Re: Adopting a retired greyhound
Originally Posted by
MargaretF
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I'm not sure about the peaceful night's sleep Mups but I live in hopes that tonight's will be better when we can get Annie into a routine! When I got her home yesterday she followed me around the house wherever I went. She had a bed in my room overnight and I was up twice with her to let her into the garden. I am really pleased though that she let me know that she needed to go outside so I'm not complaining. She is much more settled today and is lying asleep on her bed at the moment. It must have been quite a trial for her yesterday beginning with an hour's drive in a strange car when she is used to being transported in a properly equipped van and then going into unfamiliar surroundings ...
I will get some photos later and attempt to put them on here.
Hi Margaret
you are clearly doing all the right things, Annie given space and time should soon learn to trust you.
I had a rescue Mini called Tilly, she was so fearful when she arrived and spent all day under a chair growling at my then 6 year old son who had been instructed to leave her alone and not to make eye contact.
The first lesson was 'I will not harm you, come to me when you are ready' achieved by sitting sideways on the floor some distance from Milly not making eye contact with a hand full of chicken pieces .
With an arm outstretched and hand open with a piece of chicken Milly eventually progressed to snatching the chicken before retreating to the chair and getting praise. We progressed to touching her chest, not her head which is a vulnerable place in dogs. Milly became my sons best friend , she sadly died on the operating table when being operated on for pyometra .
Every time Annie relieves herself outside I would treat/ praise so she learns 'this experience is rewarding'
You can also add a key word I say 'beclean' the second she finishes 'going'. Eventually you can use the key word to get Annie to go on demand always praising but stopping the treat.
If she has an accident inside it is best to ignore the unwanted behaviour no word no eye contact and thoroughly clean the area to remove the scent.
Margaret
I hope you have many happy years with Annie and I look forward to seeing photographs.