Just back from the dogs - and I have to report that the "I must behave" trot worked for Kelly, and she has been rehomed with the couple that I saw her walking with last week.
A few more rehoming updates as well - lovely Topsy is on a home trial, so fingers crossed that that goes well. Also I didn't see kennel clown Josh about today (and believe me you know if he's about), so he was either having a quiet one, or has been rehomed too. Quite an eventful week.
Crafty old Angie wasn't about either, and for a minute I thought that she had been rehomed, but no, she was just on a trip to the dentist - I'll take her out next week.
Friday 30 January 2009
Wednesday 28 January 2009
The "I must behave" trot
I first saw it with Mikey, and now I am convinced that there is an "I must behave" trot.
Mikey did it on his first walk with his new owner and her Jack Russell. It's quite difficult to describe, but if you've seen it you'll know what I mean. It's as if the greyhound is concentrating with every fibre in their body, and they walk with a very purposeful bouncy stride, worried about putting a foot wrong.
I thought it might just be Mikey, but now I've seen blonde-bombshell Kelly do it. Normally she's as daft as a brush.
Last week I took her on her regular walk - with boyfriend Shawn - and true to form she was just as silly as ever.
After the walk a couple with two other dogs wanted to walk Kelly. They were considering rehoming a greyhound, and lo- and behold, as they took Kelly out, she started doing the "I must behave" trot, and was most unlike the Kelly I know!
I've not been down to the kennels this week, but checking on their website, I've spotted that she's been reserved... I can't wait to find out who's reserved her. The "I must behave" trot may have just done the trick.
Mikey did it on his first walk with his new owner and her Jack Russell. It's quite difficult to describe, but if you've seen it you'll know what I mean. It's as if the greyhound is concentrating with every fibre in their body, and they walk with a very purposeful bouncy stride, worried about putting a foot wrong.
I thought it might just be Mikey, but now I've seen blonde-bombshell Kelly do it. Normally she's as daft as a brush.
Last week I took her on her regular walk - with boyfriend Shawn - and true to form she was just as silly as ever.
After the walk a couple with two other dogs wanted to walk Kelly. They were considering rehoming a greyhound, and lo- and behold, as they took Kelly out, she started doing the "I must behave" trot, and was most unlike the Kelly I know!
I've not been down to the kennels this week, but checking on their website, I've spotted that she's been reserved... I can't wait to find out who's reserved her. The "I must behave" trot may have just done the trick.
Monday 26 January 2009
Ava asks for a hug
I've walked Ava and Nobby every time I've visited the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels over the past couple of weeks, and I'm happy to report that they've really started to settle down.
Yes... they do come out of their kennel like a bullet out of a gun and ...yes... they are a bit of a handful to get out of the yard if there are a number of dogs around. But, they settle down quickly on the lead, are getting the idea of walking to heel (most of the time) and they LOVE their walks.
The longest walk I've taken them on is 40 minutes, and they showed no sign of flagging. So, I think these guys would love to go for a bit of a day out and a much longer walk... although I'm not sure that my husband would allow me to take both of them in the back of the car.
They are both becoming much bolder with me. Last week Ava decided that she wanted a hug half way round our walk. She looked at me shyly, and then, very meekly lifted her front paws, before putting them back down on the floor.
I tapped my shoulders and said: "Yes you can come up". She didn't need another invitation. My only problem was getting her back down again to carry on with the walk... she was quite happy where she was!
Meanwhile Nobby just prefers "sitting" on my lap when we are back in the yard, either by putting his front paws on my knees, or shuffling back so that his chest is resting on my thighs, and then relaxing. A perfect way to give an unsuspecting walker numb legs...
Yes... they do come out of their kennel like a bullet out of a gun and ...yes... they are a bit of a handful to get out of the yard if there are a number of dogs around. But, they settle down quickly on the lead, are getting the idea of walking to heel (most of the time) and they LOVE their walks.
The longest walk I've taken them on is 40 minutes, and they showed no sign of flagging. So, I think these guys would love to go for a bit of a day out and a much longer walk... although I'm not sure that my husband would allow me to take both of them in the back of the car.
They are both becoming much bolder with me. Last week Ava decided that she wanted a hug half way round our walk. She looked at me shyly, and then, very meekly lifted her front paws, before putting them back down on the floor.
I tapped my shoulders and said: "Yes you can come up". She didn't need another invitation. My only problem was getting her back down again to carry on with the walk... she was quite happy where she was!
Meanwhile Nobby just prefers "sitting" on my lap when we are back in the yard, either by putting his front paws on my knees, or shuffling back so that his chest is resting on my thighs, and then relaxing. A perfect way to give an unsuspecting walker numb legs...
