Fife Greys Forum

Carol-Ann and Karl

Aug 25, 08 - 1:19 PM

Maggie And Shandy

Can anyone give any advise on how to housetrain a greyhound??

We adopted maggie and shes just the best wee dog anyone could ask for, shortly after we adopted shandy and hes a great wee dog too, in his own wee way lol.
we have a problem with housetraining him - we take him out alot and only sometimes when hes out wil he do the toilet, he wil wait til hes on his own in the house an do it there. its driving me bonkers!! lol.
he gets a row for it but its a reoccuring problem.

and another thing u can be sitting with him petting him and thn the next thing he up on his hind legs scratching at u and running wild - and often gets a wee nip in there too. i dont understand what causes this.

Shona has been a great help aswell giving us advise - anyone has a problem contact shona! lol

if anyone has any advise or tips please feel free to comment.

Ailsa Fairgrieve

Aug 25th, 2008 - 6:58 PM

Re: Maggie And Shandy

Hi, sorry to hear you are having problems. When we first got our lad he was the same and pee'd in the house quite a bit for the first 'wee' while. It did get better quickly and he learned from our girl to go outside. I wouldn't give him a row for doing it unless you actually catch him doing it. He'll not understand what he is getting a row for. LOTS of praise when he goes for a pee outdoors. It will get better, honest.

With regards to the jumping up, I'm not sure. Sometimes our two can take a mad turn and jump around and up on us. Maybe someone else can offer more advice on this subject?

Helen & Dave

Aug 25th, 2008 - 7:51 PM

Re: Shandy

If shandy does not do the toilet when he is out for a walk,If possible take him into the garden regularly or even just leave the door open so he can go in and out at his leisure .And when he does 'go' outside give him lots of praise.Re the jumping up and scratching etc this sound like a bit of exuberence or a case of come on let's play!.It sounds like he is needing to get rid of some excess energy. Hope this is of some help.

Helen & Dave

CELIA

Aug 28th, 2008 - 9:27 AM

Re: Maggie And Shandy

So sorry to hear that Shandy is coming back to us. Is there anybody out there who fancies a challenge with this " lost " boy ??
He is used to the company of a female grey. Funny how both sexes form attachments, bit like an old married couple.

Jackie

Aug 28th, 2008 - 11:38 PM

Re: Maggie And Shandy

I got this with Stumpy even the mad nipping and running about too. He has calmed down now big time. The wee wee thing is the same too, we are never there to tell him no and then take him outside as you are meant to, it's either at night or when we are out. Did all the usual cleaning up method. Giving him a row way after he has done it is no good as far as I have been told. Just getting out the brass band

when he does get it right is the best way. Stumps hasn't done it for ages/ months now. Tho it's always a possibility with him. I think it's a anxiety thing especially if it's when you are not around and mostly time will fix that and he realises that you aren't going anywhere and ARE coming back. In the meantime how about restricting his movements when you are out, I didn't crate as couldn't bring myself to, but restricted him to upstairs and hall downstairs, then I knew at least if he did it where it would be. I also put duvets and towels down on carpet and rugs. He had anough room with the bedrooms and hall but the main area he did it in the living room was off limits so that stopped him going back to pee in the same place

The mad running thing I actually am ok with as it's usually when he is most happiest, petting etc, to me it's almost like he is so happy he has just got to go NUTS. Although Stumpy nips and at first I was nervous of this, a few "ow's" when he did it has got him to just mouth a bit and I let him run like a loony and he calms down. It's just his wee mad streak

I put it down to yet another quirk. Give Shandy time, it's like I can remember not bonding to Stumpy due to all of his weird ways and now god I couldn't love him more, quirks or not. If Maggie was so good he has a lot to live up to, I was lucky all of mine were bonkers

Jackie

Aug 28th, 2008 - 11:44 PM

Re: Maggie And Shandy

Crikey posted all that and then read Celia's post. Is he really coming back? I have been thru this and more and it is so worth it. They don't know our rules, our ways it takes time and bicarbonate of soda, bleach and biological soap powder.

