Behaviour & Training List

it is commonly believed that when a dog rolls over that it means they want their belly rubbed, but is that always the case?

Despite spending months, if not years, of their lives travelling in van as part of their racing careers, many hounds can be fearful of travelling in cars. How can you help them overcome this?

The debate of positive vs negative vs balanced dog training has been rolling around for years and years, and probably will for years to come. However, despite those who still support it, dominance theory and the related training methods were debunked decades ago...by the person who founded it!

It is commonly believed that when a dog raises its hackles, that they are being aggressive, but is that actually the case?

Why do we sit on sofas? Because they are comfortable. The reason is the same for a dog, and for a stressed out hound who is new to a home and has discovered this super comfy and safe raised space...its not too much of a surprise to find that they might not want to share it with you!

In the UK, dog trainers and behaviourists do not need to be qualified, licenced or registered which means that anyone can claim knowledge without anything to back it up. This makes it difficult for people to find real help when they need it and are easily swayed by 'TikTok Trainers' who show quick fix results through the use of adversive methods.

Settling in a new hound is an ongoing process as they are learning, growing and developing their character for months. The initial period is crucial in setting them up to succeed, and understanding the 3-3-3 rule is a good starting point!

People who witness dog bites often say that it 'came out of nowhere', however that is very very rarely the case. There will have been warning signs, they just went unnoticed!

Reactivity in dogs refers to an exaggerated response to certain stimuli. While some levels of reactivity is normal, excessive reactivity can be problematic. More problematic still is the awful advice being given to manage it.

Crates are quite often viewed as a negative thing, and are often used in a negative way. However, they can be very beneficial if usd correctly and positively, particularly for anxious hounds.

Socialisation is often used in reference to exposing your hound to other dogs to ensure they are happy and confident in interacting with them, or in social groups. But it is much more than that!

Dominance and pack theory was debunked years ago, yet people still insist on following it. It's time to let it go guys! Bullying your dog is not okay!

While it does seem like greyhounds consider sleep to be an olympic sport, being able to sleep, or nap, regularly is important for both their mental and physical health.

Dogs body language is a complicated affair and when it comes to understanding their mood, it can come down to noticing the slightest change in their eye brow position. But the most recognisable, and most misunderstood, communicator is their tail.

Something that occurs in early hound ownership is the 'frozen hound' on walks. This somewhat embarrassing behaviour is a symptom of fear, and one that needs time and patience to overcome.

This is possibly one of the funniest (if slightly concerning) behaviours that greyhounds present when being bathed. Have you ever seen it?

Defensive behaviours like resource guarding, often perceived as aggression or dominance, can occur in the initial weeks of taking a new hound home. This behaviour which comes from anxiety and a lack of trust can be disheartening and cause panic, but what do you do?

Is your hound struggling? The 'Stress Bucket' is a commonly used and easily understood analogy to help explain dog behaviour.

It can be disheartening when you have a hound that is so terrified that they just hide away all the time, but they can't help it! It's in their genetics!

This behavioural issue can occur in any number of breeds, but can be more prominent in retired racing greyhounds or other hounds with non-traditional upbringings. It is often a settling in issue, but for some it can be ongoing. Thankfully, it is very easily managed.

Seperation issues can be a short-lived settling in problem, or a long-term behavioural concern...but in both cases, they need careful management to overcome and prevent it becoming a bigger issue.

Redirected aggression can be a very scary, and potentially very dangerous, especially when they turn on you as their owner. But why does this happen?

Greyhounds make fantastic family companions. They are typically very tolerant and loving toward children but you should still follow the goldne rules...which apply to all dogs!

How confident are you in understanding your dogs body language? Could you look at their face and be able to tell if they are stressed or relaxed?

Greyhounds, like many dogs, have a lot of adorable behaviours but they aren't always understood. Chattering is one of them!

Have you ever had your hound react unexpectantly? Many hound owner get confused by the 'part time' nature of their hounds reactivity, but there could be several reasons for it.

'Kissing' is one of the most commonly misunderstood behaviours and it isn't as wholesome or cute as it may seem in most cases.

Fireworks season can be, for many hounds and their owners, months of struggle, stress and anxiety.

Sudden environmental changes can cause hounds a lot of stress, resulting in unwanted behaviours. So, how best can you introduce Christmas and ensure the tree survives?

Greyhounds, like a lot of dogs, struggle in understanding and communicating with bull breeds, but why is that?

Its not uncommon for previously house trained hounds to regress in their training, particularly at night time over the winter and early spring months. Are hedgehogs to blame?