but the whippet that i have met with the most character would be johnny and kitty's whippet star.. u guys know what i mean. I would say take him to some classes... Our gery sophie used to really jump up at people when she we first had her... then we took her to some classes and called a trainer and stuff and it worked it's self out. We were told with sophie that when ever we came home or friends came over, to completly ignore her. We were also told to come into the house backwards. Sounds stupid now but looking back it did work. Once the dog has calmed down then give it attention. She is ok now and usually when the door bell rings she just goes upstairs and doesn't start. I also am very good at shouting!!!! !!!

Also not saying urs does but if he is allowed on your bed or u let it sleep on the sofa ect..these are all things that make the dog think it's on the same level as u therefore it becomes more dominant. As much as we love our pets it's impotant that they know who is boss..... ! anyway I'll stop rambling now hope it makes sense.

hope u have fun on here

sarah

[Johnny]

Check this out for a real mean, beastly whippet. He has Postmen for breakfast, and Dobermann's for tea - It's our little ruffian "Star" (aka "Lord Burnley") or, should I say ....................................

VAMPIRE HOUND!

[sue]

Thankyou for your valuable replies!! Yes Elmo sleeps anywhere he can squeeze himself in, the sofa, the kids beds, our bed, anywhere soft, warm and cosy. I think you,re right, we need to let him know he's not an equal, hard when he's so cute but will be for the best. Will try and send a photo of him when i can fathom out how to do it! Will try the ignoring also. yes Elmo does jump up when you come in. Thanks again, Sue.

[Sighthound Fan]

I know some sighthound are very teratorial, for example the Azawakh, who's first instinct is to kill any intruder! Most make good watchdogs but are not usually agressive. He might be better if you took him outside when strangers come in then when he comes back in again, they are allready there and therefore not intrudeing, I know it works with my friends Doberman Zak.

[sue]

Thanks Katey for your reply, I've never heard of a Azawakh !! I will look up this breed, I will also try what you suggested. Many thanks again, Sue.