Dog Community

Dog Coat

Posted : 12/30/2009 7:11:31 PM

I don't think this is really considered a behavior problem. My dog whom I just adopted a month ago has made great strides in connecting with me. It's soo painfully obvious she was abused with her last owners I can't commend her enough for the small steps she makes every day. I am a first time dog adopter and am very happy that I was able to give this dog a loving home because the more I get to know her the more I know she needs all the love and affection she can get because of her obvious abuse in the past. Most things I'm figuring out on my own but do have one question (for now!) I bought her a jacket, she's part greyhound and from all I've read they really need to have a jacket in cold weather. I live in Maine and this week has been VERY cold so I bought her a jacket, knowing how skittish she was I bought her one that has velcro straps rather than ones that she'd have to put her legs through. Tonight is the first night I've put it on her because I just got it in the mail today. She does GREAT while I'm putting it on her but won't go the bathroom so far with it on. She always goes to the bathroom when I get home from work at 4. Now it's seven and I've taken her once every hour but she's yet to go. Should I take her without the coat just so she'll go or be persistant and wait until she goes with it on? I know she'll hold it because when I first got her she only went pee once a day. But I don't want her to have to hold it. So any advice would be VERY helpful.

espencer

Posted : 12/30/2009 7:44:35 PM

newmum
Tonight is the first night I've put it on her because I just got it in the mail today.

Yes, you have to give her more time to get use to it, a couple minutes without it just to go to the bathroom wont be any problem i think (as long as you dont stay much longer than that outside). Some dogs get a little bit uneasy when they try on sweaters or backpacks for the first time. I would say no jacket to go to the bathroom and use the jacket when you take her for a walk. After a few weeks you will see she wont care anymore

newmum

Posted : 12/30/2009 7:48:00 PM

that makes a lot of sense, thank you very much. I know exactly what to do now.

JackieG

Posted : 12/30/2009 9:32:09 PM

espencer
I would say no jacket to go to the bathroom and use the jacket when you take her for a walk. After a few weeks you will see she wont care anymor

That's what I was thinking too.

calliecritturs

Posted : 12/31/2009 5:06:50 PM

Also -- just plain try a kid's t-shirt UNDER the coat (when it gets *really* cold in January) or even in the house if she seems cold. A girl usually doesn't need much (cos they squat so the fabric stays out of the way) but a male needs the excess at the bottom of the shirt gathered and secured with a rubber band and just tuck the 'tail' underneath.

Pretty much **anything** new will spook her -- so adopting a "ohhh, let's check it OUT" excitement **with you** will help her. Just plain carry treats with you -- and any time you see **anything** unusual go investigate.

Suggesitons: long steep steps at a library or courthouse?

flapping laundry on a line?

playground equipment?

stacks of tires?

gates etc that squeak or make noise

a kid's bike with a horn on it

If you make your walks adventures that are **safe** with you she'll love it and gain confidence. Also -- this dog would hugely benefit from straight obedience class. It will help *you* learn how to teach the dog and help the dog learn to please you. Then the public acceptance/socialization is awesome.

Try and find a private class -- not just something at PetSmart. You'll accomplish more with focus. Try to observe and talk to the trainer BEFORE you go and pay your money tho.