Fiddie's New Home

Andy · Old Hand

Fiddie's New Home

Dawn · Guru

Congrats on taking Fiddie - he's a handsome boy - lucky you. There is loads of great advice, help and tips on the GAL web page and the forum which should keep you busy for a while!.

Look forward to seeing you, family and Fiddie at the next event.

skinnydugs · Master

Hi Andy, I do the Gal shop so I would suggest for Fiddie, a good collar and lead and a coat to start with. If you dont have a muzzle Ill pop one in the post for you. Let me know what you fancy but I love the slip collars as they are the safest.

Its so exciting, and you will do fine

Esther

FAJ · Enlightened One

Hi, Andy

The best tip Steve and I were given when we got Pearly was start as you mean to go on. Get Fiddie used to being left alone, if he's going to have to be - loads and loads of popping in and out, wearing your coat in the house, picking up your keys and sitting back down again. Get him throughly bored with your erratic behaviour so he doesn't mind when you do go out! A stuffed Kong is a good thing to leave him with as it'll keep him occupied.

Keep things low-key for the first few days. Difficult, cos naturally you'll want to fuss and cuddle him but try to be a bit hands-off in the initial stages - you don't want Fiddie thinking that the world will end if you're not with him. That's not to say that you won't cuddle him, just don't smother him in affection constantly.

Try to get hold of some of the food that currently he's being fed and introduce any new food gradually over a few days to avoid giving Fiddie the runs - 2/3 old stuff, 1/3 new stuff to begin with, then gradually build up the proportion of new food. Assuming you're going to change, that is.

If he looks like he's anxious at all, especially if he's been used to having other dogs around him 24/7, try a DAP diffuser. Place it as close to where he'll be sleeping and keep it on all the time. Also, Rescue Remedy can help - for him, and for you! A tee-shirt with your scent on it can also be comforting - nice and stinky from the wash basket is best.

He might cry at night when it's time for bed, but he'll soon settle down. If he's in your room with you then chances are he'll be fine from the get-go.

Loads of walks are helpful, cos you know what they say - a tired dog is a good dog! And be firm but kind. We read loads of books about greyhounds when we got Pearly and they all said "use soft words of gentle reassurance to calm your dog". Nonsense! Okay, be kind, but often they prefer to be told what to do. We tried this with Pearly and as soon as she knew that we were going to take charge and she didn't need to make decisions about what to do, you could see her visibly relax.

Carole Robinson is the absolute Queen of Tips for new greyhound owners. She's been a fantastic comfort to Steve and I both times of taking on our greys.

Final top tip - get yourself a big, thick duvet for Fiddie to sleep on. He'll love you forever!!!

Oooh, one last thing - we like piccies, and loads of them!!

Good luck, and enjoy your new buddy.

Fiona

CAROLE ROBINSON · Old Hand

Congratulations - you made a good decision. You've already taken your first positive steps towards settling Fiddie in by reaching out to the forum members - they're a great crowd and an absolute mine of useful information - also good for a laugh. Usually I follow-up the day after adoption but I'm happy to chat whenever - give me a call via the contacts page.

BOWGANG · Master

Hi Andy and Iluska

We met you on Saturday at Finlaystone (we were the one's singing the praises of 2 dogs with our 4 daughters!!) and we're delighted that you are taking Fiddie home. He's a lovely big boy and certainly seemed to 'pick' you too judging by the way he was leaning in to you! Be prepared on your first night togther to be up and down with him as the comforts of a loving home are far removed from life in a kennel. We were up with Keera pacing the floor most of her first night - it was like having a new baby again! She soon settled down when she realised she was here for keeps. Also with the toilet training be prepared for the odd accident in the house. We found when house training our last dog (he was a mongrel) that every hour was the way to go and lots of praise and a treat for doing their 'stuff' outside soon taught him that outside was the best!

Hope all goes well and welcome to the wonderful worl of greyhounds..you won't regret it!

Shirley and Jim

takecon · Master

Hi

Great news - I'm really pleased that Fiddie has a great home. You will soon get to know him and he will get to know you.

One tip- when house training is to watch for certain signs that he is about to have a pee etc etc - Usually dogs start sniffing around the floor just before they act. If you distract them and quickly take them out to to a convenient place and then reward them - they soon get the message.

The comfy duvet is a greta idea. I go through loads lol Excuse to buy new ones for myself.

I cut them up to convient size so can fit in washing machine without difficulty

Charles Thompson Mickey, Snap and foster Cleo plus Finn the cat

Andy · Old Hand

Now that we've got Fiddie home, the issue that we have had (so far) is getting him up and down stairs. After a lot of gentle persuasion he walked up the stairs but he is going to need out soon and refuses to go back down the stairs. Any ideas?

Andy · Old Hand

The first time we tried to get Fiddie to go down the stairs, he flatly refused. He just sat down and refused to budge. I tried coaxing him down with treats with no real luck but I think hot dogs will do the trick.

The night was a bit disturbed for us all. We were so excited that he was staying, and Fiddie was a bit nervous and panting a lot. It didn't help that I forgot to turn off the central heating. I took him out at 5am and had to carry him down the stairs - luckily we are only on the first floor. We had a good walk round the neighbourhood and didn't go home until he had emptied himself. He tackled the stairs back into the flat and then collapsed onto his quilt.

We went out again about 7:30 and he managed a few stairs before I had to carry him. This time we went for his first visit over to Queens Park. He did really well when he met other dogs but at the sight of rabbits and squirrels he got very excited and was longing to chase them. Luckily they scarpered as soon as they saw him. He can now go up the stairs no problem, but doesn't like it. He is relieved to get into the flat. Fiddie had his breakfast and is now asleep on his quilt in the hall. At least one of us is getting some sleep!

takecon · Master

Hi Andy

Your doing just great!