I always look at new dogs as how it would be if we were abducted by aliens, can't speak the language, petrified,not sure what they want of me etc

No dog comes perfect not really. I think Maggie was so good she made it harder for Shandy

Anji

Aug 29th, 2008 - 2:47 PM

Re: Maggie And Shandy

Wow, asking for advice and three days later deciding to give up on the dog ...what about giving all the advice a shot first?

Shandy is an angel compared to what i went through before but i still wouldnt have given my dog up.

Carol-Ann Karl

Aug 29th, 2008 - 10:13 PM

Re: Maggie And Shandy

This isnt an easy decision by far, we are really sad that it has came to this.

people keep sayin to give their advise a shot, everything everyone has said we have tried - trust me.

we also care for young relatives that are 5 months old and 6 years old and the scratching and nipping of Shandy is not an option, fair enough people say there dog has a mad turn and Shandy does too but it is too much for kids to deal with as the nipping could be classed as a bite.

we apreciate peoples advice but we are not really giving Shandy up as we said at the time of adoption that it would be as a trial because we didnt know if it would work, as we only found out his age and that he had only been in a kennel all his life at the time of adoption.

we were more than willing to give Shandy a chance but we are just lost as to what would be best for him.

we are still giving Maggie a home so surely that makes a small difference to the number of greyhounds needing a home?

sorry if we have upset anyone but we are quite upset by the comments we have received.

Fiona B

Aug 29th, 2008 - 11:44 PM

Re: Maggie And Shandy

Hi Carol-Ann & Karl,
Really feel for you in this very difficult situation. In a family environment children always come first, and I understand how hard a decision it can be between dogs/childrens welfare, heart-wrenching to be made to decide between the two.
I think you have been very brave & as well as taking into consideration your familys best interests, it may also prove to be in Shandys best interest. He will hopefully in the near future find a forever home more suited to his needs, an enviroment with no children and someone home nearly all of the time to help address the toilet training issue.
I am as sad as anyone when I click on the "please choose me" and see a dog back again, but we must all remember that every household is different. Everyone has different responsibilities/working patterns/family commitments and a dog that may be a perfect pet for one family, may not be for another family through no fault of the dog or the family themselves.
I really wish you well with Maggie, and hope in time this decision becomes easier to bear, as I'm sure you've already lost so much sleep over making the right decision for you, your family, and Shandy.

Fiona K

Aug 30th, 2008 - 12:40 AM

Re: Maggie And Shandy

Hi Carol-Ann

As you've said you've given Maggie a home and bear in mind people who are passing comment on here obviously don't know the whole story. I've had problems with all of mine and admit have wondered if I've done the right thing in the initial settling in period BUT I don't have kids to consider. You've made a very difficult decision which you've done for the best. Shandy obviously is not the dog for you but he will be for someone else.

Take care

Fiona

Shona

Aug 30th, 2008 - 10:08 AM

Re: Maggie And Shandy

Thanks for everyones positive advice/posts. This has been a very dfficult decision for Carol-Ann & Karl to make. Maggies adoption has been a great success & she's found her forever home. Shandys adoption also meant that he to had found his forever home but unfortunately his adoption hasn't worked out. I'm sure it's reassuring for them to know that Celia has it all in hand. Although they don't have any children of their own they felt that Shandys boisterous (greyhound mad half hour) behaviour was a concern for their nieces/nephews when visiting. I'm sure Shandys forever family are just around the corner

Yvonne & Phil

Aug 30th, 2008 - 11:40 AM

Re: Maggie And Shandy

The children certainly need to come first. Well done for trying.

Reading some of the comments made by certain folk disgust me, unless you know all the circumstances you should keep your comments to yourself.

Anji

Aug 30th, 2008 - 3:26 PM

Re: Maggie And Shandy

Sorry but everyone can only comment on the facts presented...where in the initial post does it state children were involved and initially it sounded like the odd wee in the house and the odd nip when he got over excited. We shouldn't comment until all the facts are presented ...but erm we were being asked for advice without all the facts.

My wee collie came to me having been badly abused, raised voices would make her wet herself, she tore up 3 stair carpets, ate a door and started on the plaster on the wall ....it took 18 months of perseverence but the day came she was actually able to trust again and the reward from that outweighed the cost of all the damage.

