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Written by Barbara Gadola, owner of Distinctive Dog Training, LLC
Adopting a retired racing greyhound or a hound that never made it to the track is a unique experience in many ways, not the least of which is the fact that these dogs have never lived in a home before -- unless they were lucky enough to be fostered. Dogs adopted from the animal shelter or purchased from a home-based breeder have most likely been raised in a home environment at some point in their lives and may have a clue that they need to relieve themselves outside and not on your stereo speaker.
Most greyhounds make the transition from the kennel to a home very easily, but a few need some help to learn that the house is not their bathroom. To make sure the process goes smoothly, treat your new hound as if he is a puppy. Do not allow free access to the house until he has proven to you that he understands that he needs to potty outside and he has a way to tell you that he needs to go. If you prevent the habit of urinating in the house from ever starting, you’ll be way ahead of the game.
Begin by crate training your hound so that he becomes comfortable being in his crate for short periods. Whenever you cannot be dedicated to watching your new hound’s every movement, he should be in a crate. Most hounds have no issues being crated if you make it a pleasant association by tossing special treats in the crate or even feeding meals there. The crate is a great way to protect your house from being soiled and to protect your hound from potentially dangerous items when he is left alone. You may find that your hound will begin to crate himself when he is tired or just wants to be alone.
Another way to monitor your hound and keep him with you at the same time is to tether him to you. Attach his leash to your belt loop and you will have a shadow that you can keep an eye on. It’s also a great way to bond with your new family member. The only issue is that your couch potato may not be able to keep up with you as you move around the house. He’d probably rather be resting on the most comfortable bed in the house.
You could also use baby gates to confine him to the room that you are in so he doesn’t have the chance to roam freely about the house and out of your sight. Just be sure to watch him so he doesn’t wander into a corner and decide that’s a good place to go.
If you don’t have a doggie door, it’s also very helpful if the dog has a way to tell you that he has to go outside. A great way to do this is to have the dog ring a bell attached to the handle or knob of the door that you use to go outside. Rub a little peanut butter on the bell and get your dog to sniff and lick it. When he does, the bell will sound and you can open the door and give him a treat outside. Do this for a few days and the dog will make the association between ringing the bell and going outside.
Don’t forget that when your dog does his business outside, to praise him when he’s finished. Give him a little treat or a neck rub and tell him what a good boy he is.
Dogs must earn their freedom in the home by proving they are reliable in housetraining. By managing the environment and being diligent about watching them closely, you will set them up for success and have a hound you can trust in the house.
If you have housetraining questions or other behavior issues with your hound, please contact barb@distinctivedogtraining.com .
Barbara Gadola is the kennel director for Arizona Greyhound Rescue (volunteer). Her business, Distinctive DogTraining,LLC provides positive solutions and personalized training for you and your dog.
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