Advice needed, my rescued grey thinks she's Tigger

[maria]

Hi all,

I've recently re-homed a retired greyhound from RGT. I have had her about 3 weeks (so, I know, early days), and she is brilliant-apart from one thing that makes walkies stressful!

She has a habit of whining, jumping and barking whenever she sees another dog (I think it's excitement), and it's worse when she sees a cat. No amount of "no" seems to work! I realise that she is just doing what she is bred and trained to do (chase things!), but how can I minimise the effort it is taking to hold on to her and stop her from leaping about? When she's out of town she's much calmer; the trouble is, we live in the middle of Norwich, so in the mornings before work, walking the street route cannot be avoided, and so we see lots of cats and other dogs on their morning walks. Will she ever calm down at the sight of other dogs? Can anyone recommend a good training/socialisation class?

any help greatly appreciated!

[Johnny]

The first thing I'd recommend is to get a properly fitted muzzle for her, if you haven't already got one.

The other thing I'd recommend, is that you contact the RGT, and let them know of the situation. They should be willing to support you.
If you are finding her a real handful, then perhaps she's not very well suited to your environment?
They should be willing to exchange her for another dog that would be more suitable for you - perhaps one with less of a chase instinct, and an aversion to other dogs.

It sounds as if the gery you have might be better placed with somebody who lives in a countryside environment? You said in your comments that she was much better when out in the country.

As I said, the RGT should be able to help you. If you exchange the dog for another - they've still rehomed a greyhound, and the dog you have now will probably end up in a more suitable environment (ie-country rather than city). There's no shame in doing that. It's in their interests to find a happy owner, as much as a suitable home for their dogs.

Greyhounds are all different, and at the end of the day, it should all be about placing the right dog with the right person.

[bunnycat]

hi was wondering how things were going with your gery? Ive had lexy for just over a year now, shes a lurcher but looks like a greyhound.. she started off just being excitable on the lead wanted to meet every dog she met..(amongst her range of other problems!!) she was young.. she was new .. she was cute.. then she started being quite agressive.. this was a pain.. Ive just read three of Jan Fennells books theyve been a huge help and whilst I recognise we still have a way to go her progress in just over a week has been amazing I can see shes softened and looks much more relaxed.. I really think her techniques have helped and would recomend anybody having problems give them a look x