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HOMING IN GUERNSEY, ALDERNEY & SARK |
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Arriving Home Your dog will arrive and be taken straight to the Greyhound Rescue Sanctuary, where the new owners will be waiting. After an initial check over and introduction to his new family the adoption forms will be signed and we will ask you to take your new family addition home and settle him in. It will have been a long day full of new adventures so do not be surprised if he is somewhat "spaced out". Different dogs react in different ways and remember this hound has lived a very regimented life with no home comforts so many things will be alien to him and may initially spook him. When you arrive home take the dog straight into the garden or designated toilet spot and wait. Hopefully they will perform and this should be rewarded with plenty of praise and a tit bit. What for tell tale signs for example the dog pacing or sidling up to something, scratching at the door or circling and then take him out immediately. Always take him out straight out after meals. Your new dog will have not been feed on arrival day due to the travelling involved, so a small snack would probably be appreciated before settling him down for the night. Please be patient whilst your dog adjusts. You will sometimes find that for the first few weeks your dog will follow you around everywhere. You are his only link with the outside world and he needs that security but as he gains his confidence this will lessen and he will be content to lay nearby or even in another room. They also sometimes feel the need to take something of yours to their beds just like a baby with his comfort blanket - we always think this is a lovely gesture. FEEDING Many new owners already know how and what they wish to feed their dogs based on past experience. There are many products on the market but we find greyhounds do very well on the Burgess Complete Food - Supa Greyhound or Supa Sensitive. If your dog seems happy with this food and his stools are firm then you've cracked it. As with all dried foods, water nearby or indeed in the food is essential. Some dogs will like the food soaked, dry or half and half. Feeding at the same time twice a day is recommended and as with other deep chested breeds, greyhounds are prone to bloat or torsion - serious life threatening conditions. Immediate medical attention is required sometimes to no avail, but preventative measures include avoiding exercise just before or an hour or so after feeding. If you would like to know more on how to spot signs and symptons please ask your vet.
G&M Hickmott 2007© |
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