Hello All-

We recently (last Saturday) adopted a Grey... he's very shy but I think his behaviors go beyond just being shy.

First off- he will not lay down anywhere other than his crate. If we bring him out even just for the few seconds before we put his leash on to go to the bathroom he becomes very rigid and shakes. I was told to keep in the crate as much as possible to help him get over this but there's been very little change.

Sleeping- he does sleep in his crate but he whines if it's dark and if there is no one else in the room... any suggestions other than me sleeping with a pillow over my head? I have tried letting him lay on the floor beside my bed but he will have none of that- he paces and cries until he is put back into his crate and only then he stops if the lights are left on. I tried moving him into an empty room so that I could sleep w/o lights on but he won't settle.

My uncle who is a vet suggested that this type of behavior is indicative of a dog who needs to be in a home with other dogs- what are your thoughts? We have a small dog (Boston Terrier) but he doesn't even acknowledge him one way or the other so I'm not sure that counts as another dog (hahaha)

Hi Jule, Did you get my email reply to your last email to me.
If not, please call me.

Congratulations on your new hound!!

Some dogs settle quicker than others. I am sure he will get used to your routine in the next few days.
Greyhounds have lived their whole life with many other greyhounds, at the puppy farm, at the track and at the adoption center - 24/7. Suddenly they are being pulled away from their buddies and placed in a home all alone and expected to be a pet, that is pretty scary for some dogs.
I am sure he will soon realize that your other dog is actually a real dog, he-he.
Retired racers straight off the track or farm are not used to dogbeds they have carpet or shredded paper in their crates, and straw in their dogshouse at the farm. It will take a while to figure out how these fuffy dogbeds work. Once he learns the comfort of a dogbed you won't get him off anymore!
Can you place the crate in you bedroom? I keep my fosters crated next to my bed and usually don't have a problem.