ABC Wednesday has reached the letter ‘H‘ this week! Well, H is for Hound, of course, so I’m onto a winner there, aren’t I? Because greyhounds are members of the hound group of breeds. This means that they are independent, due to thousands of years of selective breeding to allow them to work on their own, and because of this trait, they can be stubborn.
Some think they’re extremely hard to train, but this is not so. All you have to do is find what motivates them, and you’re halfway there! So far, Sid has learned to go to his bed when told, to lie down, to wait, to stop doing what he’s doing when I say ‘uh-uh!’, to ‘speak’, to touch a box with his nose, and to make eye contact (the ‘look at me’ command). He will also come to me, but isn’t terribly reliable at this one just yet. However, he does love his training sessions, and has been known to request one by stretching his head up to the kitchen dresser and looking from the clicker to me and back again.
So, until one has a greyhound properly trained to come when called in pretty much all situations, one has to be sensible as to when and where to allow them off lead. Now, for some people and some greyhounds, this will be ‘never’ (unless in an enclosed area) and I respect the views of those who differ with me, but we’ve been pretty lucky, and out of the four dogs we’ve had previously, three have had the luxury of daily off lead walks in the country and never got themselves into any trouble, because they did have good recalls. However, in a situation where there are numerous other dogs running about, some of them not very well behaved at all, we found it wise to keep them on leads*. In their later years, this meant harnesses for both Renie and Jack.
They loved being out and about, but in the summer we had to be a little bit careful, because greyhounds are prone to overheating. Here is Renie demonstrating how hot she would get in the sun.
She didn’t want to go indoors by herself, you see, even though she’d have liked to. Her Royal Highness was always much happier hogging the sofa. With her tongue hanging out!
Sid gets hot too. Here he is on a trip to a country park last summer, having an ice cream.
I had to hold it for him, of course. Greyhounds are pretty smart dogs, but there is the whole opposable thumb thing .. or lack of one.
Of course, when the weather is cold, Sid loves warmth, and will seek it out. So why is he in the conservatory, lying on this uncomfortably flat bed?
The answer is simple. The conservatory has a heated floor! Look at that expression of bliss! Greyhounds are the most hedonistic of dogs!
They love being hugged, too. This was Sid’s first day with us, when quite a lot of dogs might be expected to hang back a little and be shy. Not Sid.
And here he is at a show last summer, being hugged by a sweet little chap in a hat!
That’s one of my favourite pictures of Sid.
Of course, the weather isn’t always kind, and then greyhounds feel the cold, too. Here’s Renie, too lazy to move to a warmer room. Looks like she’s hiding herself, doesn’t it?
Whereas actually, she’s warming her nose.
Oh yes, we do have to take good care of our hounds. And one thing we have to do is take care of their teeth by giving them plenty of hard things to chew.
See how hard he’s working on that! I think it’s a pig ear, but he has the smoked bone for later.
Now, how about I leave you with a short video of Sid? As you know, he’s a tripod, and that means he has to hop his back end along when he walks. I’m sure some of you think that sounds a bit awkward for him, so I thought you might like to see him in action.
Hops along just fine, doesn’t he? And he looks happy, too!
Oh, and by the way – the picture right at the top was taken on our holiday to Dewey Beach last year.
*Extending leads are NOT recommended for use with greyhounds for various reasons, the most important being that they can go from 0-30mph in a few strides if they see something they want to chase. If you drop the lead it can seriously spook them so that they panic and run faster, and blindly, and can get injured. If you don’t drop the lead, you could theoretically break their necks. However, we knew our dogs. Neither had a tendency to take off after anything while being walked: Jack was too elderly, and Renie too lazy, and both had been thoroughly trained to walk nicely. However, I would still say to anyone who asked, don’t do it.
Another excellent selection of pics. Those hounds get in some amazing positions
Anthony North´s last blog ..HISTORY
Break their necks, or yours, it would seem!
On behalf of the ABC team, thank you! (Because I KNEW you didn’t want to thank yourself!)
Roger Green´s last blog ..H is for Haiti
Interesting post. Spent a good few minutes reading.
Haha, nice photos!
I just KNEW your word would be Hound…Happy Hounds at that! The one of Renie under the blanket made me smile. It does look like she could be hiding from the weather. Our Golden doesn’t seem phased by storms in the least. In fact, he loves to be out in the rain!
