Brandiandwe

When we got our first two greys, we lived in a rented townhouse with a yard that we couldn't use for security reasons so both were indoors or outside with me on leashes. Now in our own house our four are indoors when I'm out and outside only if I'm there because of issues with prey drive and problems with neighbourhood cats. And two get very excited and have resulted in vet bills hurting each other. It takes a lot of commitment but it can be done. Ours get two to three walks a day. The morning walk is 45 minutes to an hour. Turn out or quick potty walk after breakfast. Turn out when I get home. Leash walk 20-30 minutes. Potty walk before bed. I can do this because they are all adults and mostly bone idle. Or, more nicely, they take retirement from racing very seriously! But when the first two first arrived, they were 20 months old. It was a lot more walking and training just to tire them out. But again, the right breed means that wasn't as difficult. I think a dog could definitely work in your situation, but it's a massive commitment. For me personally, my dogs are what I structure my life around. And I don't have so working breed. I don't because my life and work don't allow for that kind of stimulation. One day, hopefully. So,for you, the right breed and the right dog (I'm looking at my boys here who would adore the life you're suggesting but not so much the girls) would be fine.

I'm proud of Paige for always working so hard to control her prey drive when I ask her to, to learn to ignore small dogs and cats on leash. She's not even 60 % reliable and is never totally trusted, but I can see her trying so hard because I ask her to. Brandi, because she is a wonderful therapy dog. Hermon for learning to be a pet, and for the love and comfort he gives my husband. He trusts us enough to have overcome sleep startle and some space aggression, and I know helps DH much more than I when dealing with PTSD. Benny, for coming to a new home and pack at nine, for slipping into a new life and loving everything about it.

I don't want to say I told you so, but I will...... Everyone who refused to support my campaign to prevent these pictures must now suffer the consequences of puppy cravings! I'm thinking a pack of three might work for me. One greyhound, one borzoi and one Rottie. That should work, no?

Poor upset tummies..... But I've fallen for little burgundy......

Just in case, a rather lovely little article about her: My link I loved her work.

My dogs don't do rude dogs, one is a dominant bitch with prey drive, another has become highly reactive thanks to rude dogs and has prey drive issues, and of course I have an elder gentleman who is quite excitable. Three of my four are muzzled and all will chase, coordinate their run and take other dogs down, regardless of size. It will come as no surprise that we don't do off leash parks unless I can prevent others entering for the fifteen minutes it takes to wear my guys out. If your dog is sometimes rude but doesn't react back and doesn't necessarily leave the other dog alone and begins to tease, then that's on you. Those sorts of dogs are the ones which have resulted in mine becoming leash reactive because they just don't listen, my dog gets more and more worked up and the next time, the threshold is so much lower. Eventually either your dog will get bitten or it will react and someone else's dog will get hurt.

I want!.....with four greys, surely a Rottie puppy would go unnoticed?

Again, I must ask you to STOP POSTING! Or suffer the consequences! Gorgeous photos, gorgeous puppies. Luffs them!

4. Ideally we'd have two or three, but, well, everyone arrived who is supposed to be here. So four we'll stay till someone tells us they are ready to leave.

I think this depends on audience. I tell people that I brush my dogs' teeth. Non-doggie people ( and some with dogs) think I'm weird. Most greyhound owners and others just nod understandingly. Most of the above I've also done. I also have moved seats or gotten off the couch to avoid disturbing a snoozing grey on the couch, mainly Benny, who just looks too comfy to move. Both DH and I tuck the dogs in at night (very cute to see a big tuff AJ sweet talking a sleepy greyhound). DH must also say goodbye explicitly to Hermon when leaving for work at 5 am because Hermon otherwise wakes up half an hour later and stands at the door crying. If he knows DH has left, there's no trouble. I am no substitute. Paige also won't eat unless I'm holding her bowl (ok this is probably more me than her. She will eventually eat for others but she hates the sound of the bowl and likes the silence if I hold it). This is all aside from drinking from the same cup as Brandi, sleeping with all of them, including sharing pillows, talking constantly to them.... Am I weird?

Beautiful!

Exciting! Puppy photos!!!

Search under porcelaine. They remind me of a bloodhound but finer or a basset with longer legs. Love them!!!!!!

Not really interested or wishing to get involved in the Russian discussion, but I suspect the problem with the 'white/ squirrel' debate right now comes from the translation of cyrillic to latin alphabet. I certainly remember white being белый or белая and squirrel being белка. Interestingly, the name I've found in Russian is Самоедская собака, meaning dog of the Samoyed with the alternative name being Bjelkier, which seems to be derived from the Samoyed group of languages which have been influenced by Russian but are not the same. Interesting.... Can you tell that I'm avoiding marking and administration today?

