Good Morning to everyone. I am a new member to the group. Dad to Bridgett and Dad to Brass BAbe at the bridge. I have had Bridgett now for about two months. I love her to death and already have started to see that love for me in her eyes, nothing like that look. She loves to play with all of her toys. I have a BIG PROBLEM. She will not go outside at all except at 2:00 am in the morning. She stays crated all day, we both work, which is absolutely no problem at all, but she will just not go outside. I have to put her on lead in the house, and make her go out. She will not even walk to the street when I finally get her out. I just do not like to push her, and pick her front feet up, and take her to where she will finally walk. Once she gets to that point, she is pretty good, very very scared and timid. What can I do to make this easier for her, and more so for me. She does not like people either. She will just hide. In the house, with us, she is just outgoing, fun, playing, and we are bonding great. Thank all of you for any input. I look forward to talking to all of you.

Hi there. Well several things came to mind when reading your email.
First, she needs to get socialized so she isnt afraid of people. You can go to meet and greets and play groups. That will help her.

There is obviously something hurting or scaring her. I would look at the pads of her feet first. See if she has something going on that hurts when she goes out like brusing or corns. Then look at steps. Do you have steps she has to go up and down. Is there traffic that could be scaring her? You just have to start eliminating things until you figure out what the problem is. Hope this gives you some ideas.

She may or may not come out of her shyness. Some of them are just shy.

Bridgett's Dad,
I like Cesar Millan's methods for dealing with a shy dog. I've just finished reading his book, The Dog Whisperer, which is very inexpensive online.

Some beginning suggestions he might make:
1. You need to be a confident leader. When you take her outside, head confidently for the door and keep going with your head up and a spring in your step.
2. Don't baby her when she's behaving shyly, praise her when she's walking confidently.
3. She needs more exercise. Take her for several walks each day. Some can be brief but one needs to be at least 30 minutes. You may need to work up to this.
4. Socialize her. Let her meet other people and dogs on your walks. If she looks fearful, ignore the behavior. When she is behaving confidently that is the time for praise, etc. Work up to other experiences. Take her through the drive-thru at the bank, the fast food places (a small yummy treat will help her realize adventures are fun.), take her to the pet store.

These are just some beginning suggestions. I encourage you to read Cesar's book to get all the details and explanations. I think as she gets into a routine she will not need to go out at 2AM. You're having fun now but you can have so much more fun with a confindent, outgoing girl.
Let us know how things are going and if we can offer any other help.
Jean

Hello to Everyone. I would like to report that Bridgett is going outside with no problem now in the back yard. In fact she just loves it, no matter what time it is. She runs and plays, does her business, and toys with me. It is just so much fun now. We are still working on our walks, and other people. I will just have to get her out. I want to thank those who replied with kind and helpful words. Bridgett and I are just bonding and having a ball. It is just a great life with a grey. Thank You

Hi, I see you are in Raleigh.
Please join us at our meet and greets and other events.
We are having a meet and greet this Saturday at the Morrisville Outlet mall on Airport Blvd from 12-3pm. It's inside near the food court, can't miss us.
Check out our schedule

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Looking forward to meeting you!

I am with GON2GRHS! Cesar Millan's method works!!! I have both his books (Cesar's Way, Be the Pack Leader & I watch him every Friday night on the National Geographic channel "The Dog Whisperer") and they are worth it!! I do not have any issues with my Greyhound but just knowing Cesar's method and living what he teaches will avoid any future issues. And really with "most" Greyhound families having multiple dogs, this should be added to the list of "required" reading.

You can get both books on Amazon.com for LESS than you'd pay for one anywhere else.