Reducing Adaptation Anxiety In the Retired Racer
By Judy Kody Paulsen
Bringing home a new dog presents a multitude of
training challenges. A retired racing Greyhound has a
unique background that needs particular consideration
during the introduction to its adoptive home.
Your adoptive Greyhounds have led a very structured
life that presented very few changes on a day-to-day
basis. Familiarizing them properly with a different
routine can make the initial adjustment much less
stressful for you and your new pet.
Remember that they have been in the company of other
dogs since birth. They have essentially never been left
alone and they could depend on seeing one or more humans
at least four times a day, like clockwork. Greyhounds
should be "weaned" gradually from this
predictable environment, especially if brought into a
home with no other pets where the family is gone most of
the day. A retired racer can be taught to accept being
alone provided each family member, during the adjustment
period, is patient and doesn't try to rush the process.
Each dog responds differently, but in most instances
they will learn to patiently await your return and
suffer little or no anxiety.
Your Greyhound should be brought home when someone
will be present to supervise the adaptation for at least
two or three days. When you arrive home with your new
Greyhound, make every attempt to stay with the dog the
rest of that day and night. During this period, you can
concentrate on introducing the dog to the house and the
area it is to use for relieving itself. The following
morning, leave the house (dog inside, preferably in an
x-pen that you were instructed to use) for 10 to 15
minutes. Take a walk around the block, then return. That
afternoon, repeat the same procedure, only stay away
about an hour. The next day try two hours in the morning
and two hours in the afternoon. The first day the family
leaves for work/school, someone should return home at
lunch. Repeat this for the next two or three days,
continually reassuring your pet that you will be back.
Hopefully, by the end of the week, your Greyhound will
understand that someone will always return home. This
helps alleviate the dog's fear that it has been
abandoned whenever you leave the house.
Having more than one dog (be absolutely certain that
they have been introduced properly) reduces the
likelihood of anxiety when the dogs are left alone.
Leaving a radio on helps, as this is a common practice
in many Greyhound kennels. Always "childproof"
your house before leaving your dog(s) inside, especially
now, if the crate is no longer necessary. Don't leave
closet doors ajar and be sure no food is within reach on
any counters. Put shoes away and remove any articles
that may be conceived as "toys." Do leave a
blanket or dog bed on the floor where the dog normally
sleeps, or leave the crate door open. Some greyhounds
like the accessibility of their crate even when they are
accustomed to their new home.
Remember, the learning process can be very easy for
some dogs, and not so easy for others, so be patient and
you will be rewarded with a loyal, loving companion.
For more information on our group or inquiries
regarding dog adoption, please contact us…
Phone: (403) 252-7534
Email: info@sagaa.org
Website: www.sagaa.org
Jul 23, 2006 9:29 PM
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