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Post by lchomitz on Aug 23, 2013 7:41:12 GMT -5
Good morning grey lovers! I would like to introduce my new addition to the family, Remy. We are first time grey owners and have been searching for a grey for some time now. We picked her up from GRA last night.. being new to greys, everything about her for me is brand new and vice versa... any advice you can give would be greytly appreciated She is very anxious and timid - she slept all through the night, but not in her new crate (rather on our bedroom carpeted floor BESIDE her new bed lol) ...baby steps - anyone have any advice about getting her to go in her new crate??Stairs are also an issue - we have 2 flights of stairs and a landing in between.. she manages to get up the stairs and stops at the landing, looking up at me.. and forget about going down the stairs.. that's something we need to work on She has not eaten/drank yet today or last night - we are watching her closely and are trying out a new type of food. She is on antibiotics for a puncture wound inside her mouth and obviously being spayed is a little traumatic as well... 2 pills left to give her today and tomorrow. Wind in her hair... Squeeeeeek! Beauty... Lindsay
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Post by lchomitz on Aug 23, 2013 10:57:46 GMT -5
Remy does the statue thing too! Freaked me out the first few times... she also stares a lot.. There is so much behind those eyes, I can't wait until she becomes more confident. Another cute Remy he looks sweet.
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troysmom
Hound Nut
Troy & Leopold
Posts: 1,717
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Post by troysmom on Aug 23, 2013 13:39:47 GMT -5
Congratulations! Remy is a beauty. They change so much over time, I just adopted Jed (formerly Jeds Josh) about 4 months ago. Boy has he changed, he was scared of husband and all noises, actually he's very sensitive to any noise what so ever. He has come along way with love and patience. Sounds like you will give Remy all the time she needs.
Appears to me that she is quite content without her crate. Does she need to be crated? Baby gates are the best alternative for initial training so you can progress to leaving them free in the house. All my pups wanted nothing to do with the crate after a few days, actually both Ghost and Jed forced themselves out of the crate when I wasn't home and thank goodness did not hurt themselves. If she likes sleeping beside you out of the crate I think that's a good thing.
As for the stairs, give her time. She's made it part way up. I have a landing as well and we had to carry Jed over that part for some reason. A couple days later he figured it on his own and made leaping bounds up the stairs.
It's a lot to absorb for them in the coming months but sounds like she's doing great so far.
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Post by newtothis1 on Aug 23, 2013 13:53:53 GMT -5
Congrats on your new pal. She is beautiful and has so many first to experience now. She is lucky you are there to help her. You could try putting a treat in the crate and also make it nice and comfy. Maybe a nice old comforter to lay on and a prize toy. She may not even know how to play with the toys just yet, but that will come with time. Also try and make it normal, don't make a big deal out of her going in there, just leave the door open and say "in your crate" each time, then give a treat and close the door. Trust me she won't be in there that long anyway before you trust her to be out alone. There is nothing wrong with a timid dog, they just take more time to adjust but make amazing companions and you will get such joy when you see their accomplishments.
A lot of times they get passed over because they are timid and are not in your face dogs. My guy is still timid but it has benefits as when all the other dogs at the park are getting up to mischief, he stands back and will also come when I call him, so he usually does not get into the same trouble as the other ones.
Don't get me wrong, they can still get into it and sometimes it's frustrating when they won't approach people, but I wouldn't have him any other way.
You are starting a wonderful journey with your girl enjoy every minute and you are at the right place for all kinds of help and advice, the people on this forum are great.
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Post by lchomitz on Aug 23, 2013 14:01:01 GMT -5
Thank you all for the advice The more I hear about not crating her the more I like the idea - we will see how she is over the next few days - maybe baby gates are the way to go! I am concerned about her while I am at work however, as she will be alone for more than 4 hours starting Monday - slowly leaving and coming back will help and I have heard is a good way to get her adjusted to the separation. Lindsay
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moncheri
Grey Addicted
Broodies are the best!
