Ok so I am going to be getting an Italian Greyhound soon (hopefully), and I would like to know a few things...

1. would it be better to crate them when you are away, or could I put up a baby gate in a bathroom or a room for them to be in? I didn't think a baby gate would work since they can jump...

2. I would also like to enter mine into agility training or mechanical rabbit racing. Do any of you reccomend these activities for this breed, or do you find your dog is more of a lap dog? I'm sure it differs from dog to dog, but an idea would be nice.

3. Has this meet up club ever offered a lot of socialization activities? I'm looking at the calendars and I don't really see anything planned for October yet. When do meet ups typically go on the calendar and how often?


Thanks! I look forward to meeting any of you at events in the future.

A Girl from the Hill,

Natalie

Natalie:

I have done just about everything you suggest in terms of corralling my IG. The crate was not ideal because he couldn't always hold it till I got home and so, he would go in the crate. Once he started going, he lost all inhibitions about going. We used a baby gate and a small room combo, but without any exit to the back yard, he would go inside. Finally, we moved where he could have a doggy door and now, except for when the weather is really bad, he goes outside and never gets into trouble.

I did lure coursing with him once and he enjoyed it, but sometimes would rather chase a dog he spied near the track rather than the plastic bag. He is definitely more of a lap dog, but when he wants to run, he runs fast.

Good luck with your new IG (hopefully). Potty training is the hardest part.

Steve

Steve,

Thanks for your reply. I am adopting an older IG from a Rescue foundation in Northern Virginia. I'm very excited. The one I am looking at is pretty house trained and they say she hardly has any accidents in the house. So I'm crossing my fingers hoping that things will work out in this respect.

Was the Lure coursing expensive when you did it? I think that would be so neat to do, or at least try out.

Natalie