2 Italian Greyhounds

This client came to me with a rather interesting problem.  She has two Italian Greyhounds, Maggie & Toby.  Their problem is improper toilet use throughout the house.

Italian Greyhounds as a breed tend to be harder to properly potty train, especially for those of us who live in inclement weather.  The two were once successfully potty trained to go in the house in a designated area, but a house move and new baby in the house have thrown them off their routine.

The number one reason most people have problems toilet training is because of the lack of a proper exercise schedule.  All dogs, no matter their size, must be exercised with a proper walk every day.

Below is a basic list to keep in mind.  For this client, the things listed as "basics" are the most important to remember and focus on.

Toilet Training:

BASICS:

Regular exercise including walks

Keep to a schedule

Confinement when unsupervised

Lots of encouragement for proper toilet behavior, excitement and praise!

Immediately take to toilet area after:

*removing from kennel 

*waking up from a nap

*drinking water

*rigorous play time

*excited time (when you come home)

*returning from a walk

*first thing in the morning

*before bed

FEEDING:

Reduce food portion:  feed 1/3 to 1/4 cup twice daily.

Use extra food for training.

ACCIDENTS:

Prevention is key.  When caught in the act, clap hands loudly and say no.  Do NOT yell, scream, or get angry.  Immediately and calmly take dog to the proper toilet area.  Immediately clean up mess with proper enzyme cleaner.

PROPER TOILET USE:

Praise dog lavishly EVERY time they toilet in the proper area.  Give special treat after they have gone potty (these treats are ONLY for going potty in the correct area).

CRATE/ KENNEL:

The dog’s crate/ kennel should never be used as punishment.  This should be seen as a special, safe, comfortable place by the dog.

Toilet Training Action Plan:

*What type of indoor bathroom do you want to use?

-Using an indoor grass/turf bathroom will help with being able to go outside as well.

Products at Pottypark.com

*Where do you want the dog bathroom to go?

-Choose ONE spot for the bathroom to go.  Somewhere that may also be used as a confinement area with only enough room for food and water bowls, bed, and bathroom.

*What phrase to use for the command to go potty?

Since Italian Greyhounds are extremely reluctant to use the bathroom outside in the winter, it is important to give them a proper option inside the house.  In this case I would recommend purchasing an indoor dog bathroom that resembles grass so the dogs will be less reluctant to use the bathroom outside.  This will help ensure that they are able to use their indoor bathroom in a proper manner, but to also be able to go potty outside without hesitation.

Breed of the Month--Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhound


Color:  Black, white, fawn, cream, blue, any of these broken with white (no brindle)
Height:  12.5-15 inches
Weight:  8-11 lbs
Life Span:  12-15 years


Breed Health Concerns:  Autoimmune disease, hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, dental problems, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, epilepsy.


Coat:  soft, fine, glossy, short
Country of Origin:  Italy

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

There is evidence in the tombs of Egypt of this breed on artifacts and relics from 2,000 years ago.  The breed received its name, Italian Greyhound, around the 1500s as their popularity grew across Europe.

Also known as "Iggy," the Italian Greyhound bonds quickly to his family and is very affectionate.  It is recommended that you have more than one Iggy to keep them happy, as their fragile physique is too delicate for most other breeds and small children to play with.  Extra care must be taken when adding this breed to your home.  Potty training this breed can also be a bit of a challenge, especially if you live in area with inclement weather.  The Italian Greyhound may need you to give him a coat in cold weather to keep him warm and healthy.

The Italian Greyhound tends to be a nervous, anxious breed.  It is very important that owners of this breed do not unintentionally encourage this behavior.  Never pet or comfort a dog that is shaking or trembling with fear.  By giving attention at this time, you are communicating to the dog that this anxious behavior is good.  You are telling your dog to continue that behavior, which we do not want.  It is important to have a calm, relaxed demeanor at all times with this breed, and especially during training.

Exercise:
The Italian Greyhound will generally adjust to what the activity level of your household is.  The Iggy gets plenty of exercise with a short walk each day, and following his family around.

Grooming:
The Italian Greyhound has thin skin that must be kept warm and clean.  This breed's coat is easy to care for with a simple wipe-down every now and then.  The Iggy's face requires extra attention to stay clean and free from infection.

Training:
Socialization is key for this breed, the Iggy is a shy breed and will learn how to cope with all situations if properly socialized.  Train this breed from puppyhood to help encourage lifelong basic manners and good listening.  Proper motivation and quick training sessions are the best way to train your Italian Greyhound.

Breed of the Month--Greyhound

Greyhound


Color:  White, black, fawn, brindle, blue, red, fallow, or any of these broken with white.
Height:  Males:  27-30 inches/  Females:  26-28 inches
Weight:  Males:  65-75 lbs/  Females:  60-70 lbs
Life Span:  10-12 years

Breed Health Concerns:  thyroid problems, bloat, osteosarcoma.

Coat:  Close lying, firm, short, smooth coat
Country of Origin:  Great Britain

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

As far back as 4th century BCE, Egyptian tombs show drawings of dogs very similar to the appearance  of todays Greyhounds and Salukis.  Sighthounds became very popular over the next several centuries and the breed was eventually refined in Great Britain.
Greyhounds are extremely fast runners and can reach speeds up to 45 mph.  Racing Greyhounds has been popular for 100s of years.
Even though the Greyhound is a good hunter, they are playful yet docile, compassionate, and easy to manage.  Greyhounds have an extremely high prey drive and should never be trusted off leash.

Exercise:
Surprisingly Greyhounds do not need as much exercise as you would expect.  Even though they can run faster than any other dog, a regular high-energy walk every day will keep him happy.  Greyhounds do enjoy being able to run (in a safe enclosed area) and owners would do well to indulge their dog in this respect.

Grooming:
The short coat of the Greyhound needs barely and brushing, but requires occasional rubbing with a currycomb or hound glove.

Training:
To prevent fearfulness, Greyhounds should be socialized at an early age.  Positive reinforcement training is necessary to properly train a Greyhound.  The easily take to using a food lure in training.  It can be somewhat difficult to teach the Greyhound to sit.  His large but lean size can make this position somewhat uncomfortable.