Friday 23 January 2009
Becker epiphany
Becker is a pickle. He's a wonderful cuddly big black boy who just wants love and tickles. However he does himself no favours (with me at least) by his behaviour on the lead.
Becker is one of the few dogs that - until now - I have been unable to get under control on the lead. He just PULLS and PULLS. A total workout, but not a relaxing walk. (It has to be said that some of the other walkers seem to have found the knack with him).
He's absolutely gorgeous in the kennels, and likes nothing more than a tickle and a cuddle. And he loves his treats - and takes them very gently (once you've told him NICELY).
Sometimes, as he drags you around the paddock, he realises that maybe, just maybe, he's pulling a bit too hard, and stops with a look of utter apology on his face. "Sorry don't know my own strength."
However, yesterday I had an utter epiphany with Becker (or it might have been the other way round). I walked him in a harness.
WHAT A JOY. He walked TO HEEL. This is unheard of. He was BRILLIANT (well apart from one incident when he and another boy decided to grumble at each other - I just held him by the collar to make sure there was no silly nonesense. He soon calmed down).
I think Becker might have enjoyed it too because he wagged his tail for the entire walk.
Becker is one of the few dogs that - until now - I have been unable to get under control on the lead. He just PULLS and PULLS. A total workout, but not a relaxing walk. (It has to be said that some of the other walkers seem to have found the knack with him).
He's absolutely gorgeous in the kennels, and likes nothing more than a tickle and a cuddle. And he loves his treats - and takes them very gently (once you've told him NICELY).
Sometimes, as he drags you around the paddock, he realises that maybe, just maybe, he's pulling a bit too hard, and stops with a look of utter apology on his face. "Sorry don't know my own strength."
However, yesterday I had an utter epiphany with Becker (or it might have been the other way round). I walked him in a harness.
WHAT A JOY. He walked TO HEEL. This is unheard of. He was BRILLIANT (well apart from one incident when he and another boy decided to grumble at each other - I just held him by the collar to make sure there was no silly nonesense. He soon calmed down).
I think Becker might have enjoyed it too because he wagged his tail for the entire walk.
Wednesday 21 January 2009
Allergies... again
A quick post today, but following my post on allergies earlier in the week. Lots of people are still visiting this blog to find out a bit more about dog allergies and I just want to stress that if you are allergic to most dogs you MAY still be allergic to greyhounds. For instance I've not had one in the house, so am still not sure if they'll make me sniffle in this environment. So don't necessarily assume they will be the dog for you!
However, there is a good chance that they will NOT inflame your allergies. This seems to be because they do not have an undercoat.
Also, if you choose to take on a greyhound they are likely to already have their adult coat - puppy coats of dogs like labradoodles often do not inflame allergies, while the dogs adult coat may (depending on the dog - labradoodle coats are very variable).
So - if you have allergies - go and visit the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels (see links on the right or do a search on the internet). Get up close and personal - take them for a walk, fuss them, cuddle them - and see whether you react. Let's hope they ARE the dog for you
However, there is a good chance that they will NOT inflame your allergies. This seems to be because they do not have an undercoat.
Also, if you choose to take on a greyhound they are likely to already have their adult coat - puppy coats of dogs like labradoodles often do not inflame allergies, while the dogs adult coat may (depending on the dog - labradoodle coats are very variable).
So - if you have allergies - go and visit the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels (see links on the right or do a search on the internet). Get up close and personal - take them for a walk, fuss them, cuddle them - and see whether you react. Let's hope they ARE the dog for you
Sunday 18 January 2009
Even more on allergies and greyhounds
Not surprisingly, given all the speculation on the new dog for the Whitehouse, there's been an awful lot in the papers about allergies to dogs recently - and it's still one of the most popular reasons that people are coming to this blog.
It seems the Obamas have settled on either a labradoodle or a portugese water hound. And guess what? The portugese water hound shares a coat characteristic with the greyhound - neither have an undercoat.
In an earlier post I speculated that the greyhound's lack of undercoat may be the reason that they don't seem to inflame my allergies in the same way as other dogs, and now it seems that this may have some basis in fact.
Incidentally I've also seen that the very best dog for allergy sufferers is the poodle, because they have a "woollen" coat.
However, if like me, you'd prefer a rescue dog, I'd thoroughly recommend giving a greyhound a go. There are plenty of retired racing hounds waiting for a good home.
You'll be able to spend plenty of time with them to see if they inflame your allergies and, crucially, you'll be able to spend time with dogs that have their adult coat. Many dogs - like labradoodles - may have a different non-allergenic coat as a puppy, which may mean that you become allergic to the dog as he or she gets older.