It's just over 2 hours (2 hrs 20) from where I am so if you like, I've got some leave coming up and Brandi and I could take a road trip. It would cost you a cup of tea and some lunch!

Try contacting Greyhounds As Pets. They placed all of the greys I know of living in retirement homes etc. As for dropped pills etc, I've always thought there are two commands which will save your dog's life. One is stop or wait. The other is leave it or drop it. Brandi has been explicitly trained to not touch food or anything on the floor and to drop it if it's in her mouth. And I am vigilant. But this didn't stop her getting away with some fillet steak this evening at home. To be fair, though,she helped herself to that from the kitchen counter. Just wanted to add that I'd be happy to bring Brandi out for a visit depending where you are so your manager and some residents can meet her. We're in north west Sydney.

Me too. I'd add galgos (not strictly purebred but I want one. Don't google unless you are prepared to see some distressing images.) and also caravan dogs.

A few weeks ago I had had a late night at work and an early start. I managed to get up, put clothes on, put harnesses, collars and muzzles on the dogs, then headed outside. I carry the leashes to the back gate, everyone lines up and when everyone is still and quiet, leashes get clipped on and the gate is opened. We all go out, stop, I shut the gate, then give them the cue to walk on. That morning we went to the back gate, lined up, I opened the gate, went outside, turned and shut the gate, turned back again and though that Paige was a little bit further ahead, right on the edge of the curb, than usual. Then I looked down and say four leashes in my hand, unattached, and four loose greyhounds standing beside me. So I very quietly and calmly began leashing up, praying that the local scrub turkeys, cats and small fluffies weren't going to come wandering by. Paige, meanwhile began edging towards the road and I didn't want to step towards her in case she took off or the others worked out they were loose. Instead, I called her and to my delight Paige came over with a very pleased look on her face, lined up beside the others and let me leash her. I couldn't be more happy with my gang. And I'm just so thankful that we have a set routine of movement and cues to stop or go which we use every morning, because everyone obviously knew that we didn't walk across the road until I said 'Right then! Off we go!'. Wouldn't want to test it with something to chase nearby.

Anyone else? For the Great Dane lovers? temper tantrum

2 boys, 2 girls. My boys are much more mellow and chilled out. One is very affectionate (hello Benny!) the other is very easy going. Hermon is, as a vet said the day I met him, a dude. Nothing phases him, worries him, or gets him too excited. He just chills out. The girls are both much more intense and trickier. Brandi is a very snuggly dog, but definitely has a mind of her own and will obey usually. Unless distracted. Paige is very independent and has her own agenda all the time. On walks, she is always 'on'. We had the girls first, and I think I will always have a girl. They appeal to me with their independence and spice (and one day I will own a female grey called Sugar and Spice). But we'll also now always have a boy or two around. Just sooooo much easier on every level.

kirty, all I can say, then, is that Pia MUST be one of the most gorgeous dogs in the world - where are the pictures? Nails were clipped again this morning - this time everyone stood still, although Brandi required a throat rub, cuddle and lots of being told that she was the best girl in the world after each nail. Then everyone enjoyed a turkey drumstick for breakfast (except me. I had a smoothie!). Thanks for looking at this thread everyone. I enjoy sharing my dogs, and I still feel like a caretaker for benny on behalf of the community.

Benny being elegant. And what I have woken up to ..... Thank you Mr Buttons!

hankdog, you haven't seen me out on the morning walk. Generally I'm lucky to have my clothes on front to back. I don't guarantee anything about them being outside out. Nor have you seen mine roaching. Or farting and burping. Elegance is not the word. Right. I'm thinking a dermal is in my future. Thank you all for the suggestions. Rebanne, I particularly enjoyed the Bunnings link. DH is especially happy about dog shopping there. As for him being lucky, we are the lucky ones. Adopting a senior has been a very special and wonderful experience.

I'm going to get a dremel I think. Hopefully it will work better for Brandi as well, who is a complete diva when it comes to her nails. We suspect she was less socialised and handled than the others, and she's certainly more nervy as a dog, so touching her feet and doing her nails is always an ideal despite years now of handling and consistency. It really just goes to show how important those first few months are! But what else can I do for Benny's nails? Or do I just manage as best I can?

Three whole months! He now has his own hook in the laundry (the blue IKEA dogs bottom and tail one!) for all his stuff, he's the only one Hermon lets near DH when he first gets home - even the girls have to wait. Benny just barges in. I think he's a little hard of hearing but he really loves life.