|
Post by tracyandgeorgia on Dec 12, 2013 18:57:04 GMT
Hi, I have 2 greyhounds, Bobby rehomed about 18 months ago and Tilly, a year ago. Tilly is only 3 and has got very puppy like over the last month or so, lots of jumping up and play biting when I get home and when she is stroked- and the older dog Bobby sometimes joins in! It is improving slowly, with ignoring the behaviour and not saying hello until she calms down. She also has moments where she goes loopy running and jumping on furniture like a possessed rabbit. Is this normal behaviour? I'm assuming it's because her confidence has grown. Any advice appreciated Tracy
|
|
|
Post by suethejam on Dec 12, 2013 20:22:19 GMT
Hi Tracy
I think that Tilly's behaviour is normal but you want to get on top of it really quickly as play-biting can get out of hand and is easily misconstrued by strangers. I suspect that Tilly is partly excited and partly making a bid for top dog status (over you as well as Bobby!).
You're doing the right things though - when you get in, ignore her completely (I always find this really difficult!) and if she jumps up or goes crazy then turn your back on her and ignore her. The second she shows calm behaviour then reward her with your attention. With play-biting, a really firm "no" followed by turning your back might be the way to go.
It is ok to enjoy play time with Tilly but it has to be on your terms - if she won't get into a calm routine when you come in then doing something high-energy to use up her excitement may be better - but maybe not in the front room!
We're very lucky in having a large garden with a paddock - every now and then the hounds just let loose and zoom around like mad things - do you have anywhere to go for Tilly to have an off-lead run occasionally? Alternatively, training classes are great - they're very stimulating and always wore our hounds out!
I hope that helps - as I mentioned, I think you're doing the right things - it's just a question of re-balancing the pack :-)
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2013 20:25:24 GMT
I experience a similar reaction from my female who jumps up a lot and play bites. She came from another home where she had been for 5 years so obviously allowed to react that way. I will not greet her or put her lead on for walks until she has settled, along with a very firm "NO!". It's beginning to work. The problem is that Ted, the male I have had for a while now, also tries to jump up - 34kg of hound is not a comfortable impact!!!! As for the loopy running and jumping, thats pure happiness!!
|
|