He only pissed in the house once today!

[BlancheDuBois2]

I'm looking after a rescue greyhound for a few weeks while his owners are on holiday. Apparently he doesn't do it at home, but since he came here he's had a thing about weeing inside. Specifically, in the kitchen.

Usually 4/5 times a day. But today he just did it once. I'm elated!

Any tips on stopping him altogether? I've tried pitting him into the garden hourly, going with him into the garden hourly, and giving him a biscuit every time he wees outside with a massive fuss (neighbours deffo think I'm weird now)...

[chough]

Sounds like you might have just about cracked it with what you've been doing already!
Maybe he's just nervous, with the change of home and his owners being away, but you sound very kind to the lad.

[BlancheDuBois2]

Ah. Thanks for the moral support but this morning I came down to a tidal wave in the kitchen. I think he's just confused and disorientated. He's quite old, and adorable, but not the smartest cookie.

Think I might just have to put up with it... As long as the sofa/carpets remain pee free it could be worse!

[tigerdog]

It has been pretty warm overnight otherwise I would wonder if he is warm enough. Our grey pees used to pee over night if she got too cold (no longer a problem as she sleeps in our bedroom and not the kitchen).

What are you using to get rid of it? Need to use something that breaks down the odour otherwise he will continue to pee on the same spot. We get this spray from pets at home, but have also used biological washing liquid to rid of any lingering residue.

[BlancheDuBois2]

Thanks, both good tips! I've been using disinfectant and boiling water on the floor, I don't know whether that eliminate the smell? I can't really have him in my (carpeted) bedroom until I know he won't pee - do you have any tips for making sure he's warm enough in the kitchen? He's got a big pillow to sleep on at the moment.

He's totally convinced me that a retired greyhound is the way to go when I can get a dog of my own. He's daft, but so completely adorable (even if he does think that he should be forced to suffer the indignity of sharing the sofa with me...)

[tigerdog]

Greyhounds are definitely the way to go. I love my funny hound to bits. I wish I had space for two.

How did he get on last night? It does sound like nervousness. Is sleeping in the kitchen different from his set up at home? It has been really warm these last few nights so it seems unlikely he is cold. In the winter we tuck ours up under a blanket and she has a fleecy housecoat that she would wear too.

[BlancheDuBois2]

Not too bad, just one small wee. I'm taking it as a success I can't wait to get one of my own.

If you're quite experienced with them, could I pick your brains? Quentin (the greyhound - cracking name) is very lethargic, kind of a wimp (won't walk through puddles etc) and incredibly gentle. From what I can tell from research this is part of the breed - is it your experience too?

Thanks

[tigerdog]

I think it's fairly typical! I have only had the one greyhound, and fostered a couple of others so not really experienced beyond a few years of dog ownership.

My greyhound is very lethargic but I have met plenty who love walks and are really playful. Not all of them are totally wimpy either - it's usually dependent on how much they were socialised when they were younger I think. Mine raced over 100 times and was quite good, so she really didn't experience much beyond working. As a result, the world is a scary place sometimes!

We visited our local RGT and walked a few dogs and chatted to the volunteers to see what they were like, that was really helpful. I ended up with mine because she was so shy and sad looking, I couldn't bear to leave her there!

[BlancheDuBois2]

I bet! I must stay away from a rescue centre until I can adopt one, sad eyes would kill me! Thanks!

[tigerdog]

Agreed. This is what got me!

[BlancheDuBois2]

Aww. What a poppet. Those eyes!