Italian Greyhound Place

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to hear of dogs being lost soon after being adopted. These dogs are not yet comfortable in their new surroundings, are not yet bonded with their new people, and may not answer to their names or a recall command.

Many people consider the first forty-eight hours in a new home to be the most critical time to keep a new dog safe, but it is extremely important to avoid being lured into complacency. Always be aware of where your dog is, and begin to work on a wait command at doors and a recall command.

Be sure that the dog’s collar/harness is secure

The best collar choice is a martingale, also called a no-slip, collar. A martingale collar will tighten on a dog in the event that he attempts to back away from you, preventing him from slipping out of his collar. When a martingale collar is fitted properly, the two rings will not be able to touch when pulled tight at the narrowest place on the dog’s neck - if the rings touch or the space between them is minimal, the collar is too large. Check the collar regularly and be aware that it might stretch.

If using a harness, it is extremely important to choose one that is “escape proof.” Most harnesses, even when they fit snuggly, can be slipped out of. It is amazing what a scared dog can get out of – the dog’s shoulders move toward each other and inward, they step back, and are out of the harness in seconds. A harness that is highly recommended for Italian Greyhounds is the Web Master Harness by Ruffwear. Although expensive, it is designed to be “houdini” proof. As with any harness, make sure that it is fitted properly. Do not substitute a different Ruffwear harness for the Ruffwear Web Master!

Although not necessarily a permanent arrangement, you can use a martingale collar and securely fitted harness at the same time. Depending on where the leash attaches to the harness, you can attach the leash clasp to both the harness and collar, or use a short coupler to attach the leash to both. A martingale such as the EZ Collar+++ makes it easy to attach a leash to both the martingale and a harness without the use of a coupler. This is sometimes done when using a harness designed to teach loose-leash walking, when a dog is accustomed to a harness and is being introduced to a martingale collar, or when a new harness is initially used. Doing so allows the martingale to provide a “safety net” in the event that the dog slips the harness – the dog will still be attached to the leash and you!

+++If using a martingale with a slide, like the EZ Collar, the slide must be tightened and it needs to be checked for tightness - if it becomes lose, replace the collar.

Be aware that the collar or harness that was being used by a previous owner might not be secure enough for a newly adopted dog.

Newly adopted dogs are unsure of their surrounds, not familiar and bonded to their new people, and may become scared, slipping out of their existing collar or harness. Use a properly fitted martingale collar! If the dog is accustomed to a harness, the martingale and harness can be used together – the collar remains loose unless the harness is slipped out of. If choosing a harness, use the Web Master by Ruffwear - do not substitute a different Ruffwear harness.

Hold the leash properly

Place your hand through the loop of the leash so that it is on your wrist, wrap it around your hand (or arm), and hold it securely in your hand. You do not want a dropped leash. Make sure that anyone else walking your dog knows how to do so and understands the importance of doing so. Do not let small children walk the dog without an adult also holding the leash. Be aware that the dog may try to bolt if scared by something or has a strong prey drive and catches sight of something. There are also leashes available that are worn around the waist.

Retractable leashes are not recommended. They tend to be easy to drop and, if dropped, will scare the dog. They also provide less control over the dog, encourage pulling, and can be dangerous – causing injury to the dog or human.

Guard car doors and secure the dog in the car

For the dog’s safety, a dog car harness or a crate secured in the car should be used for car travel. It is not uncommon for a dog to bolt out of a car door after being adopted - this can occur when someone enters/exits the vehicle or opens the door to get the dog out. In addition, a loose dog is not only a distraction, but would become a projectile in an accident and, after the accident, could escape through a broken window or when a door is opened by a rescuer.

