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It occured to me that here we could share some of the ups and downs of owning whippets, and the ultimate successes (or failures) that have resulted. Although we would have to be brutally honest and very courageous, this thread may give other whippet owners hope and strength through their current trials. The dog trainers advised rehoming or putting Jacques to sleep. I can't believe he didn't see past the bad (??) behaviour into the nervousness and lack of confidence in him!
So, I will start with Jacques and his increased nervousness since we lost Sam.
Due to poor health on our part, neither dog was exercised out of the garden more than 1-2 times per week over the past year, and then usually over the fields behind our house.
Sam always barked at other dogs but only after being bitten by a German Shepherd when he was a youngster himself. He never forgot the gateway, or the pain I think!
Jacques began to do the same, so we occasionally took them out separately in the hope that Jacques wouldn't follow in his brother's footsteps. But he almost refused to walk away from the house, and always wanted to turn round and go back, whining most of the time.
Now Jacques is on his own, we have no choice but to take him for daily short walks alone. We go at times when the streets are quiet and take a route that is pleasant but interesting (no cars, plenty of lamp posts and bushes to pee up!). But since last Friday's episode, where Jacques was jerked to heel and generally made to feel he was a stubborn, spoiled brat, we have noticed an increase in his shyness (ie when meeting the neighbour across the picket fence) or when strangers come to the door.
I think Jacques is still missing Sam dreadfully. We all are. The dog trainer said it was too soon for us to take structure or advice on board as we were still grieving. We will always miss our old friend but are thankful he is out of pain.
I can see we will have to build up Jacques confidence again but most of it lay with Sam anyway, so we have a lot to do. I'm thinking perhaps a gentle, dog or bitch, who's owner would be happy to come on short, local walks with us (perhaps both dogs muzzled) to help J. gain confidence and become happy out in the big wide, world. Ever since we've had him he has seemed worried outside the home.
I think the dog trainer has really spooked him, so we have to be very careful how we do this, but I'm determined to help the boy.
If any K9 member would like to share here problems they have had or are having with their hounds, and how they are dealing with it, I would be grateful.
We have had whippets for 40 years between us, and know the breed well. Anyone who knows us knows we are kind, loving, gentle, understanding and fun with our hounds. We had more energy 20 years ago with 4 hounds and 2 small children but we are willing to work hard at this for Jacques sake.
Hubby refuses to consider another dog as companion for Jacques. Does anyone think getting an older pup would help? Perhaps we would need to have Jacques in a calmer place before that happened. Also medication? Has anyone tried mild tranx with their nervy whippet?
Hope to hear from you ladies/gents soon and thanks for taking the time to read this thru!
Sadie x
So, I will start with Jacques and his increased nervousness since we lost Sam.
Due to poor health on our part, neither dog was exercised out of the garden more than 1-2 times per week over the past year, and then usually over the fields behind our house.
Sam always barked at other dogs but only after being bitten by a German Shepherd when he was a youngster himself. He never forgot the gateway, or the pain I think!
Jacques began to do the same, so we occasionally took them out separately in the hope that Jacques wouldn't follow in his brother's footsteps. But he almost refused to walk away from the house, and always wanted to turn round and go back, whining most of the time.
Now Jacques is on his own, we have no choice but to take him for daily short walks alone. We go at times when the streets are quiet and take a route that is pleasant but interesting (no cars, plenty of lamp posts and bushes to pee up!). But since last Friday's episode, where Jacques was jerked to heel and generally made to feel he was a stubborn, spoiled brat, we have noticed an increase in his shyness (ie when meeting the neighbour across the picket fence) or when strangers come to the door.
I think Jacques is still missing Sam dreadfully. We all are. The dog trainer said it was too soon for us to take structure or advice on board as we were still grieving. We will always miss our old friend but are thankful he is out of pain.
I can see we will have to build up Jacques confidence again but most of it lay with Sam anyway, so we have a lot to do. I'm thinking perhaps a gentle, dog or bitch, who's owner would be happy to come on short, local walks with us (perhaps both dogs muzzled) to help J. gain confidence and become happy out in the big wide, world. Ever since we've had him he has seemed worried outside the home.
I think the dog trainer has really spooked him, so we have to be very careful how we do this, but I'm determined to help the boy.
If any K9 member would like to share here problems they have had or are having with their hounds, and how they are dealing with it, I would be grateful.
We have had whippets for 40 years between us, and know the breed well. Anyone who knows us knows we are kind, loving, gentle, understanding and fun with our hounds. We had more energy 20 years ago with 4 hounds and 2 small children but we are willing to work hard at this for Jacques sake.
Hubby refuses to consider another dog as companion for Jacques. Does anyone think getting an older pup would help? Perhaps we would need to have Jacques in a calmer place before that happened. Also medication? Has anyone tried mild tranx with their nervy whippet?
Hope to hear from you ladies/gents soon and thanks for taking the time to read this thru!
Sadie x
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