Do any of us know the background to our hounds? Having a son myself i would never jeapordise his safety but how can faiV advice be given without ALL the facts

Carol-Ann and Karl

Aug 30th, 2008 - 3:38 PM

Re: Maggie And Shandy

This is a really difficult time for us, so thanks to everyone for your support. Its hard to even look at Shandy without a tear.

Fair enough we do not know his backround and the life he had before us, but all we know is we have treated him well as best we can but there is certain issues as to the nipping and toilet training.

Carol-Ann And Karl

Pat Senior

Sep 12th, 2008 - 1:54 PM

Re: Maggie And Shandy

I have been involed with dog/greyhound rescue for over 25 yrs. The dogs I took in came with all kinds of issues. It takes time and lots of TLC to overcome toilet training, aggression etc and some of the dogs had been through unspeakable things. It can be difficult, but if you are totally dedicated and will go that extra mile, the rewards are many. Shouting at a dog has no effect at all. If the dog messes in the house take it out of the room and clean up and take the mess outside and the dog will follow suit. This advice I got from an animal behaviourist and it worked. If Shandy has to go back, I wil give him a home if he is small dog friendly. I have the patience and understanding to cope.I am a close friend of the webmaster and would welcome a home check.

Jackie

Sep 12th, 2008 - 5:27 PM

Re: Maggie And Shandy

Oh that's lovely hope it works out for Shandy.

Don't feel too bad Carol- Ann and Karl,it's just you posted looking for advice and before anyone got back you had handed the dog back that's why it was upsetting, reading it it looked like you hadn't given the dog a chance. Also it does not mention the children in the intital post. We were just telling you what our dogs did, which sounds similar. However it is a hard decision to make and I don't doubt it was painful for you. We have all been thru it. I call the first 6 months of getting a dog the pain barrier where we are all just bumbling along trying to get along.

Maggie does sound like a dream and you have been really lucky with her don't let this put you off posting or considering another dog, just remember the perfect ones are like hen's teeth, but the problem ones when they eventually come around and it all comes together, well there is no feeling like it, such a trip

Good luck

Jackie

Pat Senior

Sep 15th, 2008 - 11:12 AM

Re: Maggie And Shandy

I don't think adopting another dog is a good option. If you have one easy greyhound, just stick with that one. Unless you are totally committed you shouldn't even consider adopting a dog. Also if children are part of a family, you should think even harder. Try and think how the dog feels, one minute he is in kennels, then he finds his forever home, with another grey for company, then he finds himself back on his own in kennels again. I am not having a go, I am just stating facts, dogs have feelings too. I have always thought very hard before bringing another dog home, but if I do I stick with it, problems and all. When I used to do rescue, I would not adopt a dog out with families who have kids under five, for obvious reasons. At least Shandy went back to Celia, now all I have to do is take my little Chinese Crested and my greyhound to meet him, and if he passes that test, then I will bring him home to meet the rest os my old dogs.

Jackie

Sep 15th, 2008 - 6:08 PM

Re: Maggie And Shandy

Yes I always say once the dog is home it's home, after the intial cat testing of course. If they are ok with her then anything else we can live and deal with. Not easy tho, I could've handed Stumpy back many timesa as he was extremely hard work and also hard to bond with, but because of my views being basically the same as you Pat, I didn't and golly am I glad I didn't. He is my wee loopy bundle of fun and affectionate as anything now that he knows how to be.

Still he pood on one rug and peed on the other last night, was up scrubbing at 5am. Not his fault tho, he is housetrained but if is caught short in the middle of the night what can he do?

I hope Shandy is ok with your Chinese Crested, that may be a big test. Fingers crossed, as that's his only hurdle to get to come home with you.