Posts: 2,843
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Post by moncheri on Aug 23, 2013 14:55:55 GMT -5
Hi Lindsay! Welcome to the forum & congratulations and adopting beautiful Remy! I have had 3 Greys (all separately) and have not used a crate. Well, I tried with the first one who told me for 3 days she did not want/need/like it before I clued in. Instead I use and extra tall doggie gate and have made my den the "dogs room" to separate them from my 2 cats & keep the dog safe from stairs while I am at work. This works perfectly. Each dog has accepted this room as their place. I always leave a radio on when I am out as they are used to music/sound from the various kennels they have lived in. Set Remy up with a couple of comfy beds, maybe a couple of toys and a water bowl and she'll be fine. Take out anything that could get her into trouble (plants/breakables/hide electrical wires). Make sure you always take her out for a lengthy brisk walk before you go to work, give her breakfast and then she will sleep until you get home. For the eating drinking issue, make sure you are using a metal dish for her water (plastic can have a funny taste and cans release toxins over time). She is under going major stress as she settles in to your home & routine so she may not eat right away. One trick to try is fry up a bit of ground beef, cool it and sprinkle over her kibble and mix with a bit of water before stirring. Turkey broth is another favourite. My dogs have all enjoyed scrambled eggs too. Basically she will not starve herself - it just takes some longer that others to adjust. They are use to eating alone to so once you present the meal, don't watch or speak to her - leave her alone a go do something else quietly away from her so she doesn't feel threatened or unnerved. The meds she is on might also be hampering her eating. Hope her mouth heals quickly. As far as stairs, that takes time & others will give lots of suggestions. Can't wait to hear more about your first week together & please post some pictures as soon as you can.
Carla
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Post by lchomitz on Aug 23, 2013 16:47:28 GMT -5
Hi Carla! Thank you for all the advice... I am pleased to say that Remy has gone in and out of her crate quick a few times with ease... I say "crate" as she is walking in and give her a treat once she is inside with the door closed - I then leave the room, and she settles right down. She also ate half of her dish and drank her fair share of water! I figured out that she does not like to be watched AT ALL when she is eating/drinking/doing her business Lindsay
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Post by GreyPoopon on Aug 23, 2013 19:51:51 GMT -5
Congratulations! It sounds like you're making progress already.
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Post by angelollie on Aug 23, 2013 20:29:44 GMT -5
Hi Lindsay ... welcome to the forum and congratulations on bringing Remy home. She certainly is a pretty girl. Learning about your new baby during her first few weeks at home will make beautiful memories and fun times as she adapts to her new environment. There is an article at the beginning of the forum under GRA forum/Greyt Information/New to Greyhounds/called No Fear No Pain. This will explain Remy's existence from birth, through puppyhood, schooling and finally racing. Suddenly, she is pulled out of that environment, one that is all she has ever known, and thrown into another existence and expected to be a pet. She must feel like such a minority. This article will really help you understand why Remy is like she is and may give you ideas on how to help her as she makes that transition from track to home. And of course, nothing can outdo love and patience.
Another article that is a good read is: Greyhound Articles : greytarticles.wordpress.com. This is amazing site that has tons of information from separation anxiety to runny poops, etc.
Good luck with Remy ... she'll become the love of your life.
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moncheri
Grey Addicted
Broodies are the best!
Posts: 2,843
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Post by moncheri on Aug 23, 2013 21:37:16 GMT -5
Excellent Lindsay! Sounds like you & Remy are figuring it all out quite nicely. This forum is a wonderful place to share ideas & celebrate the strides forward. Good for you!
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daylight
Hound Nut
what's so funny Light?....Joker!
Posts: 1,275
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Post by daylight on Aug 24, 2013 21:09:52 GMT -5
Congratulations! Remy is just beautiful! ...And it sounds like things are working out very nicely! You seem very in-tune with your girl and I think that is one of the the keys to allowing her to gain understanding and confidence in her brand new world. Enjoy every moment of this amazing and wonderful time!!
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Post by Adam Samantha & Cora on Aug 24, 2013 22:33:23 GMT -5
Wow she is awesome! It'll take time for all of you to adjust but you'll get through it!
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Post by Heather (& KC) on Aug 25, 2013 6:53:45 GMT -5
Congrats! She's a total cutie. And, you're such a good mom already. As you've found out, she'll adapt quickly. As for stairs, with my first grey it was a good 6 months before he learned by watching another dog. Up until that time I had to show him one foot at a time (I don't know how they get all those legs coordinated). Thunder (my second) has been home for 6 months and has not yet mastered stairs. He leaps up the 4 stairs in the garage. Luckily that's the most he has to do as our bedroom is on the main floor. When you figure out the stair thing you can let me know. LOL. Actually he'll be boarding at a greyhound place where Mr Max learned and I suspect he'll get taught. Lots of love and patience will help her learn what's expected of her and she'll blossom. The first couple of days have been the most challenging for me! It's so much fun watching their true personalities emerge. Good luck! And, we're all here for you!
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