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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

Our New Lurcher Pup

15 replies

jumpyjan · 02/04/2011 21:44

Following on from my thread this time last week when I was after advice on whether or not to take on a 5 month old Lurcher Pup from the Blue Cross, I just thought I would update to say he has moved in today.

I think I might love him a little bit already. Considering he has never been in a house before he has been amazing. Coped well with the long windy drive back from the Blue Cross centre without being car sick (major bonus!), sitting on command, had a little sleep in his cage, played well with other dogs we met on a walk whilst off the lead, didn't bolt when off the lead in a massive open field (phew!) and been lovely and affectionate towards us all (including DS age 2 and DD age 4) even when DS stoked him backwards!

Of course its not all perfect - he is clueless about toilet training (we have a lot of work to do in that area) and is jumping up a bit, he also cries when left alone but so far its looking like he is going to be a lovely addition to our family.

Thanks to all who gave advice - much appreciated.

OP posts:

DuffyMoon · 02/04/2011 21:49

any pictures?

chickchickchicken · 02/04/2011 21:56

congratulations
hope you have many happy years with your new friend

cheekyprincess · 02/04/2011 22:04

Yay! Just spotted this in active threads so knew nothing but... yay! Very happy for you and all the best for the future.

UnseenAcademicalMum · 02/04/2011 22:31

Oh lovely. Some pictures please!

Vallhala · 03/04/2011 09:59

Great news but one thing I'm very concerned about... most rescues would insist that you don't let your new dog offlead until you've had him a while and are totally sure that you have sufficient bond and he has adequate recall to come back to you. I'm horrified that the Blue Cross of all people didn't tell you this.

Sorry for coming across as a killjoy, that's far from what I'm trying to do... I'm a HUGE advocate of adopting not breeding/buying dogs and pups and am delighted that you opted to take on a rescue dog. It's just that I have seen more than once some dreadful, heartbreaking results of people letting their rescue dogs/pups offlead outside of their own gardens within a few days of getting the dog and I would HATE for you and your dog to be included in that number. All it takes is for your pup to be spooked, to see an enticing other dog/squirrel/child holding an ice-cream etc and he could end up on the road and under the wheels of a car or just running off to be picked up by an undesirable and stolen (ESPECIALLY given his breed, I wouldn't rate his chances of being returned to you).

As a rescuer I would beg of you not to let him offlead in public in these early days.

vjg13 · 03/04/2011 12:39

I totally agree with you Val. Sighthounds often have a poor recall and go totally deaf when distracted by anything.

I have two lurchers, one with fantastic recall, the other much less so and he is almost 5! By all means let him off but in a secure fenced off area. I'm sure he will bring you much joy.

Original poster

jumpyjan · 03/04/2011 12:42

Thanks all. Will get some pictures up once I am a bit more organised!

Vallahlla - don't be concerned. We let him off the lead on the advice of the Blue Cross who know him very well. We were no where near a road and were in a big enclosed field - initially we were the only people in there. Once we saw other people/dogs we put him back on the lead. The other people had 3 young dogs and said that their dogs were really friendly and (having explained that we had just got him) if we wanted to they were happy for us to let him off the lead and to have a play with them which we did. Again, the Blue Cross advised we let him socialise with other dogs off the lead.

We were actually really surprised that he didn't run away more. He was quite insecure really and just wanted to be near us.

OP posts:

CalamityKate · 03/04/2011 12:47

He won't always feel insecure, so make sure you work on recall for when he isn't quite so keen on sticking close to you. You can't take that for granted, especially with a sighthound.

Vallhala · 03/04/2011 12:58

Phew! Thanks for the reassurance, jumpyjan, you had ne worried there as it wasn't clear that it was a secure field. And yes, of course you're right that it's very important for Pup to be socialised offlead with other dog-friendly dogs (plus you get to fuss other people's pooches! :o ).

I must agree with CalamityKate though that the chances are he won't always be that insecure. For some dogs and pups that can happen remarkably quickly and suddenly, within weeks or even days, an owner can be given a heck of a surprise. Sighthounds are particularly buggers for it!

Original poster

jumpyjan · 03/04/2011 22:03

Vallhala and Calamity Kate - good point and it had crossed my mind already. I was thinking that might happen more when he was a teenager but thanks for the warning. Its amazing he does seem to know his name already which is pretty impressive as he has only had it about 30 hours!

We will certainly be adding recall to the list of things to teach him. First up though is toilet training. He doesn't seem to think you have to pee outside - its really strange - as though he has no warning of it at all.

OP posts:

saffronwblue · 04/04/2011 02:35

What is his name? Sounds as if he has had a great start.

chickchickchicken · 04/04/2011 15:36

aww he sounds lovely. what did you call him? have you got a pic yet?

just fyi dogs trust recommend any dog is kept on lead for at least two weeks after rehoming. even in a field with gates or hedges they could escape if they were chasing something. the dog we rehomed from them is a collie x with probably a lurcher. we have had him 5years and his recall is still not as good as our other dogs. he doesnt chase things but likes to check if neighbours have put food out for the birds! he is however wonderful with kids and neighbours grandson has been coming round to play with him since he was toddler. he does have a wonderful temperament but his recall is not 100%. it almost is but i could never guarantee that he would come back whereas i can with my other dogs

he is lucky to have found such a good home with you

chickchickchicken · 04/04/2011 15:37

i am not (dog) broody honest

Original poster

jumpyjan · 04/04/2011 21:25

Thanks Chicken.

He is very tired today - I think the walking is a bit new for him as guess he only had a walk up the lane and back when he was with the Blue Cross. So tomorrow we are going to give him a lazy day and DH is going to do some training with him and practice recall etc which as has been pointed out is going to be really important.

I bought a load of treats and a squeaky ball from the pet store so think we will give him a bit of play and mental stimulation rather that too much walking.

Then its off to Puppy classes on Wednesday where he will meet up with some of his Blue Cross chums.

I still haven't managed to get a picture up - I had a mad tidy up before he arrived and now can't find the wire thingy I need to upload pictures!

OP posts:

chickchickchicken · 04/04/2011 22:25

there was a great thread on recall a while back. it had some really great tips on it. will have a search . . .

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