Shona

Sep 15th, 2008 - 9:39 PM

Re: Maggie And Shandy

Hiya Pat - just wanted to also pass on my good wishes that Shandy passes the test & he finds his forever home with you, he deserves a break. Got everythng crossed that it goes well - i'll also instruct Brionnach, Maisie & my foster Keira to do the same

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Author	Comment
Carol-Ann and Karl Aug 25, 08 - 1:19 PM	Maggie And Shandy Can anyone give any advise on how to housetrain a greyhound?? We adopted maggie and shes just the best wee dog anyone could ask for, shortly after we adopted shandy and hes a great wee dog too, in his own wee way lol. we have a problem with housetraining him - we take him out alot and only sometimes when hes out wil he do the toilet, he wil wait til hes on his own in the house an do it there. its driving me bonkers!! lol. he gets a row for it but its a reoccuring problem. and another thing u can be sitting with him petting him and thn the next thing he up on his hind legs scratching at u and running wild - and often gets a wee nip in there too. i dont understand what causes this. Shona has been a great help aswell giving us advise - anyone has a problem contact shona! lol if anyone has any advise or tips please feel free to comment.
Ailsa Fairgrieve Aug 25th, 2008 - 6:58 PM	Re: Maggie And Shandy Hi, sorry to hear you are having problems. When we first got our lad he was the same and pee'd in the house quite a bit for the first 'wee' while. It did get better quickly and he learned from our girl to go outside. I wouldn't give him a row for doing it unless you actually catch him doing it. He'll not understand what he is getting a row for. LOTS of praise when he goes for a pee outdoors. It will get better, honest. With regards to the jumping up, I'm not sure. Sometimes our two can take a mad turn and jump around and up on us. Maybe someone else can offer more advice on this subject? Email: ailsafairgrieve@yahoo.co.uk Website: http://www.ailsakinesiology.co.uk
Helen & Dave Aug 25th, 2008 - 7:51 PM	Re: Shandy If shandy does not do the toilet when he is out for a walk,If possible take him into the garden regularly or even just leave the door open so he can go in and out at his leisure .And when he does 'go' outside give him lots of praise.Re the jumping up and scratching etc this sound like a bit of exuberence or a case of come on let's play!.It sounds like he is needing to get rid of some excess energy. Hope this is of some help. Helen & Dave
CELIA Aug 28th, 2008 - 9:27 AM	Re: Maggie And Shandy So sorry to hear that Shandy is coming back to us. Is there anybody out there who fancies a challenge with this " lost " boy ?? He is used to the company of a female grey. Funny how both sexes form attachments, bit like an old married couple. Email: FERNIEJIMMYF@aol.com Website: http://www.greyhoundrescuefife.com
Jackie Aug 28th, 2008 - 11:38 PM	Re: Maggie And Shandy I got this with Stumpy even the mad nipping and running about too. He has calmed down now big time. The wee wee thing is the same too, we are never there to tell him no and then take him outside as you are meant to, it's either at night or when we are out. Did all the usual cleaning up method. Giving him a row way after he has done it is no good as far as I have been told. Just getting out the brass band when he does get it right is the best way. Stumps hasn't done it for ages/ months now. Tho it's always a possibility with him. I think it's a anxiety thing especially if it's when you are not around and mostly time will fix that and he realises that you aren't going anywhere and ARE coming back. In the meantime how about restricting his movements when you are out, I didn't crate as couldn't bring myself to, but restricted him to upstairs and hall downstairs, then I knew at least if he did it where it would be. I also put duvets and towels down on carpet and rugs. He had anough room with the bedrooms and hall but the main area he did it in the living room was off limits so that stopped him going back to pee in the same place The mad running thing I actually am ok with as it's usually when he is most happiest, petting etc, to me it's almost like he is so happy he has just got to go NUTS. Although Stumpy nips and at first I was nervous of this, a few "ow's" when he did it has got him to just mouth a bit and I let him run like a loony and he calms down. It's just his wee mad streak I put it down to yet another quirk. Give Shandy time, it's like I can remember not bonding to Stumpy due to all of his weird ways and now god I couldn't love him more, quirks or not. If Maggie was so good he has a lot to live up to, I was lucky all of mine were bonkers
