Claire just to say at the beginning Biscuit was so excited wanting to meet other dogs, so we have done everything gradually.  Saying hello when both dogs are on a lead, asking owners if it's ok for them to say hello etc., and on his main hour's walk during the day, our woods walk means he can get off lead for safe parts of the walk.  When he is off lead, and walking ahead, and I see a dog, I say a sharp "Wait", and it means he stops (gets a treat), and waits for me to hold or put his lead on.

My problem is Biscuit is very trusting and playful to all dogs, and has had 2 bad nips so far when they get fed up of him, and it has made me wary of dogs we don't know, and I'd rather he only plays with trusted friends.  It's a real hard balance, because you want them to have their time off and play time, and Biscuit really seems to need the exercise. I try to be vigilant and consistent with voice and commands, rewards etc., and I do think he is getting better, or warier! 

You know, it makes me really quite sad to read some of these posts and also makes me realise that I am really very lucky.  I very rarely come across the reactions that seem so common in all these posts.  For the most part, most people I meet with dogs are curious about greyhounds and are more than happy to come and admire them and speak to them (most take Millie for a grey too).  I think it helps that Tigger is so laid back about meeting other dogs and keen to play.  She is also extremely friendly and anyone met is an instant friend. 

I get the usual comments - bet they need lots of exercising etc but other than that, they just admire them.  Wills and Millie are more problematic - they work together and shout a lot when we see other dogs but as long as Wills is on a lead, Millie chickens out and hides in the trees or creeps past. 

What is also good is that the greyhound population seems to be growing in the Dunoon area (I see them about but don't really know who has them or where they got them from)!