Greyhound Dogs--Training Update #244

[Poohbear123]

Wow, congrats on the New Baby. I tell you, a Dog is better than a real Baby anyday!

 

[clh2]

He is adorable. Absolutely adorable! Thanks for posting the pics.

We adopted an 8 year old retriever/white shepard mix last September. It took him a couple of days before he would eat too. We mixed in a little of cooked white rice in with his kibble.

Isn't it funny - with our furbabies, we watch what they eat and how often they poop.

Our dog trainer told us that our dog would "know" he was home right away. She said there is something about older dogs - they just know. I knew he knew who we were about 3 weeks after we got him. I had left him with my DD, and when I came out of the building I was in, (DD and dog moved) out of the corner of my eye - I see my dog sitting nicely, wagging his tail. Even though we were not home at the time, I clearly knew he knew "WE" were his family. The "ah-ha" moment is a great one!

Good luck getting through the next couple of days! After that, it'll be far easier!

I still think he needs some clothes from needlenose!

 

[Pooh93]

He is SO handsome! I'm sure he will settle in soon. I love the crate! Keep us updated with pics!

 

[ducklite]

TMI WARNING--This is about Skeet's disgestive tract, and those looking for warm fuzzy stories might want to skip this post--those who have Grey's or other dogs with sensitive GI tracts who would like to offer advice--it's very welcomed!!
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Good news and bad news today. Skeet continued to have diarrhea last night. His poor tummy was gurgling so bad I could hear it over the TV across the room. I gave him an Immodium tab--he wasn't happy about having the pill popped down his throat, but when I tried to hide it in some cheese he wouldn't take it. We went to bed around 9:00 pm, he let me know around 11:00 that he had to go again. So we went out and he basically pooped very stinky liquid--there was nothing solid about it. I dosed him with another Immodium tab. Poor guy, he ate maybe a cup of his food yesterday morning and nothing since then. When I took him back inside he curled up into a very tight ball in the crate, like he really didn't feel well.

I'm boiling up some of Am_I_There_Yet's bland diet right now to see if maybe he might want a bit of that.

The good news is that he slept through the night--I woke up around 4:30 and he had no desire to leave the crate, so I figured he didn't need to go and we both went back to sleep until about 6:00. I took him out and he pee'd a little, but seemed more interested in watching the lawn sprinklers on the golf course.

We came back in--he's getting the hang of having his paws wiped on the porch before he comes inside--and he went straight to his crate. I left him there for about an hour, then coaxed him out to the family room to his makesift dog bed, two old comforters on top of each other--nice and soft!

He really hasn't moved since then. The good news is that his tummy has stopped gurgling. The bad news is that he seems a bit lethagic and still has no interest in food.

So the question is--at what point do I call the vet? I'm thinking if he won't eat by later today, maybe we'll go to the vet tomorrow? Or is it just stress and he'll be fine?

I just hate to see him feeling miserable. He is sleeping very sprawled out right now instead of in the ball, so I guess that's another good thing.

Anne

 

[Muffy]

He is probably just getting used to his new seroundings. He may even miss his old seroundings. My dog has a senisitive tummy and I cannot change his food. He can only eat one type of dog food (Abady) or he gets diarrhea and gas. Rice is very easy to digest and your homemade food may agree with him. Hopefully he will try it soon and get a little pep. He sure is cute.

 

[Boston Tea Party]

Poor little fella. Sorry he's not doing well and hope that he perks up soon.

 

[Rozzie]

Hey Anne, I am sorry I am late catching up!

First off, he is gorgeous, and my heart stopped when I saw his picture, he looks exactly like our precious Inky we just lost to cancer 2 mths ago. You will have fun watching him "grey" out, especially on his little nose.

We just got 2 new Grey's, Honey and Tater. Tater went through a spell when we brought him home. Upset stomach, not eating, loose stool, and lots of throwing up. He also wanted his corner, and that's it (we don't crate, we baby gate in kitchen with our Greys), no seeing us or playing with us. I worried and worried, and downgraded to liquid Pepto and brown rice. That's it, 1 ml of Pepto then brown rice for several days. He finally started eating again, stool firmed up, and then all of sudden, he bounces into the room and says "I'm home!" and he's been a ball of love and energy ever since. I really think he went through a hard adjustment, he was at his Foster's so long, waiting on a home so long, and then to come here and it was like he lost his security blanket. One thing for sure, they all adjust differently. All 4 of the Greys we've had all adjusted in different ways and time span. (just like kids)

Our rescue group recommends canned pumpkin for the big "D". No spice or anything, just out of the can. Lots of fiber. Really helps.

Food? I feed Barking at the Moon, by Solid Gold. I like how they have no byproducts. I consulted a canine food specialist after the China scare, I was worried sick. Sounds like you got some good quality stuff lined up as well.

Treats? We don't do tons of treats, but we do the Old Mother Hubbard Peanut Butter treats. Gosh they go crazy over that stuff! Or sometimes Paul Newman organic. I try to stay away from supermarket treats, just over paranoid about China thing. I stay far far away from Greenie's, know someone at work that had a 3k vet bill from one.