Fiddie will soon learn to trust you both and accept that stairs are normal. Just keep working at it. You are doing mega great!!!!

Cleo my latest foster girl gets quite excited whn she she's 3 dogs. She wants to get after them for a play. Pity it's just our reflection in glass door fronts on out walks.

Just shows how we take for granted our own and our children experience of the world. many greyhounds live a 'sheltered' life' - kennels / racing track etc. ( a basic life but one that can be very very tough all the same

Fiddie will soon learn stairs ar mega ok

Charles

Andy · Old Hand

Great news. The stairs are conquered !

Thanks to everyone for all your ideas - hotdogs certainly help. Carol suggested that at first I carry Fiddie most of the way down the stairs and then encourage him to walk the final 5 or 6 steps. We did this a few times, increasing the number of steps that Fiddie had to walk. Eventually by holding Fiddie's collar and supporting him under his chest I managed to coax him from the door, to slowly walk step by step until he was happy to walk down the last few steps. Iluska was so happy she nearly cried!

We are visiting Queens Park about four times a day and Fiddie is now getting familiar with the sights and sounds, as well as other dogs. He doesn't get over excited when he sees every dog but squirrels and rabbits are a different matter. Fiddie appears to be more relaxed in the park now and has started to sniff and explore rather than just walking.

They say " a tired dog is a happy dog" if that is the case then Fiddie must be ecstatic.

takecon · Master

Hi,

Great news abot Fiddie and the stairs! It such a joy to see the dogs make progress and overcome their fears.

It's one of the fantasic rewards of owning a retired greyhound - to see them develop. They slowly relax in their new surroundings and allow their character to show some good some bad. Thinking about Mick and Snap raiding the kitchen lol

Keep up the great work with Fidde - You have made great strides already. He is a lucky boy to be with you.

Charles Mickey, Snap, foster girl Cleo and Finn the cat

iluska · GAL Treasurer

Hi

Just thought that I would attach some new photos of our darling boy, Fiddie.

Andy & I are just having a great time with the wee man and are enjoying the new sensations that Fiddie is exploring and responding to, on our many walks around the park. You will have seen earlier that Andy helped Fiddie overcome the stairs - wow, I was ever so chuffed with both my boys - I think Andy is a natural and Fiddie, well, he is one big, handsome boy.

We got a helicopter response from his tail - Madonna was on and I was dancing and he joined in - was he mocking me or joining in??

Further to that, he is eating well and is a good boy when we dine - he has a sniff around the table and then leaves, when we pick up our knives and forks, sitting in the hall, not too far away in case he is called for any titbits and it won't take him too long to reach us.

Well, hopefully you will enjoy the photos that we have taken around Queens Park, as you can see we are ever so well dressed for our walks around the depositary of the park - before the walk; during the walk, including a wee stop off for some water and then back home, for a dog-nap.

Andy & Iluska

takecon · Master

Hi,

it was great to see Fidde this morning when I called by. He was great! Very settled and enjoying a lie on one of his duvet s He looked as he had been with you for much longer than 3 days - You definately have special bond with him already.

Enjoy! He is great boy!

Charles

ps mad dash to kitchen - Cleo rushing off with something!!!!!! aghhh bit of chicken fat from rubbish bag - With greyhounds /lurchers have to get waste to outside wheelie bin as soon as possible.

BOWGANG · Master

Glad to hear that Fiddie is doing so well. We saw him at Rachel and Eddies the morning you picked him up and he was his usual friendly self. It's amazing how quickly they take over your whole life isn't it!! Will look forward to seeing him again at a GAL event soon.

PS Is it just me that can't see your photos?

Shirley and Jim

Andy · Old Hand

Hopefully you can see some of the pictures now:

Where do Greyhounds learn to drink from a cup?

A happy Greyhound is a tired Greyhound

BOWGANG · Master

THANKS!! We can see them now and what a happy looking boy..and Iluska..he is! Well done he looks as if he's settled with you already and no doubt enjoying all the love and attention.

Jim and Shirley

TAZ · Old Hand

Hi andy, Iluska

glad to see fiddie is settling in ok he looks quite at home so when are u going to get ur second dog LOL

john & lita tyler & MAX

iluska · GAL Treasurer

Now that Fiddie has been with us for a month, we thought it was time for an update on his (our) progress.

Slowly his character is beginning to come through. It is like peeling an onion, one layer at a time as he becomes more trusting and relaxes. We haven't had too many accidents in the flat, as he is quite vocal when he wants out and we are recognising his signs - a bit of pacing around and sniffing.

When he get out to the park, sometimes he gets a bit spooked if it is busy but Carol and Susan have helped us with a few tips and we are all much happier and enjoying our walks. If you have any question about your greyhound I would urge you to contact Carol.

We took Fiddie up to St Andrews for a few days and he (we) totally relaxed:

As you can see the weather was lovely and hot, and Fiddie developed quite a thirst:

After all the exertion of snoozing and napping, Fiddie has taken to wearing slippers when it is time for bed:

Fiddie has made a huge impact on our lives and improved it in so many ways. How could you resist anything this cute:

To anyone who is reading this and thinking of getting a greyhound our advice is simple - do it!

Calatria · Master

Brilliant pictures, he's a gorgeous boy.

Nicki · Big Cheese

Wonderful pics, what a lovely boy he is.

Nicki and Janie.x