Comments | bunster: Greyhound FAQs

bunster

Greyhound FAQs

Feb 26, 2007 21:50

I've been reading so much about these dogs lately. Some of the stuff that I read makes me nervous. Since I haven't owned a "regular" dog in a great number of years, I wonder if I am qualified to raise a retired professional athelete. Am I "out of my league ( Read more... )

Comments 7

holliemonster February 27 2007, 03:08:28 UTC

You're one of the most fearless people I know...once you stop psyching yourself out. How could any creature not like you? Look how things with Mr. P turned out!!

My only worry for you guys is that these dogs can be super jittery. I don't know that a greyhound could deal with middle of the night "discussions" with you and Wes heatedly refusing to budge. ;)

bunster February 27 2007, 03:23:55 UTC

Well, hopefully the dog would bite him because he's always wrong >;D

I'm just getting nervous and wondering if I can handle a dog that big or if I'll end up like that "Vagina Biter" video lady.

whintyr February 27 2007, 03:22:52 UTC

Spend as much time as you need with the dog you are thinking of adopting to get a good feel for how you interact with eachother. Ask about its history and temperment. You and the dog might not be the bestest buddies right off the bat, but if I found a dog to be unfriendly or felt intimidated by it, I would not adopt that particular dog.

bishop6042 February 27 2007, 04:43:17 UTC

Just remember, dogs are pack animals. You have to let it know you are the alpha in the pack. If you show nervousness or fear, then it will take the role of alpha. Don't be afraid of it or it will be an uphill battle all the way for discipline and obedience. I am not trying to talk you out of it, only you can judge your own feelings and emotions. If you don't honestly feel you can be dominant over the dog, be the alpha, then it is better for both of you if you don't. I for one think you can, you just have to plant your feet and don't budge on it. Once you give a dog an inch, it will be a fight to get it back.

fuckchop February 27 2007, 06:23:56 UTC

any responsible "foster parent" is going to let you spend as much time as you need (within reason) with the dog to make sure you two get along. you might not be best friends (as mentioned) right away, but aggresive behavior is fairly easy to pick up on. actualy, there are some websites that talk about little tests you can do when picking out a dog, as well as signs to look for in its behavior. stuff like... normaly a dog who will roll onto his back to have his stomach petted, is submissive in nature. i would read up on those types of things and then spend some time with possible adoptees to feel them out.

hotclaws February 27 2007, 12:31:36 UTC

Most dogs have in-built "I like Humans" but they are pack animals.NEVER treat it like a baby or a child.Dogs bite if they are frightened of you(not a problem in your case) but also if they feel your control is slipping and they make a bid for dominance.Treat a dog firmly but fairly.They actually like discipline,it makes them feel secure.Greyhounds are known for being fairly laid back dogs with good temperaments.Keep a collar or chokechain on the dog at all times at first.It gives you a way to control it.If a dog growls at you,you should make it sit,push it down if you have to and say "NO" very firmly.This copies the top dog's behaviour in a pack and establishes your dominance and making it sit distracts it from biting.No indiscrimanate feeding of snacks,that leads to biting behaviour in some dogs.Maybe you could find an obedience class and enroll yourself and the dog.This would teach both you and the dog,you would meet new friends,it's fun and would give you a place to go for help if you needed it.Good luck,I think it's just beginners ( ... )