Any ideas what could be wrong with my dog

[Montysdad]

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sorry about the repeats

 

[JudyN]

No need to apologise - it's easy to repeat photos even when you're on a good day xx

 

[Montysdad]

Glad I took so many pics of him, hundreds
Actually didnt like him as a pup, had a very old dog when we got him, he went on a takeover mission,bed, toys, dad,
he was very willful and hard to train but became the best dog anyone could ask for,never left my side and every
time I walked him someone would stop and ask what breed he was.Left a massive hole that cant be filled but
I will get another dog,cant replace him but wouldnt want it to, got my eye on a lanky lurcher that needs a good
home.

 

[RGC]

Glad I took so many pics of him, hundreds
Actually didnt like him as a pup, had a very old dog when we got him, he went on a takeover mission,bed, toys, dad,
he was very willful and hard to train but became the best dog anyone could ask for,never left my side and every
time I walked him someone would stop and ask what breed he was.Left a massive hole that cant be filled but
I will get another dog,cant replace him but wouldnt want it to, got my eye on a lanky lurcher that needs a good
home.

That’s a pragmatic approach and I’m sure Monty would approve. Well done you - respek!

 

[Hemlock]

What a handsome dog.

 

[RGC]

So sorry, Montysdad. You did the right thing, prioritising Monty’s needs. There’s a vacuum you’re going through but Monty’s no longer in any discomfort and if there’s a doggy heaven Monty will say, “Thank you, Dad”. Take comfort in that he’s no longer suffering.

Take comfort in that he’s no longer suffering. Live long and prostate

Live long and prostate. - Sorry, bloody typos.

 

[Montysdad]

I have submitted a complaint to the vets who Monty to sleep, without going into details,they spent over an hour
doings tests and scans that were not needed before they did it, which made both him and I suffer during the wait.
I have a new friend now, maybe premature but he is a lurcher who needed a forever home.
His name is Vinny , nothing like Monty but very affectionate and we soon bonded.
Loves playtimes,lawn zoomies and snoozing at the side of me.
He does have issues with other dogs as he got badly bitten by a big dog and still has the scars
but I will do my best to help him regain his confidence and learn how to interact safely with other
dogs.His name is Vinny and he is 2 years old.

 

[JudyN]

Vinnie is beautiful.

I'm sorry you're not happy with your vet, and hope the response to the complaint brings you some peace. The important thing is that you did your very best for Monty, and he is now at peace xx

 

[RGC]

I have submitted a complaint to the vets who Monty to sleep, without going into details,they spent over an hour
doings tests and scans that were not needed before they did it, which made both him and I suffer during the wait.
I have a new friend now, maybe premature but he is a lurcher who needed a forever home.
His name is Vinny , nothing like Monty but very affectionate and we soon bonded.
Loves playtimes,lawn zoomies and snoozing at the side of me.
He does have issues with other dogs as he got badly bitten by a big dog and still has the scars
but I will do my best to help him regain his confidence and learn how to interact safely with other
dogs.His name is Vinny and he is 2 years old.View attachment 111980760View attachment 111980761 View attachment 111980761

What a lovely head. And well done you. Hope the partnership goes well. He’s a handsome lad.

 

[JoanneF]

maybe premature but he is a lurcher who needed a forever home

There is no right and wrong about timing, everyone should do what is right for them.

 

[Montysdad]

I had an empty house, my sister found a nice dog who needed one so why not.
um he is a bit of a farter, he eats a lot as he needs building up

 

[Tinytom]

He looks more longdog than lurcher ...sighthound X sighthound....
Looks like saluki In there and they are naturally thinner ....
Great that you could give another dog a home

 

[Hemlock]

Definitely a significant amount of saluki, which is not at all a bad thing - I had a fair bit in my lurchers. As Tinytom says, they are naturally thin, so don't fret about people making "remarks". There is no replacing one dog with another: Monty will always have his place securely in your heart, but Vinny will bring you joy in his own way.