LisaF´s last blog ..Hangin’ with some Hs
Sid walks fast! The tripod doesn’t seem to bother him at all! He looks happy indeed. Thanks for sharing your dogs!
Reader Wil´s last blog ..ABC Wednesday, H for Hauteville House. Victor Hugo
I always love seeing your dogs! When I scrolled down it made me laugh when I was the one with it’s tongue sticking out. Such fun.
That Renie is quite the HAM!
By the way, I love that blue rug/quilt/blanket(?) The Middle Eastern one, with the elephants…lovely!
ethelmaepotter´s last blog ..In Search of Spring
And of course you know I totally adored this post Jay. Loved the wonderful look on Sid’s face when he was getting a hug from (was it your son?) the man. Then of course the photo of him laying on the couch, tongue out….happy happy!
Sistertex at Spacial Peepol´s last blog ..The Color of Shamrocks
Great photos of the hounds. I esp like the one at the beach, and her royal highness hogging the sofa!. Glad to see Sid getting along. Great H post.
Great H post for the day! The greyhounds are such great dogs! Love your photos! A former neighbor of ours had a greyhound and I’ve seen her in just about all the poses you have here! Such sweet wonderful dogs! Hope your week is going well!
Sylvia
Sylvia Kirkwood´s last blog ..Evening, Wisdom and Beauty
Wonderful photographs of very Happy Hounds!
If we take our dogs out when it’s very hot we take cold wet towels to drape over them if we have to be out for long.
Loved the video clip of Sid – what a handsome dog he is.
jabblog uk´s last blog ..Face of the Week #2
aaah dogs my absolute favorite
Monika´s last blog ..Let me take you to the ruins
I think you used all the “h” words in the dictionary! These are wonderful dogs and your photos are SO good. Very nice post for “H”.
carolynUSA´s last blog ..Watery Wednesday, Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot (Animals) / Pelicans on the Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, California USA
What a happy hound Sid seems to be. I love how he manages to get around so well. I have seen 3 legged dogs and cats before and am always amazed.
Great shots! And you got all the H here too. ^_^
H for Hairdo
manang kim´s last blog ..H is for Hairdo
I get a kick out of the crazy positions you capture them in. This is a great post for H and thanks for showing me so much about Greyhounds that I didn’t know about.
photowannabe´s last blog ..ABC WEDNESDAY LETTER " H "
I could use a heated floor myself right now. Its freezing over here!
meleah rebeccah´s last blog ..Doing Things Differently™ – My Week In Review [Part Five]
Roger Green – Aw, thank you! You’re a pal!
Yes, I do know people who’ve been pulled over by their greyhounds and broken bones. That’s what you get for not paying attention when walking large, powerful dogs!
Anthony North and Snapperoni – Thank you!
Lisa F – Well, golden retrievers have been bred to be out in water in one way or another, haven’t they? And greyhounds think they’re royalty and exempt from weather concerns! LOL!
Reader Wil – Yes, he gets along beautifully – though we notice he has more stamina now than when he first came home. This is down to gradually increasing his daily walks!
LeAnn – It’s always funny to see a case of ETS. That’s Escaped Tongue Syndrome! LOL!
Ethel Mae Potter – It’s quite jolly isn’t it? It’s actually the cover on the futon. They were all in Indian or Middle Eastern patterned fabric, but we loved the blue and gold!
Sistertex – Aw, thank you! Yes, that’s Son No. 1. They both love the dogs and don’t mind showing just how much. And the dogs have always loved them too. You can tell he’s been brought up to respect dogs, can’t you? By the way he’s not getting in Sid’s face while hugging him. I’m proud of him.
Carol – Thanks! I like the beach shot too, even if the horizon isn’t exactly level! LOL!
I really miss Renie hogging the sofa.
Sylvia Kirkwood – It’s funny how similarly they all move and lay, although… maybe it isn’t! They are all pretty much the same shape after all. But when you have two who lie in mirror images of each other, or adopt exactly the same pose next to each other, you can’t help but be struck by it!
Jabblog – Yes, we have cool coats for greyhounds, made of terry cloth and designed to be worn wet. It’s a great idea, isn’t it? I don’t often use them, because I simply don’t take them out when it’s that hot, but it’s good to have them on standby.
