By
Judy Kody Paulsen
Bringing
home a new dog presents a multitude of training challenges.
A retired racing Greyhound has a unique background that needs
particular consideration during the introduction to its adoptive
home.
Your
adoptive Greyhounds have led a very structured life that presented
very few changes on a day-to-day basis. Familiarizing them properly
with a different routine can make the initial adjustment much
less stressful for you and your new pet.
Remember that
they have been in the company of other dogs since birth. They
have essentially never been left alone and they could depend
on seeing one or more humans at least four times a day, like
clockwork. Greyhounds should be "weaned" gradually
from this predictable environment, especially if brought into
a home with no other pets where the family is gone most of the
day. A retired racer can be taught to accept being alone provided
each family member, during the adjustment period, is patient
and doesn't try to rush the process. Each dog responds differently,
but in most instances they will learn to patiently await your
return and suffer little or no anxiety.
Your Greyhound
should be brought home when someone will be present to supervise
the adaptation for at least two or three days. When you arrive
home with your new Greyhound, make every attempt to stay with
the dog the rest of that day and night. During this period,
you can concentrate on introducing the dog to the house and
the area it is to use for relieving itself. The following morning,
leave the house (dog inside, preferably in the crate that you
were instructed to use) for 10 to 15 minutes. Take a walk around
the block, then return. That afternoon, repeat the same procedure,
only stay away about an hour. The next day try two hours in
the morning and two hours in the afternoon. The first day the
family leaves for work/school, someone should return home at
lunch. Repeat this for the next two or three days, continually
reassuring your pet that you will be back. Hopefully, by the
end of the week, your Greyhound will understand that someone
will always return home. This helps alleviate the dog's fear
that it has been abandoned whenever you leave the house.
Having more
than one dog (be absolutely certain that they have been introduced
properly) reduces the likelihood of anxiety when the dogs are
left alone. Leaving a radio on helps, as this is a common practice
in many Greyhound kennels. Always "childproof" your
house before leaving your dog(s) inside, especially now, if
the crate is no longer necessary. Don't leave closet doors ajar
and be sure no food is within reach on any counters. Put shoes
away and remove any articles that may be conceived as "toys."
Do leave a blanket or dog bed on the floor where the dog normally
sleeps, or leave the crate door open. Some greyhounds like the
accessibility of their crate even when they are accustomed to
their new home.
Remember, the
learning process can be very easy for some dogs, and not so
easy for others, so be patient and you will be rewarded with
a loyal, loving companion.
