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Help!!
Jun 19, 2006 10:40:41 GMT -5
Post by outtasmommy on Jun 19, 2006 10:40:41 GMT -5
Hi all, it was great to see all of the greys and their families at the bbq. We all had a good time and bought some really nice things (her collar looks great, thanks Jenn) BUT!! We found out while we were there that, apparently, we have a dominate female on our hands. Outta was quite snippy to almost every other grey that tried to say hello (I apologize to anyone whos dog she may have snapped at). My problem is this, we would like to adopt a play mate for her at some point in the near future, Outta seems lonely at night when the kids are asleep and its quiet in the house, but she just doesnt seem to like any of the other dogs for very long. We tried, as Bill suggested, 2 of the calmer males, thingyy and Dash with her, and she did (mostly) ok with them both,but they were sooooo strong that I didnt think that I could handle them. I am fairly petite and as a stay at home mom and primary caregiver for everyone in the house (kids, cats, dogs and what ever other living creature the boys bring home lol) I would be the one walking them. But enough of my blabbing on....I guess what I want to know is of anyone has any ideas what we can do to add another grey to our family with the personality that Outta has. Thanks in advance for your help Debbie
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Help!!
Jun 19, 2006 11:20:38 GMT -5
Post by sdsandiford on Jun 19, 2006 11:20:38 GMT -5
Hi there,
Just thought I should let you know that we have three boys (ranging in weight from 75 to about 95 lbs). They are strong, but greys are generally good on lead. I can walk all three by myself... and I'm about as petite as they come (4'11"). It was a little difficult at the picnic because they were all more excited than usual, but normally it's not a problem. The important thing is to find a nice calm male you can control. I'd suggest, in addition to introducing him to Outta, to take him for a walk by yourself and try and get a feel for how "pully" he might be. Another thing you might try with Bill's permission is to take your male of choice out into the area where the dogs are turned out. We've fould that a responsive dog (one who comes a running when you motion or shout) would likely be a good candidate. Make sure he seems interested in you and wants to be around you. The turn-out pen is a large enclosure, and the dog really doesn't have to associate with you if he chooses not to. Dogs who ignore you, seem more interested in exploring, and do not respond to the sound of your voice are probably a little more independent. There's absolutely nothing wrong with an independent dog, but he might be a little harder to train and/or walk. A nice calm boy (or girl) who is submissive and willing to let Outta be boss is your best bet. Bill can direct you towards the ones in the kennel who might be good choices. Our last two males (Stuey and Dave) were chosen not only because they are less dominant than Jack, but because they responded so well to Lewis and I when we took them out to "play".
Lastly, I have gotten a few comments on the multi-dog leash we use with the boys. It costs a small fortune (around $100), but is one of the best investments we've made for our boys. PM me if you decide on a second, and or might like more info on where I got the leash.
Good luck... and congrats on Outta. She's such a pretty red girl!
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Help!!
Jun 19, 2006 12:02:26 GMT -5
Post by Susan C. on Jun 19, 2006 12:02:26 GMT -5
We too have a very dominant female! Just ask anyone who was at Hugs for Hounds last August on the Sunday - I had to muzzle Gigi as it got so bad. Never mind the neighborhood dogs. She growled, snapped and was just generally not very pleasant the whole time we were there. Not sure if you saw us on Saturday at the picnic - but she is a different dog now - we adopted Apollo 2 weeks ago, he is a BIG, calm boy albeit a bit of a whiner esp at night But that is another problem Gigi put him in his place a few times and it has been peace and quiet ever since! We were really pleased with Gigi's behavior at the picnic - quite amazed actually - she only snapped once and she was in a crowd so I am not surprised. Apollo weighs 85 pounds plus and my 10 year old daughter can walk him - now I would not let her walk him alone obviously but I can walk Gigi and she can walk Apollo (she can also walk Gigi) without any problems. He doesn't walk as well on a lead as Gigi does - he is more of a wanderer but at a leisurely pace - he just likes to check everything out I think the trick is to find someone very calm. There will be a suitable playmate out there for her - Papa Bill will find one - lol
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Help!!
Jun 19, 2006 12:25:01 GMT -5
Post by jiffer on Jun 19, 2006 12:25:01 GMT -5
Greyt advice above. I'd like to add that males can come in smaller sizes too. I have met some that are around the 65lb mark. Our Icarus is only 73lbs and he's easy to walk, when he's not being stubborn. Believe it or not, however, Orion, our 89lb boy is a dream to walk. He rarely pulls (despite doing so at the kennel; the excitement does that) and walks pretty much beside you the whole walk, save for potty stops.
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Help!!
Jun 20, 2006 10:50:18 GMT -5
Post by lovemygreys on Jun 20, 2006 10:50:18 GMT -5
Not sure how much contact Outta has with other dogs. Perhaps taking her to a beginner's training class or something, not necessarily for training but to simply get her used to/socializing with other dogs on leash, might help. We take our two to a doggie day camp 1 day a week to make sure they are kept very well socialized with all shapes and sizes of dogs and they love it!! And boy, do they come home tired (although that's hard to tell with greys ) Lastly, I have an 81 lb. male greyhound that walks like a complete dream. For the most part you wouldn't even know he was walking on leash if you didn't see him there! And he came that way!!
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