One of the most amazing things about Greys, and watching them come out of their shell, especially when they are fresh off the track. I remember our first one, 10 years ago, was a week off like Skeet, and hid in our walkin closet for 2 weeks. She was blossomed, and to this day was the happiest and most loving sweet dog we ever had. Also watching them play with toys, it's sad to think that they have gone through their whole life without toys. Our babies now love them, especially Honey, she has about 8 now, she takes to "bed" with her, and tosses them up in air and catches them. A pure delight to watch!

I don't use a Harness, just the Martingale collars. They are some killer cool collars on the internet, GreyTalk has lots of links. 1000's to chose from, to fit his personality.

Good luck, hope things start settling in for the both of you real soon. I just love him, he is so gorgeous, and as the movie line goes, the Start of a Beautiful Friendship!!

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

So the question is--at what point do I call the vet? I'm thinking if he won't eat by later today, maybe we'll go to the vet tomorrow? Or is it just stress and he'll be fine?

I just hate to see him feeling miserable. He is sleeping very sprawled out right now instead of in the ball, so I guess that's another good thing.

Anne

Be VERY careful about him getting dehydrated! Twice, my vet has had to give subcutaneous fluids to Chloe. Once, just from diarrhea and the other when it was coming up and out from both ends.

Dogs dehydrate much quicker than humans.

He also prescribed two pills; one for vomiting, and one for diarrhea, and they work like a charm. Sorry, but I can't remember the name of either, but I do remember they were tee-niny.

If he's still having what I call "explosive" stools, I'd call my vet and at least get his advice. Chances are, they'll want to see him first thing in the morning. Better safe than sorry!

ETA: That's where the Bland Diet came from, now that I think about it. They treated her, and then prescribed that. I can't remember if I had to go a certain period of time with water-only, or when they let me start feeding her, and how much.

Thankfully, it's been awhile since this has happened to her, but every once in awhile, out of the blue, Chloe will get an upset stomach and get loose stools. I never know what causes it! Usually, she'll frantically want to go outside, and start grazing like a cow on the grass (we don't fertilize, thanks to her!), and it seems to help her avoid getting sick.

Good luck! We're off to the dog show!!!

 

[ducklite]

Another update from the nuerotic greyhound lady...

Skeet ate about 1/4 cup of his regular food, and then ate one of the two cups of rice and burger I gave him. He's been drinking water--probably 2-3 cups of it already this morning. He drank two large bowls of it yesterday.

After he ate he seemed to have a little more engery, sniffing around the house. He went to his bed and "hung out" doing a lot of stretching for about half an hour, then I took him for a walk. We were out for about 15 minutes, he didn't do anything, but seemed to enjoy the walk. Came back in and he drank more water, ate the rest of the bland diet, and went to his crate. He stayed there for about five minutes, then came over to where I'm sitting, leaned against me and stood on my foot for a few minutes, then went to his dog bed again.

He's laying over there dreaming, his paws are twitching and he's making little snort noises here and there.

He definitely seems happier today, and seems like he feels better. I'll give him more of the bland diet around 4:00. As long as the runs don't come back today I'll try to add about 1 part of his food and 3 parts of the bland diet together in the morning and we'll see what happens.

Anne

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Another update from the nuerotic greyhound lady...

Skeet ate about 1/4 cup of his regular food, and then ate one of the two cups of rice and burger I gave him. He's been drinking water--probably 2-3 cups of it already this morning. He drank two large bowls of it yesterday.

After he ate he seemed to have a little more engery, sniffing around the house. He went to his bed and "hung out" doing a lot of stretching for about half an hour, then I took him for a walk. We were out for about 15 minutes, he didn't do anything, but seemed to enjoy the walk. Came back in and he drank more water, ate the rest of the bland diet, and went to his crate. He stayed there for about five minutes, then came over to where I'm sitting, leaned against me and stood on my foot for a few minutes, then went to his dog bed again.

He's laying over there dreaming, his paws are twitching and he's making little snort noises here and there.

He definitely seems happier today, and seems like he feels better. I'll give him more of the bland diet around 4:00. As long as the runs don't come back today I'll try to add about 1 part of his food and 3 parts of the bland diet together in the morning and we'll see what happens.

Anne

Isn't that stuff great? Someone really needs to clue these dogs in, that it's not supposed to be as good as they think it is.

 

[ducklite]

The funny thing is that my mom used to feed that to us when we were kids. I'd go hungry before I'd eat it, it still kinds turns my stomach. OTOH, my son took the Tupperware full of it out of the fridge and was just about to dig it when I told him to put it away, it's the dogs. Now he's sulking that I cook special things for the dog, but won't for him.

I forgot something about Skeet. When the timer went off to let me know the bland was done, he jumped up and came running. That sound must have meant something to him at the track. Chyam--any idea on that one?

Anne

 

[clh2]

Glad to hear the Skeet is eating and drinking!

 

[chyam]

The funny thing is that my mom used to feed that to us when we were kids. I'd go hungry before I'd eat it, it still kinds turns my stomach. OTOH, my son took the Tupperware full of it out of the fridge and was just about to dig it when I told him to put it away, it's the dogs. Now he's sulking that I cook special things for the dog, but won't for him.

