Post by lilliput on Feb 20, 2017 20:48:16 GMT
Hello, thought it about time for Lily's first diary update Lily has been home almost 3 months now! We love her to bits and I think she doesn't mind us either Sorry this is another very long update!
So we took Lily to her dog socialisation class about a month ago now. It didn't go quite to plan..
The dog trainers and other dog owners were lovely but the hall had a slippy floor, not a great start for Lily. Then the barking started! All the other dogs were constantly vocal and it was so loud and the barking was amplified by an empty hall!
It became quickly apparent Lily wasn't happy with all the noise, she was panting and a little shaky We'd not seen her like that before and it was quite distressing for her and us. She still managed most of her training but was so worried she wouldn't even take treats
Anyway the day after she didn't want to leave her home for walks (coming when called but running back to her or our bed when she saw the collar), after 24hrs we were so so worried. After being 100% in her toilets since she came home she pee'ed in the house. We felt absolutely awful, she must have been bursting! We spoke to Pat and she explained we needed to be kind but the boss. I think we felt so guilty of taking Lily to the class we doubted ourselves as fit owners and let Lily make too many of her own decisions. Anyway a massive lesson learnt by us!
24hrs later harmony resumed and she forgave us, we kindly took control of her walks and the usual routine resumed, everyone happy
I'm still astounded how quickly our happy routine completely disintegrated and then resumed as quickly. Note for new owners like us - if things go awry then speak to Pat quickly before things escalate! Pat thank you so so much for your diamond advice.
We haven't taken Lily back to the class, she ain't going to learn anything from a room full of barking dogs right now. We've continued going to the class without lily and found it really helpful Lily has now learnt wait, stand, come on, this way, busy busy (toilet), leave it, close (heal), lay down, steady and of course din dins.
I should also say Lily is perfect with all dogs we meet on walks. If I think a loose dog is over the top, so it's not an equal meeting that Lily can enjoy then we step in and take control of the situation. I think this has really helped Lily chill with all kind of dogs, knowing she has complete back up from us if needed.
Lily has also had her her first beach visit, she ran through the shallow waves as I ran next to her on the beach. Lily has also had long walks in the New Forest on a mini break from London
We've found a completely greyhound secure part of a local park and take Lily at least 4 times a week for time off the lead. Lily still just trots around within 5meters of us, but if we play and run with her she'll run with us. We can't run very fast though! We're working on teaching Lily to run and play more Any suggestions welcomed.
We've found two more local retired greyhounds, so Lily, Farah, Lola and Rusty will be going for a group walk very soon!
I'm sure you can tell but me and Tom are completely in love with Lily. I can't thank Dunton enough for looking after Lily when she retired and bringing her into our lives.
Some pics of Lily of course
Sent from my iPhone
So we took Lily to her dog socialisation class about a month ago now. It didn't go quite to plan..
The dog trainers and other dog owners were lovely but the hall had a slippy floor, not a great start for Lily. Then the barking started! All the other dogs were constantly vocal and it was so loud and the barking was amplified by an empty hall!
It became quickly apparent Lily wasn't happy with all the noise, she was panting and a little shaky We'd not seen her like that before and it was quite distressing for her and us. She still managed most of her training but was so worried she wouldn't even take treats
Anyway the day after she didn't want to leave her home for walks (coming when called but running back to her or our bed when she saw the collar), after 24hrs we were so so worried. After being 100% in her toilets since she came home she pee'ed in the house. We felt absolutely awful, she must have been bursting! We spoke to Pat and she explained we needed to be kind but the boss. I think we felt so guilty of taking Lily to the class we doubted ourselves as fit owners and let Lily make too many of her own decisions. Anyway a massive lesson learnt by us!
24hrs later harmony resumed and she forgave us, we kindly took control of her walks and the usual routine resumed, everyone happy
I'm still astounded how quickly our happy routine completely disintegrated and then resumed as quickly. Note for new owners like us - if things go awry then speak to Pat quickly before things escalate! Pat thank you so so much for your diamond advice.
We haven't taken Lily back to the class, she ain't going to learn anything from a room full of barking dogs right now. We've continued going to the class without lily and found it really helpful Lily has now learnt wait, stand, come on, this way, busy busy (toilet), leave it, close (heal), lay down, steady and of course din dins.
I should also say Lily is perfect with all dogs we meet on walks. If I think a loose dog is over the top, so it's not an equal meeting that Lily can enjoy then we step in and take control of the situation. I think this has really helped Lily chill with all kind of dogs, knowing she has complete back up from us if needed.
Lily has also had her her first beach visit, she ran through the shallow waves as I ran next to her on the beach. Lily has also had long walks in the New Forest on a mini break from London
We've found a completely greyhound secure part of a local park and take Lily at least 4 times a week for time off the lead. Lily still just trots around within 5meters of us, but if we play and run with her she'll run with us. We can't run very fast though! We're working on teaching Lily to run and play more Any suggestions welcomed.
We've found two more local retired greyhounds, so Lily, Farah, Lola and Rusty will be going for a group walk very soon!
I'm sure you can tell but me and Tom are completely in love with Lily. I can't thank Dunton enough for looking after Lily when she retired and bringing her into our lives.
Some pics of Lily of course
http://instagr.am/p/BQgOj_eBo1k
http://instagr.am/p/BQnlLVqDbhy
http://instagr.am/p/BPfo0QohUx7
http://instagr.am/p/BQODB02hIri
http://instagr.am/p/BPzppfuFop3
http://instagr.am/p/BQN-ygYhZA-
Sent from my iPhone