I have had the wonderful pleasure of having Bridgett live with me now for about 3 1/2 months. She is still almost in constant fear, and I mean FEAR. She seems to be going backwards. For about the first month she was learning us and the house, and was doing real good, playing with toys, running in the house, playing with us, and just having a great time. We had to teach her to go outside in the big fenced back yard. She was just too afraid to go in the daylight. She would go at night with almost no problem, but in the daylight, no way. I eventually got her to go outside in the daylight as long as noone, or anything was out their, if so she would run inside as fast as she could go.
Too make it short, she is now afraid even in the house. When I get home from work, I almost have to make her go outside to do her business, if something is outside, she will run around in fear and finally go, if I make her stay outside. At night in the house, she is AFRAID, she will get in her crate and stay their. She used to stay with us, and be happy, and playful. I love her, and love her, and tell her it will get better and be ok, and tell her it will get better and be ok. I tell her she has a zip code, and noone can take it from her, I tell her this is her forever home, and that will not change. I love on her, no matter where she is, or how afraid she is. I comfort her, talk low, and nice to her, and she is just afraid.

I want her to be happy, and comfortable in her skin. I want her to go on walks and not be afraid, not be afraid in the house, and in her back yard. I can understand her being afraid in situations, she is a young girl and just off the track, and in her new situation. I get all that, heck I would be afraid too. But I think it should get better.

What am I doing wrong, what can I do better, how can I make her feel better, how can I help her more.

Their is alot of Greyhound experts that read these emails. This is not my first grey, my second grey. I was with Brass Babe for 4 years before she went to the bridge, and we had just a great time. I know this is my fault, not Bridgetts. I keep telling her that I will do better for her, and I will.

Thanks for listening.

Sounds like you have a little spook on your hands. The good news is she is fine and probably better with someone like you who really cares about her than anywhere else. The bad news is, she will probably always be this way. I had a spooked greyhound once. My Laela, she has sence gone to the bridge due to an eye tumor but she never grew out of it. She did get a little more trusting but never really relaxed.

Sharon Bacon would be someone you really need to talk to. If you dont have her Email, let me know. She has a spook and she can tell you exactallyl how to deal with her.

The best thing to do for a greyhound like this is to let them be. IF she wants to be in her crate, leave her, dont force her to be interactive. She will come to you eventually on her own time.

Most importantly, this is not your fault, there are just some greyhounds that are like this for no reason at all. AND, very important, due to her untrusting personality, if she was to get out and get loose, she may not respond to your calling her or anyone trying to help her. So watch her carefully.

Question: is it worse during a storm? IF she seems to be stressed due to stormy weather, (I have one of those too) you can try Oxifresh Pet Relaxant. It takes the edge off and works wonders for mine if a storm is coming. But, if she is just like this all the time, this medicine isnt the answer. Its a quick temporary fix for a stressed pup !

Please contact Sharon, she is very experienced with her Canasta and can give you lots of good advise.

Big NO NO too is reinforcing & rewarding her fears. When you hold & love on her & sweet talk to her when she's in that state of mind, you're rewarding her for that (in her mind).
Best to leave her be when she wants to be, let her come to you when she wants attention, food or treats. Be as upbeat, positive & gently assertive when you want her to do something that is good for her. Give her lots of happy praise when she is outside & not scared, keep little treats on you & reward her for coming up to you on her own. Just don't baby talk to her when she's acting afraid!!
Hope all turns out well!!!! Good luck!!!!

If you like to foster a dog to see how Brigett reacts to a buddy, I have the perfect one. His name is Dalgo, you probably met him at the Morrisville m/g.

Thanks Debbie, Cyndi, and Christina. I am thankful for the grey community, what a special group of people. I will keep trying, and loving Bridgett and do what I can to make her work through her fears. Thanks

Sorry to hear things are not going as you'd hoped, but it's wonderful you aren't giving up. Here are some links to info working with spooks:

Only registered users can see links on this forum! Register or Login on forum!

Only registered users can see links on this forum! Register or Login on forum!

Claudia has some good little booklets that may help. Look toward the bottom of the page.

Only registered users can see links on this forum! Register or Login on forum!

Hope they help.

I agree with Cyndi.
You must not coddle her or fuss over her when she is being shy or nervous. She has to learn to trust you and if you feel sorry for her when she is stressed, you reinforce that behavior.
Have you ever tried Rescue Remedy? When I petsit for greys that are afraid of storms, I put a couple of drops of Rescue Remedy on the tips of their inner ear and massage it in. Usually the dogs calm down within 15 to 20 minutes.
Maybe taking in a foster would help her to be more comfortable. Greyhounds are raised with other greys and are never alone. There are always other greys around. I've learned my greys will learn from the other members of the "pack." If Bridget sees another grey enjoy to go outside ...she may learn that there is nothing to fear...and go out on her own. The only problem with that is she may get attatched to the foster and not want to be an only dog if you return the foster. I personally have found that it is no more work to have two greys then one. They keep each other company when left alone and do bond. Maybe try a male foster that is more outgoing then Bridget???
Good luck