In addition, keep the leash attached to your dog and secure it to a headrest or some other object. Make sure that you have a secure hold on the leash when taking your dog out of his car harness or crate. If you are using a dog car harness, have the dog’s leash (clipped to his walking collar/harness) securely in your hand before releasing and removing the harness. Similarly, if a crate is used for car travel, be sure to have the leash secured in your hand prior to fully opening the crate door. When putting the dog in the car, keep the leash in your hand until he is secured by the harness and, with a crate, be extremely careful to not release your hold on the leash and, thus the dog, until the crate door is almost completely closed with pressure on it.

Guard entry/exit doors inside and out

Do not give your dog the opportunity to bolt out a door, whether an entry/exit to your home or a gate to and from an enclosed outside area. The best approach is to create a back-up system at each door-way. This can be done by devising a safety area on either side of a door-way (inside or outside) by using a gate or enclosure with a gate – there are pet and/or child systems that can be used. Ones with a working gate are easiest to use. This back-up system is very important as many dogs inadvertently get out of houses with very unwanted consequences.

Adding a Bow Wow Barrier to exterior doors allows a homeowner to speak with someone at the door while maintaining a barrier – it should not be used in place of the baby gate system though.

Other precautions include:

Confine your dog to a crate or small area that he cannot escape from prior to leaving your home. This will prevent him from bolting out a door when you leave or return home. (Do not eliminate the back-up system at entry/exit doors because you crate your dog – doors open when you are not leaving and your dog is not confined!)

Confine or leash your dog if you are receiving company and the door will be opened frequently.

Do not leave your dog unsupervised outside, even in a secured yard. Newly adopted dogs can be amazing at escaping from supposedly securely fenced areas.

Fenced yard

If you have a fenced yard, be sure that your dog cannot jump, climb, or squeeze through it; be careful to keep all gates securely latched; and regularly check the fence for any spots that have been compromised (from storm damage, animals digging, etc.). Also check the fencing in any area where you plan on letting your dog loose, and do so prior to taking him/her off-leash i.e. dog parks, a friend’s fenced yard, a fenced ball field.

Introducing the dog to the fenced yard: Do not leave your dog unsupervised outside, even in a secured yard. Newly adopted dogs can be amazing at escaping from supposedly securely fenced areas. Therefore, introduce your dog to your fenced yard on-leash. Once the dog is familiar with your yard, you can use a long leash or line to provide the dog with more freedom while still having him attached to you. This will allow you to observe the dog and to better confirm that the fencing is secure for that dog. If you do not use a long-line, at the minimum, introduce the dog to the fenced yard on-leash and when he is familiar with the yard and responsive to you, let the dog drag the leash before removing it completely – this makes it easier to get the dog if necessary.

It is advisable to begin working on a recall command, doing so while the dog is on the long-line. Make it a fun experience i.e. use a friendly voice, squat when calling the dog, run backwards when calling, or run away (do not encourage the dog to run from you though!). When the dog comes to you, provide lots of praise and, if using them, treats. If your dog does not respond to your recall command, but eventually comes to you, do not correct the dog – the dog should never be corrected for coming to you! Keep all training positive. It is important to note that even when you dog is demonstrating a good recall, he/she should not be left off-leash in an unfenced area. Even a well-trained dog can decide to chase something or become scared of something.

When you leave your dog loose in your fenced yard (no leash or long-line), it is important to supervise the dog; your dog should not be left outside in a fenced yard unsupervised.

Regularly check you fence for openings – tree branches can fall on it, animals can dig under it, etc., and make sure that fence gates are securely latched when taking the dog into the yard. If visiting somewhere with a fenced area, always walk the fence line to ensure that there are no openings that your dog can fit through.

Keep the leash on

Some people choose to keep a newly adopted dog on leash for the first forty-eight hours or so. You do not need to always be holding the leash inside, but the dragging leash will make it easier to grab the dog if necessary.

ID Collar

Hopefully it will not be needed, but always keep an identification collar on your dog, even if he is micro-chipped. To avoid the risk of entanglement or the possibility of another dog's jaw becoming trapped in the collar during play, a breakaway collar is the safest choice.