Go on, visit your local retired greyhound kennels and give a hound a home.
It seems the Obamas have settled on either a labradoodle or a portugese water hound. And guess what? The portugese water hound shares a coat characteristic with the greyhound - neither have an undercoat.
In an earlier post I speculated that the greyhound's lack of undercoat may be the reason that they don't seem to inflame my allergies in the same way as other dogs, and now it seems that this may have some basis in fact.
Incidentally I've also seen that the very best dog for allergy sufferers is the poodle, because they have a "woollen" coat.
However, if like me, you'd prefer a rescue dog, I'd thoroughly recommend giving a greyhound a go. There are plenty of retired racing hounds waiting for a good home.
You'll be able to spend plenty of time with them to see if they inflame your allergies and, crucially, you'll be able to spend time with dogs that have their adult coat. Many dogs - like labradoodles - may have a different non-allergenic coat as a puppy, which may mean that you become allergic to the dog as he or she gets older.
Go on, visit your local retired greyhound kennels and give a hound a home.
Friday 16 January 2009
The arrival of Ava and Nobby
Several hounds have been rehomed recently, so last time I walked dogs from the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels I was asked to collect a new pair from the holding kennels.
There always seem to be more greyhounds (especially true for boys) needing a home than there are spaces in the main kennels. As a result some of the newer dogs are kept in a seperate set of kennels - which are also used as a boarding kennels - a couple of hundred metres away.
It's quite exciting to pick up new dogs, because you know absolutely nothing about them and have no idea what you might get. I wandered down to the holding kennels and asked for the next pair... and was given two HUGE dogs.
I couldn't tell who was the female, and who was the male. The girls are usually at least a little bit smaller than the boys. There wasn't much to pick between these two. And they were VERY LIVELY. What had I let myself in for?
I was soon told that the beautiful blue dog was the boy and called Nobby. The chunky white and blue girl was Ava and "pulled a bit". At this point I was DRAGGED towards the kennel gate, and through it. (Luckily someone had the sense to quickly open it first).
These guys were really ready for a walk. After an initial tussle (incidently Nobby pulled more than Ava), both settled down nicely onto the lead.
Nobby needed a little bit of persuasion, but I've got a trick for that. The idea is that you hold the lead in one hand, and then put the dog on the opposite side of your body, with the lead running across your front. It's then possible to put your free hand on the lead to keep the dog walking to heel.
Part way round and a real test - kamikaze cat sped out onto the path ahead of us. Neither dog lurched although Nobby stared fixedly at the cat, and I think he will take chase if given another chance. All in all though a good first walk, and I delivered both dogs safely to their new temporary home.
There always seem to be more greyhounds (especially true for boys) needing a home than there are spaces in the main kennels. As a result some of the newer dogs are kept in a seperate set of kennels - which are also used as a boarding kennels - a couple of hundred metres away.
It's quite exciting to pick up new dogs, because you know absolutely nothing about them and have no idea what you might get. I wandered down to the holding kennels and asked for the next pair... and was given two HUGE dogs.
I couldn't tell who was the female, and who was the male. The girls are usually at least a little bit smaller than the boys. There wasn't much to pick between these two. And they were VERY LIVELY. What had I let myself in for?
I was soon told that the beautiful blue dog was the boy and called Nobby. The chunky white and blue girl was Ava and "pulled a bit". At this point I was DRAGGED towards the kennel gate, and through it. (Luckily someone had the sense to quickly open it first).
These guys were really ready for a walk. After an initial tussle (incidently Nobby pulled more than Ava), both settled down nicely onto the lead.
Nobby needed a little bit of persuasion, but I've got a trick for that. The idea is that you hold the lead in one hand, and then put the dog on the opposite side of your body, with the lead running across your front. It's then possible to put your free hand on the lead to keep the dog walking to heel.
Part way round and a real test - kamikaze cat sped out onto the path ahead of us. Neither dog lurched although Nobby stared fixedly at the cat, and I think he will take chase if given another chance. All in all though a good first walk, and I delivered both dogs safely to their new temporary home.
Wednesday 14 January 2009
Joe goes home
When I got to the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels, I discovered that one of my favourite black boys Joe, had just been rehomed!
It's brilliant news, because the poor black boys - through no fault of their own - seem to be overlooked time and time again.
Once again there seems to have been a bit of a rash of rehomings over the past couple of weeks with at least 8 dogs going to new homes - including little Emma with her mysterious coat. I'm worried I'll never know what colour she was under that brown fuzz.
The other fantastic piece of news is that kennel-clown Josh has been reserved. Fingers-crossed for this wonderful big bouncy lad. He's going to be a super pet for someone.