 

[Montysdad]

we did wonder exactly what he was, he needs a lot of work to build his confidence up,took him to a friends
house today, wouldnt settle,just whined all the time with his tail between his legs Suppose with him having so
many homes,he doesnt know where he is, fine when I got him back home,hes quite content and secure here.
Had a rescue dog that took years to get right so I would never give up on him,did some walk to heel training
this morning, made a little progress

 

[RGC]

I think the fact that you’ve bonded so soon is one helluva plus. Did he come with much emotional baggage? What do you know about his previous home/s? The poor chap is probably as confused as hell in any new change of ‘domestic’ scene. I’m by no means an expert but I suppose he just needs to be allowed his own pace and space in a secure home where he knows he’s loved. God, listen to this old fool! Keep us posted.

 

[JoanneF]

They say it takes around three days to decompress, three weeks to suss out the routines and three months to feel at home. Give him plenty of time, let him set the pace.

 

[Montysdad]

I think the fact that you’ve bonded so soon is one helluva plus. Did he come with much emotional baggage? What do you know about his previous home/s? The poor chap is probably as confused as hell in any new change of ‘domestic’ scene. I’m by no means an expert but I suppose he just needs to be allowed his own pace and space in a secure home where he knows he’s loved. God, listen to this old fool! Keep us posted.

He has been in a lot of foster homes but never been adopted,some of his fosterers said he frightened their children
when he barked at other dogs,possibly no one has had to time he needs to properly address his problems,he needs
a lot of walk to heel work and dog socialization,but most of all security, I think he has that here,he very loving and we really bonded,very early days still, I wont put him under any pressure.

 

[JudyN]

Apologies if I'm teaching my granny to suck eggs, but sighthounds in general, and salukis in particular, are very sensitive. As in, possibly, get upset if you raise an eyebrow at them or rearrange the ornaments on the mantelpiece, or someone is sitting on the wrong seat. They also don't tend to appreciate any form of regimented 'training' - asl them to lie down, stand, and lie down again and they'll think 'that was a waste of time' and wander off for a nap. They can also be uncomfortable in sitting position, so that's maybe not something to focus on. They can be more like cats in their nature, and training is best aimed at the really important skills - walking on lead, as you are doing, and recall - and you need to find a way to make the dog see this as worthwhile. Many saluki crosses are excellent at recalling to about 6' from their owners and then dancing just out of reach.

Of course, this is a vast generalisation, and if there's a bit of collie or terrier in there, all bets are off.

 

[Montysdad]

Going to do a dna test on him to hopefully find out exactly what he is, would be good to know.I dont
want to teach him to do party tricks,just the basics, down and stay but most important recall,he has
slipped the lead twice during walks in the wood ,never run far away and come back when I called him so
I think we may be able to master that, I would like to walk him offlead eventually but that is a long time
in the future, I wouldnt like to predict what he would do if he chased a rabbit or other dogs at the moment.
I have bought him a new harness as the one he slipped out of had a worn buckle and to be super safe a tracker.
Dont think he has ever had any training,just about taught him paw tonight,he really enjoyed that.I think stay command should be taught if possible for safety reasons.
he does do sit.
Monty did bronze and Silver training, but didnt manage gold as he got bored doing a 3 minute stay, he was very intellegent and thought the the simple tasks were boring,
but remembered them all

 

[Hemlock]

Don't waste your money on the DNA. I understand a newspaper reporter sent their own, and was designated as "mostly spaniel"!
The breedmix will show as he becomes more secure, but as JudyN says - all sighthounds are VERY sensitive. I strongly and respectfully recommend you rethink some of your training too. The deep chest means "down" is very uncomfortable. Although "stay" is valuable, he needs to feel secure enough to remain where you say when you say, and that means absolutely protecting him from unwanted human and other-dog interaction while he is staying there. Recall is vital, and reward for recalling is important. These are dogs that are only ever bred to hunt, and that's in their DNA, so don't take him anywhere he will encounter wildlife. As he has been in so many homes, maybe wait until he is secure with you before taking him to other people's houses - he may have thought he was going to be moved on again.

May I suggest one of our recommended books "The House Lurcher" which is specifically for people who want to keep a lurcher as a pet? They do make super pets, and you will have lots of happiness from yours.