Carolyn USA – Thanks!
SJ Anne – They’re amazing, aren’t they? Just so accepting of what is. We should be so philosophical!
Monika and Manang Kim – Thank you!
Photowannabe – I’m glad you like them – and I’m happy to spread the word!
Meleah – It’s pretty cold here too! Sid has the right idea!
that indeed was a lovely post!
magiceye´s last blog ..Thursday Challenge – ACCIDENTAL PHOTOGRAPHY
great post Jay! perfect for H!
It’s so good to see these beautiful dogs in such a good home.
do you have any tips on getting your dog to come when called?
Our little Yorkie responds about half the time, but nothing we can count on.
Lily´s last blog ..a "happening"
I always enjoyed looking at your dogs’ photos in almost every post. You must really love them a lot.
Jama´s last blog ..Thursday Challenge : Accidental Photography
Marvellous as always
Gerald´s last blog ..ABC WednesdayH is for Homer Tunnel
Your dogs look very happy and well cared for! The video was interesting, I’ve never seen a dog on three legs, but he’s doing great!
Jientje´s last blog ..Window Views, and a Door …
Sid has the sweetest…happiest…most contented smile I’ve ever seen. He is an absolute treasure!
Hang in there girlfriend…and I will do the same!
Mel´s last blog ..Mel Results
I have awarded you the Sunshine Award. Please see the details on Hyde DP Xtra.
Gerald´s last blog ..ABC WednesdayH is for Homer Tunnel
Wonderful post for H!:-)
Spiderdama´s last blog ..ABC Wednesday – H
Hot diggity dog! Never knew so much about Greyhounds! Nice H post! and thanks for dropping by my blog
dana´s last blog ..ABC Wednesday H is for Hollywood Hills
Was that first photo beamed in directly from hound heaven, gorgeous. Although your house must be pretty close second, lay on heated floors, lounge on sofas and eat ice cream, what more could a hound want.
Joy´s last blog ..ABC Wednesday – Hest Bank
It’s amazing how animals adjust to being disabled, probably because they don’t really realise that they are different to others. Paddy does that eyes to me and eyes to the sofa thing when he wants me to invite him to jump up beside me. Dogs really don’t need to be able to talk!
I’ve become convinced that there is no letter you can’t link to greyhounds!
secret agent woman´s last blog ..It’s not just the squirrels and birds…
Magiceye – Thank you!
Lily – Thanks!
Tips on recall? Well, the first and most important thing is never, ever, EVER, call your dog to you for something they won’t like, whether it’s nail-clipping, a bath, or a telling off. I also make a point of always taking treats with me when I’m walking off lead, and my dogs always get one as the lead is clipped on.
What else… Oh yes, make sure you don’t let your dog link coming to you with being put back on the lead. It’s a good idea to practice putting him on lead (give him a treat before you do) and then immediately releasing him again so he never knows which time is going to be the last. And always praise for returning, no matter how long it has taken him to comply.
Any help?
Jama – Yep, we do! Thanks!
Gerald – Thanks!
Jientje – Glad you enjoyed the vid! I thought those who’d never seen a tripod walk might like it!
Mel – Aw, thanks! He has, hasn’t he?
Still hanging here – I hope you are, too! *Hugs*
Gerald – Oh, thank you! How kind!
Spiderdama and Dana – Thank you!
Joy – Thank you! Dewey Beach is a lot of fun and the hounds do seem to love it!
Dogs don’t ask for much. Love, food, exercise, and a soft bed – oh, and they do like to know where they are in the scheme of things, and that’s about it, really!
Jennyta – It is, isn’t it? They’re very accepting.
You seem to have got Paddy nicely trained now, if he’ll wait to be asked! Does he still try to launch himself through the window at any passing cat? LOL!
Secret Agent Woman – Well, that’s the idea, this time. That’s why it’s called ‘ABC Wednesday with the greyhounds’!
i live for your hound posts and here we have one being hugged and smiling
sandy´s last blog ..all right show of hands- how many thought this tiny maltese was a stuffed toy ???Come on Fess up
Are you watching the Alice in Wonderland?
ann chin´s last blog ..Cupping, Traditional Chinese medicine
Bless him – he is a sweetie! Bunny hops with style!!!!
Kate´s last blog ..Update!