It's brilliant news, because the poor black boys - through no fault of their own - seem to be overlooked time and time again.
Once again there seems to have been a bit of a rash of rehomings over the past couple of weeks with at least 8 dogs going to new homes - including little Emma with her mysterious coat. I'm worried I'll never know what colour she was under that brown fuzz.
The other fantastic piece of news is that kennel-clown Josh has been reserved. Fingers-crossed for this wonderful big bouncy lad. He's going to be a super pet for someone.
Monday 12 January 2009
Taking the bull by the horns
Since the strange case of Nicky biting Becky, he has been sharing with kennel-horror Angie.
Angie is a big, confident, black girl who takes no prisoners, and the theory is that no-one will be brave enough to bite her.
The first time I met her - several months ago - she bounced all over the place as she was being bought out of her kennel.
"She seems very pleased with herself," I said to the kennel hand. At which the kennel hand rolled her eyes and said: "Yes, she's just very pleased at being Angie."
Angie is strong, and will chase anything. As a result for the last few weeks I've been walking Angie and Nicky separately. However, she has proven to be really well behaved on the lead. (I've not seen the cat or the foxes while I've been out with her - and I suppose it could be a different matter if we spotted them).
She's also been quite good in the yard, and although she's very keen to take treats, I've found that if I tell her sternly "nicely" before I give her the treat, she'll take it very gently from my hand.
So this all resulted in me offering to take both Nicky and Angie out for a walk together. Silence fell. Then a quiet: "Are you sure?"
I replied that I was and that I'd bring the dogs back immediately if there were any problems. We were out for 40 minutes (I had to take a long phone call half way round the paddock) and both dogs were really well behaved. I'm sure Angie is just biding her time...
Angie is a big, confident, black girl who takes no prisoners, and the theory is that no-one will be brave enough to bite her.
The first time I met her - several months ago - she bounced all over the place as she was being bought out of her kennel.
"She seems very pleased with herself," I said to the kennel hand. At which the kennel hand rolled her eyes and said: "Yes, she's just very pleased at being Angie."
Angie is strong, and will chase anything. As a result for the last few weeks I've been walking Angie and Nicky separately. However, she has proven to be really well behaved on the lead. (I've not seen the cat or the foxes while I've been out with her - and I suppose it could be a different matter if we spotted them).
She's also been quite good in the yard, and although she's very keen to take treats, I've found that if I tell her sternly "nicely" before I give her the treat, she'll take it very gently from my hand.
So this all resulted in me offering to take both Nicky and Angie out for a walk together. Silence fell. Then a quiet: "Are you sure?"
I replied that I was and that I'd bring the dogs back immediately if there were any problems. We were out for 40 minutes (I had to take a long phone call half way round the paddock) and both dogs were really well behaved. I'm sure Angie is just biding her time...
Friday 9 January 2009
Smarter than the average hound?
I think my little Topsy might be smarter than the average hound. (Now I've posted this I'm sure she'll prove me wrong be doing something really daft - either the next time I walk her or with someone else at the kennels).
She seems really quick on the take-up. I've already written about how gentle she is when she jumps up - most of the other dogs put their full weight on you and can knock you for six when then put their paws on your chest - but she seems to know that it's best to put barely any weight on you and just lean very lightly.
This has served her well. Topsy's partner Joe is a bit of a pig when it comes to treats. He's working towards the labrador-greyhound look and will eat all his treats and anyone else's that he can get his chops on.
Topsy has learnt - within a couple of weeks - that an easy way to ensure she gets her fair share of treats is to lean gently on my left forearm while they are being handed out. This means she is high enough above Joey to be able to take the treat from me without him being able to snatch it.
Another thing she learnt very quickly was how to open the gate at the bottom of the sprint. It only requires a push, but every other dog waits for me to open it for them, which can sometimes mean a juggling of leads. Topsy doesn't even break step, and opens the gate with her nose, and strides straight through. Clever girl!
I think this means that it might be quite easy to train her... although I suspect, like other smart dogs, she might become naughty if she gets bored.
She seems really quick on the take-up. I've already written about how gentle she is when she jumps up - most of the other dogs put their full weight on you and can knock you for six when then put their paws on your chest - but she seems to know that it's best to put barely any weight on you and just lean very lightly.
This has served her well. Topsy's partner Joe is a bit of a pig when it comes to treats. He's working towards the labrador-greyhound look and will eat all his treats and anyone else's that he can get his chops on.
Topsy has learnt - within a couple of weeks - that an easy way to ensure she gets her fair share of treats is to lean gently on my left forearm while they are being handed out. This means she is high enough above Joey to be able to take the treat from me without him being able to snatch it.
