Yep, my world revolves around my three.  They are my babies and as close to grandchildren as my mother is EVER going to come!  Think she's finally starting to accept this. 

I've had no major problems introducing Millie and Tigger into the family over the last three years.  Wills has been very accepting of the whole thing despite being quite an anxious wee dog.  If you decide to go ahead with a second, I hope it goes smoothly - you'll soon know whether it's going to work - and, if you do have problems, the folks on here are brilliant for advice. 

I also eat, breathe and sleep on the subject of my animals. But with me, it is not just dogs. I love every animal to bits.  I am not just a dog lover. I am animal daft.  Vegetarian and everything!!  I could never have been a vet.  Could not ever put an animal to sleep or hurt them with needles, I would be distraught.  Cry at everything to do with animals in distress! 

I would ideally like to have a menagerie at home, but, I married hubby!   3 in the house of any one kind is enough for him.  He is an animal lover but not as obsessed as me.  I much prefer animals to humans.   I really think I should have stayed single! then I could be living at home with my own zoo!! 

I am still trying hard to convince hubby to have another Greyhound. He is keen, but not right now.  But, I do worry, in case I also get a more dominent dog who bullies Jack. He is such a submissive dog.   

Marian.

babies?  yuk.  can't think of anything worse.  dogs rank much much higher than babies on my radar !!!!

Interesting. The question of a new dog bullying the present weaker one is mentioned. Some dogs just aren't cut out to be alpha. They prefer to be further down the pecking order. Top dog is too much stress for them. If they are this way inclined a stronger personality will be dominant but that's not to say they bully. A good pack structure doesn't need to bully. You need to support the hound who happens to become alpha, regardless of who it may be. When you have a fairly dominant dog resident then this is when you need to make sure you bring home a hound who isn't interested in this position otherwise you could have problems. If you've got a 'wimp' then they really should be accepting of any dog. In the absence of a strong male dog for alpha a strong bitch will take this role. Greys and lurchers are generally pretty laid back and most packs have no problems. Lenny is boss here, then Rosie then Ruby. Rosie has much patience with Ruby but she won't let her cross the line so to speak. A growly bark is all that is needed if Ruby has annoyed Rosie. Ruby never retaliates as she knows and is happy with her position in the pack. Lenny never throws his weight around. Simply no need. I put bowl down in order of rank and same when comes to geting feet wiped etc. This way I support my alpha and keep the pack order. Problems can occur when we select our 'favourite' who isn't alpha and make a fuss of him all the time. The alpha dog will bully this individual because we haven't followed the pack structure rules. Luckily, out type of hounds are more laid back and forgiving than some breeds. An unruly pack is the result of bad leadership. One of my sisters is terribly. Her dogs have no respect for her and totally ignore her. Don't do anything they're asked. I hate having them in my house. They are into everything. She's too soft. They simply don't see her as alpha.

So long winded post to say 'go ahead....get another hound!'

Indiana wrote:

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Thanks for advice.  I liked your comments on keeping the pack structure.  I did get another hound - on Wednesday!  I'll follow your ideas and feed the alpha first.  It looks like Indiana is going to take that position.

Alexis, Indiana and Tigerlily x

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Hi Alexis, just to point out there's more that one way to make toast.....the best thing you can do to get a new hound settled into your house with another dog is to let them get on with it. I'm not against setting rules and guidelines for the new arrival but to start enforcing things, especially ''pack'' structure ideas is IMO worng....just imagine you've got a new flatmate come to stay for a while, they need to know where the bathroom is, they need to know where they will be sleeping but you'd never think to get a nice chocolate cake, eat it in front of their face and say ''it's my flat I'm in charge'' would you?...Let the dogs have a nice chat and let them settle under their own terms following your guidelines...

Hi Everyone,

I learned the dog pack thing on 31st December 1992. I had inherited my mothers black labrador -Raisa. She had been staying with me on and off for the previous year  -during my mother's ill health.

I rehomed a dog with a bit of lurcher in her  from SSPCA Cardonald on the above date( you can see my downfall started -  leading to GAL in 2003)

Any way Rosie came into my flat - took  one look at Raisa- jumped on the sofa had a good roll. With that look 'I've landed all right here' Then she she had a good dump in the hall.

From the the first entrance - she was in charge. Raisa accepted that and they lived happily together for next 11 years without issue. I wanted Raisa to be in charge - but it was not in her nature to be so.

Since then I've introduced many greyhounds and lurchers some as short stays and some longer term. My golden rule is  - supervise the initial introduction - muzzles etc  then the dogs settle things themselves. Usually it is clear who is top boy and top girl. The ones that take priority re the seating / bed arrangements etc. They will defend thier spaces. Lesser pack members defer, usually taught a lesson, if they do not - a wee nip.  Just trust them to sort things out. It what they are good at.

But remember - always make sure that top dogs and the pack are below all of the humans in the 'pack'

Charles