I forgot something about Skeet. When the timer went off to let me know the bland was done, he jumped up and came running. That sound must have meant something to him at the track. Chyam--any idea on that one?

Anne

Can't help you on that one........perhaps it reminded him of the bell at the track when they announce "and their off"?
Another thing I thought of....alot of kennels keep a radio on in the kennels, nothing to harsh, some even left talk radio on, although I truely believe that when you leave for work he will most likely head to his crate for the first few weeks, these dogs are put in crates very young and they feel safe (like a den)

 

[ducklite]

Can't help you on that one........perhaps it reminded him of the bell at the track when they announce "and their off"?

I don't think so, it's an electronic "beep," "beep," "beep" as opposed to a bell. Who knows? Whatever it was, it sure caught his attention and made him come running!

Another thing I thought of....alot of kennels keep a radio on in the kennels, nothing to harsh, some even left talk radio on, although I truely believe that when you leave for work he will most likely head to his crate for the first few weeks, these dogs are put in crates very young and they feel safe (like a den)

I've been keeping the weather radio turned on to the over and over NOAA spoken broadcast in my bedroom during the day--it's basically very subdued "talk radio," although I've also been encouranging him (not forcing him) to spend time in the family room with me rather than in the crate during the day.

I had someone stop over to pick something up from me, and I went through the grage to get outside. Skeet sat at the front door watching us, and when I came back in he ran to the laundry room (that's how to get to the garage) and met me with a wagging tail!

He's still completely ignoring the ferrets. He knows they are there, sometimes gives a little sniff as he passes them, but is generally indifferent to them. They on the otherhand are going nuts trying to dig a hole through the tile floor to burrow out to see what the "giant ferret" is all about.

With this weather we've gotten a nice cool front in, I'm going to (hopefully) take him for a nice long walk when it cools down this evening.

I've got a professional trainer coming in two weeks--after Skeet is more settled in--for one on one classes. I looked at the various group training classes, and most of them didn't really seem to fit the bill for a 4 YO greyhound. He already heels, and is quickly learning "Leave It" in reference to other dogs poop, the shredded snake that must have gotten caught in the lawnmower blades, and a few other lovelies that he's found on our walks.

Anne

 

[LoriKay]

I'm glad to hear that Skeet is eating and generally seems to be feeling better. How sweet that he came to stand by you! Please keep the updates coming. Awww...he's wagging his tail already! I thought Chloe was never going to do that but once she started she rarely stops!

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Sounds like he's really warming up to his new home!

We just got back from the Reliant Dog Show, and I got to love on the Grey rescues, that were there. Such sweet dogs!

Chloe has been sniffing us non-stop since we all walked back in the door. She knows we've been unfaithful.

 

[ducklite]

Chloe has been sniffing us non-stop since we all walked back in the door. She knows we've been unfaithful.

Skeets doing much better. No poop at all today, which I take as a good sign. I think he was "empty" after yesterday, so what he ate this morning will come out tomorrow morning. He's tootin' up a storm right now, need to remember to get some acidophilus for his food. Around noon he finished the rest of the bland and then ate another cup or so of his regular chow. He's been drinking a lot of water.

He's been very curious this afternoon, spending time with DS watching him play video games, looking out the windows, and wandering around the hosue checking things out.

I smeared a little Nutrical on his nyla-bone. He had obviously never had it before, so I had to smear a bit on his nose. Well, once he had a lick of it he went nuts and spent the next half hour licking and chewing the bone.

He's really settling in, I think that after tomorrow he'll be on a good schedule.

Now if the big lug would figure out that I can't open the door that opens inward when he's standing right in front of it.

Anne

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Now if the big lug would figure out that I can't open the door that opens inward when he's standing right in front of it.

Anne

Yeah, good luck with that one! When you figure it out, let me know, because Chloe does the same thing!

One other thing that she does that drives me nuts, is walk in front of me, and then stop and turn around every two seconds to make sure I'm still behind her. And she always manages to do it the most, when I'm in a hurry to get to something!

 

[clh2]

Yeah, good luck with that one! When you figure it out, let me know, because Chloe does the same thing!

One other thing that she does that drives me nuts, is walk in front of me, and then stop and turn around every two seconds to make sure I'm still behind her. And she always manages to do it the most, when I'm in a hurry to get to something!

Mine does the stop and turn thing usually when I've got a basket of laundry.

 

[ducklite]

We went for a 45 minute walk.

Skeet met new friends of both the human and furry persuasion. He was curious and friendly with the beagle and didn't like the little yippie terrier that wanted to eat his toes--he was very afraid of the six pound dog.

Skeet reacts well to strange females.

Skeet is very timid with strange males.

Skeet found a dead frog.

Skeet wanted to carry the dead frog around.

That didn't happen.

Skeet found a new favorite fire hydrant. He used it on the way in and out of our cul de sac.

Skeet came home, had a drink of water, and fell sound asleep.

Skeet is still asleep an hour later. I checked to make sure he's breathing.

Skeet had a great adventure!

Anne