Jackie Aug 28th, 2008 - 11:44 PM	Re: Maggie And Shandy Crikey posted all that and then read Celia's post. Is he really coming back? I have been thru this and more and it is so worth it. They don't know our rules, our ways it takes time and bicarbonate of soda, bleach and biological soap powder. I always look at new dogs as how it would be if we were abducted by aliens, can't speak the language, petrified,not sure what they want of me etc No dog comes perfect not really. I think Maggie was so good she made it harder for Shandy
Anji Aug 29th, 2008 - 2:47 PM	Re: Maggie And Shandy Wow, asking for advice and three days later deciding to give up on the dog ...what about giving all the advice a shot first? Shandy is an angel compared to what i went through before but i still wouldnt have given my dog up.
Carol-Ann Karl Aug 29th, 2008 - 10:13 PM	Re: Maggie And Shandy This isnt an easy decision by far, we are really sad that it has came to this. people keep sayin to give their advise a shot, everything everyone has said we have tried - trust me. we also care for young relatives that are 5 months old and 6 years old and the scratching and nipping of Shandy is not an option, fair enough people say there dog has a mad turn and Shandy does too but it is too much for kids to deal with as the nipping could be classed as a bite. we apreciate peoples advice but we are not really giving Shandy up as we said at the time of adoption that it would be as a trial because we didnt know if it would work, as we only found out his age and that he had only been in a kennel all his life at the time of adoption. we were more than willing to give Shandy a chance but we are just lost as to what would be best for him. we are still giving Maggie a home so surely that makes a small difference to the number of greyhounds needing a home? sorry if we have upset anyone but we are quite upset by the comments we have received.
Fiona B Aug 29th, 2008 - 11:44 PM	Re: Maggie And Shandy Hi Carol-Ann & Karl, Really feel for you in this very difficult situation. In a family environment children always come first, and I understand how hard a decision it can be between dogs/childrens welfare, heart-wrenching to be made to decide between the two. I think you have been very brave & as well as taking into consideration your familys best interests, it may also prove to be in Shandys best interest. He will hopefully in the near future find a forever home more suited to his needs, an enviroment with no children and someone home nearly all of the time to help address the toilet training issue. I am as sad as anyone when I click on the "please choose me" and see a dog back again, but we must all remember that every household is different. Everyone has different responsibilities/working patterns/family commitments and a dog that may be a perfect pet for one family, may not be for another family through no fault of the dog or the family themselves. I really wish you well with Maggie, and hope in time this decision becomes easier to bear, as I'm sure you've already lost so much sleep over making the right decision for you, your family, and Shandy. Email: fionaamcdonald@aol.com
Fiona K Aug 30th, 2008 - 12:40 AM	Re: Maggie And Shandy Hi Carol-Ann As you've said you've given Maggie a home and bear in mind people who are passing comment on here obviously don't know the whole story. I've had problems with all of mine and admit have wondered if I've done the right thing in the initial settling in period BUT I don't have kids to consider. You've made a very difficult decision which you've done for the best. Shandy obviously is not the dog for you but he will be for someone else. Take care Fiona
Shona Aug 30th, 2008 - 10:08 AM	Re: Maggie And Shandy Thanks for everyones positive advice/posts. This has been a very dfficult decision for Carol-Ann & Karl to make. Maggies adoption has been a great success & she's found her forever home. Shandys adoption also meant that he to had found his forever home but unfortunately his adoption hasn't worked out. I'm sure it's reassuring for them to know that Celia has it all in hand. Although they don't have any children of their own they felt that Shandys boisterous (greyhound mad half hour) behaviour was a concern for their nieces/nephews when visiting. I'm sure Shandys forever family are just around the corner Email: shonanicoll@msn.com
Yvonne & Phil Aug 30th, 2008 - 11:40 AM	Re: Maggie And Shandy The children certainly need to come first. Well done for trying. Reading some of the comments made by certain folk disgust me, unless you know all the circumstances you should keep your comments to yourself. Email: yvonne.beaumont@blueyonder.co.uk
Anji Aug 30th, 2008 - 3:26 PM	Re: Maggie And Shandy Sorry but everyone can only comment on the facts presented...where in the initial post does it state children were involved and initially it sounded like the odd wee in the house and the odd nip when he got over excited. We shouldn't comment until all the facts are presented ...but erm we were being asked for advice without all the facts. My wee collie came to me having been badly abused, raised voices would make her wet herself, she tore up 3 stair carpets, ate a door and started on the plaster on the wall ....it took 18 months of perseverence but the day came she was actually able to trust again and the reward from that outweighed the cost of all the damage. Do any of us know the background to our hounds? Having a son myself i would never jeapordise his safety but how can faiV advice be given without ALL the facts
