Three Starting Tips Before Greyhound Training
The following article is about do’s and don’ts in the field of greyhound care and greyhound dog training. But a good thing to keep in mind is that not all those adopting will need this article; in fact, some do not have experience the usual issues at all! On the contrary, some are simply blown away by the breed’s simplicity, laidback temper, and quiet disposition.
But before anything else, potential grey owners need to confront the obvious that rehomed greys did not grow up in the so-called “normal home” setting, but instead consider a crate “home” during their active racing years. Indeed, practically all racers literally need to be “introduced” to home living, i.e. dealing with mirrors, stairs, and household noise.
How does one know if a grey settling into the house is feeling the pressure or not? Examples of stress among dogs are restlessness, panting, whining, sweaty paws, dripping noses and diarrhea are all signs of stress. They ought to disappear once your dog feels secure and knows the routine. But ultimately, there’s no way to see the “real” dog not until after a few days. The following ideas may just be the ticket to winning over your dog.
1. Communicate with the Greyhound
Take the time to learn how racers think and respond. This means interviewing the grey’s rescue group about the many ways to communicate with the dog.
Greys are suspicious and wary of very new things, and making is complicated is that it will need to learn new things living with its adopters. Owners need to make new experiences always positive and enriching.
While quite a few dog breeds are known to turn restless and noisy when peeved, a Grey instead will turn stone-like. At this point the dog basically shuts down and cannot absorb anything. An owner may need to lay off the dog and give it thinking time whether it wants to train, or play, some more.
Greys have very sharp instincts, and may startle easily. A scared grey may bolt, and its adrenaline rush may make it do the worst, such as wiggling out of a collar and running into the next city for all its worth. The wisest thing when going out on walks is to get a properly fitted grey collar, plus a good leash.
2. Greyhounds will always be students.
The greyhound brain simply learns and absorbs something from each and every event in its day, whether it be a designated moment for training or not. All of the dog’s waking hours are chances to teach it to grow.
3. Owners need to establish a winning relationship.
Training is obviously not just about manners and obedience, obviously. Training is essentially about “connecting” with the dog, and staying connected always.
Greys already learn quite a lot, as we have said earlier, just by observing human faces and actions. Moreover, they suffer if they think their owners are not happy with them, or through actrions that they perceive to be harsh. The indicator is more or less the “statue mode.” Such a dog is demanding for a “break”.
A last greyhound training note about canine sensitivity: try to keep the dog away from potentially malicious situations and events as much as possible. The greyhound’s level of delicacy take time healing “wounds”.
