Dominant female greyhound

Question
Hello, I have had an ex-racing greyhound since July. She is not used to other dogs, and has been displaying signs of dominance, e.g. growling when approached (although usually only if the other dog is boisterous or excited), marking, kicking dirt after going to the toilet. I think she's improving - we are going to agility, flyball, and obedience classes, and I have been taking her to a friend's house where there are two airedales, and she is behaving herself with only the odd growl. But is there anything else I should be doing to sort this out? I want to be able to leave her at 'dog daycare' (she is there today on trial!) occasionally, but I'm worried that she will react badly to the other dogs. But without meeting other dogs in that kind of context, it's hard to see how to socialize her. Or is this dominance something I will just have to accept? Thanks so much in advance for your help.  

Answer
Hi Kate,

thank you giving an ex-racing Greyhound a new forever home!

YES, agility, flyball and obedience classes are super!!!!! Those will also be the important steps to take to show her "Who's Boss", because no, you do not ever "Accept" unwanted behavior.

Dominant behavior manifests usually in dogs which haven't experienced a healthy pack life. Most racing dogs haven't had a good, former life. Back then having other dogs around her only increased her stress level and I believe she simply tells the other dogs to back off, most likely more out of fear and un-ease than dominance.

It is very important not to baby her, to give her something to do (Which you are by taking all those wonderful activity steps), to make sure you never use the pity voice, which people often do without even realizing it.

If you are around other dogs with her make sure to secure her by keeping her on the leash. If you don't want her to growl that much, tell her. You can say "Stop" as this word is a strong impact word, and when she does and looks at you, tell her "Good job, good stop" or you can also use "Quiet" as it also carries a good impact sound. Just never forget to praise her the moment she goes silence as it tells her this is what you, the leader, wants.

Again, racing dogs do go thru a substantial amount of stress and anxieties, but with some work they often, and I mean very often, turn completely around. I've seen ex-racers who would get along with cats!

The obedience classes will help socializing her. Contact the rescue you adopted her from, find out if they have gatherings, social outings, a Club.

I think you are very much on the right track (No pun intended, LOL) with this dog %26 I am extremely confidant this will result in a loooooooong and wonderful owner-dog relationship.


If you need to have more questions answered feel free to contact me.



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