Introducing rehomed whippet to our whippet

[Sue Jordan]

Join our free community today.

Connect with other like-minded dog lovers!

Login or Register

Hello..im sorry I've not posted on here in a while.. we have a blue whippet called Blu he is 20 months he is a great dog hes good with people,children and other dogs. Although We did have a mad time with him when he was a pup he was very destructive and hyper but he really has turned a corner now . So we have decided that we would like to get him a whippy companion and tonight we are picking up an 18 month female blue whippet. She is coming from a home which her owners are no longer able to keep her because of ill health. They said she is great with other dogs but can be a little nervous sometimes.My questions to those with multiple dogs is how did you introduce your new edition to your existing dogs...did they get on straight away..did it take time..did they not get on..I really want to get this right. I'm thinking taking them for a walk first see how that goes . Any advise would be much appeciated

 

[JudyN]

Ooh, how exciting! The only advice I can give is that I think you're better walking on lead, a distance apart, in neutral territory. Then they can get acquainted with each other before getting up close and personal, and so Blu accepts her before she 'invades' his home. It may have been better for them to meet up on a few occasions before she actually joined the household, but fingers crossed it will all go smoothly. Let us know how it goes, with photos if possible!

 

[Sue Jordan]

Thank you that's really helpful we will do that. I would have liked them to meet but she is quite some distance away. I will definitely keep you updated.

 

[Flobo]

I would only echo what Judy said and I'm sure you've thought of this but just in case, remember to ask when her last season was if she hasn't been spayed, if your boy hasn't been neutered! Best of luck and look forward to hearing how it goes; a nervous and exciting time!
The only other thing I would add is slowly, slowly and try and keep the home environment calm and quiet especially as she's a bit nervous already. Let her take her own time with you and Blu, it maybe over whelming for her as she's suddenly been taken from all she knows and plopped in to a completely new set up with not only another dog but different smells/people/routines etc.

 

[Sue Jordan]

Thank you yes I did think of that luckily our boy had been done but I'll still ask as I want to get her spayed as soon as she has settled Getting nervous now ..phew...just want it to go well

 

[JudyN]

Another thing I've just remembered - someone (Hemlock?) suggested that you should have one more bed than there are dogs, so they always have a choice. This might even involve having three beds in every room Though a self-respecting whippet might only settle for a sofa.

 

[Sue Jordan]

She's coming with her bed..i think we may also have spare one in the attic ..I shall have a root around but yes my Blu definitely loves the sofa even watches telly he'd so comical

 

[Hemlock]

Be aware that castrated males can still mate and tie, so if she does come on heat you will still have to keep them completely apart all the time.

As well as one extra bed, I recommend two water bowls not close to each other. And of course, feed them in different rooms.

How exciting - we'll look forward to photos!

 

[Sue Jordan]

Oh right hopefully she won't be due on heat anytime soon at least till I can get her settled and spayed anyway. The feeding separately well be interesting because Blu is a grazer ill see how I can get round that maybe lift up bowl if he doesn't eat it all. Thanks for the advice everyone ill will keep you all posted with pics

 

[RGC]

Have just seen this post. You are very lucky people. We’ve always had rescued whippets. One thing I appreciate with the breed is that they are drawn to eachother naturally. With our previous two we just had a few walks with our resident female and the new boy - we had no problems whatsoever. Would appreciate photos as and when. PS the new boy’s name was Blue. Miss him terribly. It will go well.

 

[Sue Jordan]

Hi Everyone..well..things did not go to plan at all...long story short unfortunately we never got to bring her home with us . To say she was a 'bit nervous was an understatement . I found out they was her second owners. She was continuously barking and growling at me and my husband. I tried to take her on lead on my own for a short stroll but the poor girl was just growling all the time I tried to gently talk to her and coax her with a treat but she just kept growling and looking back at the house she was very nervous I didn't even feel I could stroke her and I certainly wouldn't have been able to put her in the car.. eventually we made the heart wrenching decision to leave her. I so wanted to scoop her up and take her home but what she needs I'm afraid is beyond the realms of our capabilites and I think she would have had a negative impact on Blu and that wouldn't have been fair on him . I think she needs a home with no other dog were she can get one to one . I'm gutted it didn't work out but I know it was the right decision ..

 

[Sue Jordan]

Hi RGC she wasn't a rescue they were selling her I'm sorry for the confusion when I said rehome . Yes they are wonderful breed arnt they .

 

[JudyN]

Oh, that's such a pity, Sue - but yes, definitely the right decision.

 

[Sue Jordan]

Thank you Judy it's been playing on my mind all night..needed to hear that from someone else thanks

 

[RGC]

So sorry that it didn’t work out. I just feel for the poor mite. This is Mabel’s third home and she DID come with a lot of emotional baggage but she’s now a happy pointy face - but still with a few issues. I wish you well in your quest.

 

[Sue Jordan]

Thanks RGC

 

[Hemlock]

Definitely the right decision, hard though it was. You did right by your own dog, and that is so important. Many people get caught up in sugar candy when they think about "rescue" - albeit this one was a sale so even more murky - but we have to keep faith with the dog/s we have, because we are ALL they have. Respect to you.

 

[RGC]

Taking into account her anxiety I’m sure you made the right decision. I can only assume that we were lucky when we took in Blue to live with Poppy. He was chosen for us by a friend who was a stalwart with whippet rescue. Her words of “he’s a sensible chap” rang true. Blue’s the blond one.

 

[Sue Jordan]

Thank you Hemlock

 

[Sue Jordan]

Aww they are beautiful RGB