I just wanted to say a big hip hip hooray for how well behaved all the homeless hounds were at the show today they did themselves proud! (and obviously their human helpers were marvelous too!!) I think everyone already knows that I have major soft spots for Rafa, Boy and Dennis who were there today and also for Patch who wasnt there today. However, due to my Bambi's prior record in terms of behaviour with other four legged creatures it was wee Crystal that my heart really went out to as she seemed a little, well a little tense around the other dogs!!
What I would want to say is that prospective owners of Crystal should not be totally put off by her behaviour around other dogs as if you have thought it out and are willing to work with her (in the long term!) this can be improved - as my Bambi is proof of. Now dont get me wrong Bambi will never be the kind of dog you can just happily mingle around non greys with but even now 2 1/2 yrs down the line she still improves with every day. So all Im saying is if u have the right frame of mind and a bit of staying power then give Crystal a chance - im sure you would be rewarded 10 times over by her for giving her that chance! Please dont think I am being pushy or interfering as I dont know Crystal well - just know how some dogs can seem more difficult to give homes to.x
ps yes I am still traumatised every time I meet one of the hounds who doesnt yet have a home hence this message!!lol

Maybe I am still a bit naive (due to my age I should not!) but I believe that most of so called "hard-to-be-handled" dogs have the potential of being very social and other breeds friendly. However I realise it requires lots of work and devotion. They need to be shown what they have not been shown, they need to be taught what they have not been taught so far. Patience, gentleness and consistence can make wonders. That is hard to attain at the kennels having to look after so many dogs, but it can be achieved in a home environment, step by step, showing both the beauty of the world and the beauty of friendship to the poor creatures.The kennels' task is to find a good home for them, our task is to work on their socialisation to fill the gap that is a result of people's negligence in the early stages of their life. I think hounds are quite flexible doggy beings when given a good example, love and attention.
PS. I am not a hound expert, I do realise there might be a lot of problems on they way but I strongly believe in the final success.

i also met crystal for the first time at the show and she was rather nervous and not too happy to be there to say the least,however i was at the kennels today only to be greeted by a big waggy tail big kisses and nearly had to catch a greyhound flying into my arms for a big cuddle and yes you`ve guessed it it was Crystal.she was adorable,couldn`t belive it was the same dog.just goes to show how dogs can behave in diffirent surroundings.
i rehomed Jet last feb who we thought would never be cat friendly but he now lives with 2 cats and a 16 week old yorkie cross jack russell who sticks his head in Jets mouth everytime he yawns.
Jet also goes to work with me (i`m a dog groomer) and he doesn`t even look at the small dogs that come into the shop.
p.s Jet was not happy at the show either.

The conclusion might be that their true nature comes out when they feel safe. The braver and more socialised take it easier. It takes longer to adjust to unknown circumstances to shy, socially neglected ones. Same as people, I suppose.
In my opinion, gentle and gradual exposure to the unknown can make wonders. Most undesirable things (if not all) can be trained out if dogs are given enough time, patience, understanding, consistence and love.
When walking dogs for the RSPCA I noticed that other breeds of dogs most often started "dog rows" with greyhounds.
Gradual and gentle exposure to cats (without avoiding them), in my opinion, lets hounds achieve the same results but the process of socialisation may last significantly longer due to the obvious reasons.

The pictures are wonderful and it was clearly a superb and successful show so congratulations. Just wanted to add that Bryn has got so stressed at the show the past 2 years, we decided not to come along this year. Think it may have something to do with the noise in the barn environment, taking him back to his racing days, as he was fine at the outdoor event at Union Farm. Poor Bryn does carry around a lot of emotional baggage!!