Yes, they sleep like 22 hours a day I've heard? I was concerned about my long work hours plus school(50+ sometimes and 9-12 a semester) and I didn't want the dog to be alone all day. My neighbors have a gorgeous rot/doberman and are willing to babysit once in a while, but I didn't see it being a 5 days a week thing long term, so a greyhound was a perfect fit. My parents actually adopted one a year or so back, so I was a little familiar with the breed.
Sue was being fostered by a coworker, and I wasn't sure at first if I wanted to commit, but after a couple days chewing it over(ha, pun intended) I knew he was to be mine.
I just learned about the no sitting thing, and it's been a little difficult for me not to do. I'm trying to assert the whole "alpha male" thing(though he really doesn't need it) so I've had to narrow it to just "stay" and "go outside". But I love the "sphynxing" lay/sit they do, awesome looking.
He's started to smile when we play once on a while; it just melts my heart...
I have a plain jane leash, and one of those special collars(nightengale mabye?, not sure). He's already bonded totally with me. We go for walks and he stays right on my right about a foot away. I haven't had to actully tug the leach once, except mabye when he gets interested in something and speeds up, tightening it on his own. He's just a sweety.
He hasn't "roached" yet, but he's a little timid still; any loud noise, like a door slamming, and he gets quite startled. He's actually super alert, any noise and he goes and checks it out right away, does his little patrol around the house, then konks right out next to me again.
I wouldn't want him to get on someone like a burglar as he's not quite stocky enough(yet!), but just him perking up when someone is outside lets me know somethings up and I'm sure he and I will be just fine should it go that route. :)
Thanks for the offer for help; I'll definately hit you up down the line. We're just taking it slow right now and bonding. He's less than a month off the track, and my parent's greyhound took almost 6 months to really loosen up and be herself. Sue is already coming out of his shell, so I think he'll be totally chilled and himself in less then 3 or 4 months. Of course, the contant treats, belly rubs, and ear scratches seem to be helping just fine... :)
Melody(the foster person) brought him to the dog park with her and other owners' dogs(sometimes 20-30 are there at once), but I'm not quite comfortable with that yet. I'd rather not muzzle him, and though I don't think he'd bite any of the little dogs(track rabbit flashback), I'd hate for something to happen. I want to be sure he will stop and come to me on command.
Oh, last thing, my boy was raced for 3.5 years; most stop after about 2 years or so. AWESOME dog.
-----Original Message-----
From: Philip Arnold
To: CF-Community
Sent: 2/7/04 5:38 PM
Subject: RE: my newest baby!
Greyhounds are the most wonderful dogs - they're smart, loyal and don't
require much exercise (20 minutes a day, normally) even though they're
racing dogs, they LOVE to lay about <g>
Our 2 are now both above their racing weight (Woody weighs about 75lbs)
and have zero body-fat!
They learn SO quickly, and as long as you give them time, they'll do
just about anything you ask (although most grey's find it uncomfortable
to sit)
Just DO NOT get one of those retractable leads - they often get tangled
up, panic and scream like they're dieing!
Unlike some ignorant people (:P), Grey's are incredibly cute, esp when
they relax and get the Greyhound Grin
You'll know when he's COMPLETELY settled as he'll "roach" (laying on
their backs with their legs in the air)... Not to mention other funny
traits like the Austin Powers peeing (boys usually)
If you need to know more about them, drop us a line - we've had Woody
for over a year now and know loads of people to do with Greyhound
adoption agencies
> haha, ok not THAT kind, not yet at least. :P
>
>
> http://www.gpaec.com/available.html
<http://www.gpaec.com/available.html>
>
> So Sue Me(6th down)
>
http://www.gpaec.com/images/dogs/sue1.jpg
<http://www.gpaec.com/images/dogs/sue1.jpg>
He's just so so cool. I'm 6'3" and i can grab his collar while we both
stand up straight. a SEVENTY pound greyhound, really, guys, he's a
prince among dogs. His muscles, man, I tell you what... I'm going to
run him with me and go with a performance diet, I want him up to 90
pounds if I can get him there. He will be a MONSTER.
Solemn, intelligent eyes, he's so gentle, and if I tell him NO once,
never again. Only a couple weeks and he's already smiling(dogs DO
smile). His prances when we play. Not much yet, but he willl loosen up
in a little while.
He is officailly "Sue"(yeah I love johnny cash. A friend suggested
Sioux(same sound), but I'm not sure... what you all think?
Just SO excited, wanted to share with someone.... My first dog, my dad
was navy so we were cats only my whole life. I'm just so happy right
now.
:)
_____
[Todays Threads] [This Message] [Subscription] [Fast Unsubscribe] [User Settings]
