Hot Dogs Don't Work!

Archie · Old Hand

Hot Dogs Don't Work!

Dawn · Guru

Hi Archie & Carol

I think I met you at S/clyde park in Feb with Keera. I was walking 'Harry' along with my young nephew Jack - Harry being the well behaved one!.

Welcome onboard. My own dog kaz couldn't be trusted to be off the lead - even on the beach, because he disappeared over the horizon so quickly!!!

Maybe the behavourist could help? Details on the forum

Best of luck

Dawn

Archie · Old Hand

Hi Dawn

Yes, we remember you. I was sure you'd have another by now!! Out of interest did the behaviourist help your greyhound?

Carol

Dawn · Guru

I didn't send Kaz to the behavourist, but went myself!! Kaz knew exactly what he was up to, it was me that got confused.

No seriously, I was v lucky in as much as Kaz was an old boy when I got him, which I had to adapt to, but I loved him so much I kept going with him, and had the most wonderful boy in the world. He didn't do lots of things younger dogs do, but hey, I got the most satisfaction giving him love which he responded to and he gave back 10 fold. Sometimes though outside help is required and perhaps you could give the behavourist a call and see what they say, you may find it will be something that can be cured relatively easily.

Hang on in there, Keera is lovely - let me know how you get on.

Dawn

Archie · Old Hand

I've taken the behaviourist phone number and just sent an e-mail. Possibly should have done this sooner however we decided to try all the obvious routes first.

Hope to see you again at the next walk. I bags someone's elses greyhound though. Just kidding, we're sticking in there, you can't get angry with Keera especially when she's lying on the couch upside down, legs in the air, watching us.

C & A

greyflintstone · Master

I'm not being funny but why does Keera have to be let off a lead? Why can't she be walked on a lead all of the time? My two are never let off a lead - I know Freddy would be off in a shot, and yet I don't think he is suffering by never getting to run free.

Just a thought ...... !

Archie · Old Hand

We don't agree, Keera is young and fit and deserves the same right as any other dog. That is why we are persevering in finding a way to have her come back when called. When she is behaving and trotting along nearby that is when we are all relaxed and you see the happiness on Keera's face.

All owners have differing opinions but we feel Keera being able to run about should be her right.

We've had some advice from Vivian the behaviourist which we are going to try which may solve our problems.

Dawn · Guru

Hi Carol & Archie

I hope Viv has given you something new to try, its worth a go - good luck.

I only ever let Kaz off the lead twice in the 3+ years I had him. Despite being an old boy, he could still run. I let him off the lead for the first time, very early one morning on the beach at Troon. When he realised he was 'free', he disappeared from view in seconds!! I called and called him, by this time I was in tears, as I had no way of catching him, eventually (an eternity) he came back! Like you I didn't want to give up on the old devil, and tried again, this time in an enclosed field! This time he spotted some blackbirds and went after them, I thought it was ok as he was fenced in, but at what cost to him, as he tried to scale the fence after the birds?? Boys will be boys!

For his safety and my sanity, I gave up on letting him off the lead, and the big fellow lived out his remaining years happily ever after on the lead!!

Keep us posted as to how things are going with Keera.

Dawn

evelyn · Old Hand

Hi folks. We have the same problem with Andie. After an 'incident' with a whippet, I made the decision never to let him off the lead again. Initially I was really upset as it didn't seem right to restrict the freedom of a dog who is built to run. However I had to weigh this up against the stress of meeting a small animal and the painful consequences. On reflection this has certainly been the right decision for us. I don't feel he has missed out on life, he thoroughly enjoys his walks and we all have peace of mind. Though from time to time I have yearned to give him a good run with Zelda our younger dog.

I can see things from your point too Archie. Keera is young whereas Andie is an old boy and was so when we adopted him. Do what feels right for you and Keera. Hope you get help on this one but don't beat yourself up if you finally decide on keeping her on the lead. She sounds as though she has lovely owners who relly care.

Evelyn

Archie · Old Hand

Its actually been heartening to know others have the same problem with being off the lead as we have felt as if we've failed her at times. We were under the impression we had the only greyhound who wasn't able to run free.

We'll keep you updated on our progress.

I must admit we do laugh about it when you think of all the stress you are faced with in daily life and its all overshadowed by not being able to let your crazy fast dog off the lead! She's certainly changed our life in the 6 months we've had her.

Carol & Archie

JanW · Master

Initially I let Ruby off the lead and she was fine, but as she has gained in confidence this is no longer possible.

We had a very close shave in the park when she took off out of sight, when I caught up with her she was barking at two pit bull/staffie crosses who's owner thankfully, had a firm grip of their collars. They had passed us about 10 mins before she was let off, and as she hadn't bothered with them, I though it would be fine.

She wouldn't have stood a chance as she was muzzled.

I would love to let the dogs run, but for the moment it can only be in the back garden.

Out of interest can you share Vivian's advise?

Janet

Archie · Old Hand

This is great so many others have the same problem!!!!!!

New advice is a 50' tracking line. Keera would still be on the lead but would have a much wider space to run around in and we would still be in control. Because we walk her in empty fields at the back of our home we can see any dot on the horizon well in advance so this may work for us.

We're hoping to get this tomorrow and try it out tomorrow too. Fingers crossed.

C & A

Steve · Master

I used a lunge rein on a harness for our first dog to give her a bit of freedom in the early days, but you still have plenty of control.

I'll be using that on Harry soon as although he's friiendly to all dogs so far - he plays very rough and I've noticed him going all alert at a few smallish dogs in the distance. Need to avoid any wee disasters!

I used to have a German Pointer and a springer spaniiel many many years ago - you never really have to worry about letting these kinds of dogs off the lead. They hunt, play and come back and don't dive bomb other dogs at 40 mph! It takes a bit of getting used to having ex-racers, but I suppose that's what makes them a wee bit special.

Good luck

mclarchitects · Old Hand

Lulu and Douglas do circuits around my back garden, which now looks like a ploughed field. It is good to see them both running fast and they both obviously enjoy it. It's a bit scarey when the run straight towards the greenhouse and change direction at the last fraction of a second, but that's what their good at. I would never let them off the lead outside as I think they would go after anything. Lulu had her eye on 2 magpies last week and nearly pulled me off my feet. I do think it is sad that some dogs don't get to run around like Lulu and Douglas but I think that any "accidents" with dogs off the lead could result in negative puplicity.

Dave · Enlightened One

Hi Archie, just to add my little bit, firstly the tracking line is a good idea if you want to give her a bit more freedom so give it a shot see how it goes.

As for my pack, 4 get off lead 3 don't, the ones that don't go off lead are not allowed to as they would simply go for any small furry in sight be it another dog, cat or rabbit..They are neither happier or sadder than the ones that do get to run off lead..

Keep us up to date with Keera's progress!

cheers

Dave