Another thing she learnt very quickly was how to open the gate at the bottom of the sprint. It only requires a push, but every other dog waits for me to open it for them, which can sometimes mean a juggling of leads. Topsy doesn't even break step, and opens the gate with her nose, and strides straight through. Clever girl!
I think this means that it might be quite easy to train her... although I suspect, like other smart dogs, she might become naughty if she gets bored.
Wednesday 7 January 2009
Tails from home
One of the absolute joys of walking dogs from the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels is that dogs come back - to visit that is, not for good.
Other owners come back to walk some of the hounds that are currently enjoying kennel life. (Anyone who is thinking of doing this should BEWARE. You might end up with more than you bargained for).
Pretty's owner was back at the kennels over the Christmas period, she hadn't bought the Pretty with her, but I had a good chance to chat and find out how the dog was settling in.
Turns out that she's become really playful and a bit of a tomboy. She's still a bit nervous around people that she doesn't know, but is already charging up to and dancing at the feet of the people that she knows in the park. She is happily playing with other dogs (and showing off with a turn of speed that leaves them all in her wake). All in all it sounds like she is having a LOVELY time.
Another dog that I got to meet over the Christmas period was Chas. He was rehomed over the summer, and had been overlooked in the kennels for many, many months. This was posssibly for a couple of reasons - firstly he's quite big, and secondly he was a bit growly around other males.
What a difference a loving home can make! I barely recognised Chas - he was looking so relaxed. I had a chat with his new owner and found out that he was settling in nicely. He could still be a bit growly with other males, but that he was getting better all the time. Brilliant news!
Other owners come back to walk some of the hounds that are currently enjoying kennel life. (Anyone who is thinking of doing this should BEWARE. You might end up with more than you bargained for).
Pretty's owner was back at the kennels over the Christmas period, she hadn't bought the Pretty with her, but I had a good chance to chat and find out how the dog was settling in.
Turns out that she's become really playful and a bit of a tomboy. She's still a bit nervous around people that she doesn't know, but is already charging up to and dancing at the feet of the people that she knows in the park. She is happily playing with other dogs (and showing off with a turn of speed that leaves them all in her wake). All in all it sounds like she is having a LOVELY time.
Another dog that I got to meet over the Christmas period was Chas. He was rehomed over the summer, and had been overlooked in the kennels for many, many months. This was posssibly for a couple of reasons - firstly he's quite big, and secondly he was a bit growly around other males.
What a difference a loving home can make! I barely recognised Chas - he was looking so relaxed. I had a chat with his new owner and found out that he was settling in nicely. He could still be a bit growly with other males, but that he was getting better all the time. Brilliant news!
Monday 5 January 2009
Happy New Year
Happy New Year all and I hope you had a restful festive season.
It's certainly been very festive here with hard frosts and even snow this morning. The ground has been frozen solid the last couple of times I've walked the dogs at the local retired greyhound kennels.
The frozen ground hasn't bothered most of the hounds, but Nicky's reaction has been a delight. Dance of the sugar plum fairy springs to mind. Unfortunately, less prima ballerina, more elephant in hob nail boots. He skitters across the ice as if it's going to bite him (I guess he could have sensitive paws!).
One question that has been answered is Nicky and his reaction to cats. Kamikaze cat is still doing the rounds and we saw her the other day. I have to report the sad news (for me) that Nicky did not pass his cat test, so he will not be coming home to meet my fluffas.
In fact my normally docile Nicky became very animated when he saw the cat, growling and straining at the lead... oh dear... not a good sign. And he's barely blinked when he's encountered squirrels (I think he may just not have seen them). He is absolutely brilliant with small dogs though.
It's certainly been very festive here with hard frosts and even snow this morning. The ground has been frozen solid the last couple of times I've walked the dogs at the local retired greyhound kennels.
The frozen ground hasn't bothered most of the hounds, but Nicky's reaction has been a delight. Dance of the sugar plum fairy springs to mind. Unfortunately, less prima ballerina, more elephant in hob nail boots. He skitters across the ice as if it's going to bite him (I guess he could have sensitive paws!).
One question that has been answered is Nicky and his reaction to cats. Kamikaze cat is still doing the rounds and we saw her the other day. I have to report the sad news (for me) that Nicky did not pass his cat test, so he will not be coming home to meet my fluffas.
In fact my normally docile Nicky became very animated when he saw the cat, growling and straining at the lead... oh dear... not a good sign. And he's barely blinked when he's encountered squirrels (I think he may just not have seen them). He is absolutely brilliant with small dogs though.
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