Carol-Ann and Karl Aug 30th, 2008 - 3:38 PM	Re: Maggie And Shandy This is a really difficult time for us, so thanks to everyone for your support. Its hard to even look at Shandy without a tear. Fair enough we do not know his backround and the life he had before us, but all we know is we have treated him well as best we can but there is certain issues as to the nipping and toilet training. Carol-Ann And Karl
Pat Senior Sep 12th, 2008 - 1:54 PM	Re: Maggie And Shandy I have been involed with dog/greyhound rescue for over 25 yrs. The dogs I took in came with all kinds of issues. It takes time and lots of TLC to overcome toilet training, aggression etc and some of the dogs had been through unspeakable things. It can be difficult, but if you are totally dedicated and will go that extra mile, the rewards are many. Shouting at a dog has no effect at all. If the dog messes in the house take it out of the room and clean up and take the mess outside and the dog will follow suit. This advice I got from an animal behaviourist and it worked. If Shandy has to go back, I wil give him a home if he is small dog friendly. I have the patience and understanding to cope.I am a close friend of the webmaster and would welcome a home check. Email: lexus.greyhounds@ntlworld.com Website: http://www.inspirationsofthesoul.org.uk
Jackie Sep 12th, 2008 - 5:27 PM	Re: Maggie And Shandy Oh that's lovely hope it works out for Shandy. Don't feel too bad Carol- Ann and Karl,it's just you posted looking for advice and before anyone got back you had handed the dog back that's why it was upsetting, reading it it looked like you hadn't given the dog a chance. Also it does not mention the children in the intital post. We were just telling you what our dogs did, which sounds similar. However it is a hard decision to make and I don't doubt it was painful for you. We have all been thru it. I call the first 6 months of getting a dog the pain barrier where we are all just bumbling along trying to get along. Maggie does sound like a dream and you have been really lucky with her don't let this put you off posting or considering another dog, just remember the perfect ones are like hen's teeth, but the problem ones when they eventually come around and it all comes together, well there is no feeling like it, such a trip Good luck Jackie
Pat Senior Sep 15th, 2008 - 11:12 AM	Re: Maggie And Shandy I don't think adopting another dog is a good option. If you have one easy greyhound, just stick with that one. Unless you are totally committed you shouldn't even consider adopting a dog. Also if children are part of a family, you should think even harder. Try and think how the dog feels, one minute he is in kennels, then he finds his forever home, with another grey for company, then he finds himself back on his own in kennels again. I am not having a go, I am just stating facts, dogs have feelings too. I have always thought very hard before bringing another dog home, but if I do I stick with it, problems and all. When I used to do rescue, I would not adopt a dog out with families who have kids under five, for obvious reasons. At least Shandy went back to Celia, now all I have to do is take my little Chinese Crested and my greyhound to meet him, and if he passes that test, then I will bring him home to meet the rest os my old dogs. Email: lexus.greyhounds@ntlworld.com Website: http://www.inspirationsofthesoul.org.uk
Jackie Sep 15th, 2008 - 6:08 PM	Re: Maggie And Shandy Yes I always say once the dog is home it's home, after the intial cat testing of course. If they are ok with her then anything else we can live and deal with. Not easy tho, I could've handed Stumpy back many timesa as he was extremely hard work and also hard to bond with, but because of my views being basically the same as you Pat, I didn't and golly am I glad I didn't. He is my wee loopy bundle of fun and affectionate as anything now that he knows how to be. Still he pood on one rug and peed on the other last night, was up scrubbing at 5am. Not his fault tho, he is housetrained but if is caught short in the middle of the night what can he do? I hope Shandy is ok with your Chinese Crested, that may be a big test. Fingers crossed, as that's his only hurdle to get to come home with you.
Shona Sep 15th, 2008 - 9:39 PM	Re: Maggie And Shandy Hiya Pat - just wanted to also pass on my good wishes that Shandy passes the test & he finds his forever home with you, he deserves a break. Got everythng crossed that it goes well - i'll also instruct Brionnach, Maisie & my foster Keira to do the same Email: shonanicoll@msn.com