I’ve been giving talks around the country these past years about greyhounds. One of the talks – Why Does My Hound Do THAT?? – a fast-paced Q&A session is one of my favorites. Here’s a small sampling.
Tails Talk. Every tail tells a story. And most often a happy one.
Helicopter Tail
My first greyhound, Eli, had a helicopter tail. It swirled, twirled, circled and danced. I thought he would have lift-off at times with his tail display of pure happiness. That tail greeted me, whirling, every time I walked in the door. Not all greyhounds have a helicopter tail, so prize your hound if you have one who does. It’s a very happy tail…and hound.
At Attention Tail
A tensed tail is at attention because something has presented itself for inspection, and the hound is not exactly sure how he feels about it yet. So he’s holding himself – and his tail – at the ready. Perhaps to wag, perhaps to slink, perhaps to attack.
You will usually see a tensed tail when dogs approach each other. It’s usually male to male. If the tail continues to stay stiff, and doesn’t give a hit of wag, that stillness can proceed an explosion. I diffuse stiff tails by using my happy voice – sing song, full of nonsense – telling both dogs how it is so much fun to meet new dogs, and all is good. If this doesn’t diffuse the situation, I’ll move my dog away and distract. I’ve found tails can stay stiffer, longer, with two dogs on leash, then it does when dogs are off leash.
When dogs approach each other with wagging tails, then you’ve got a hello going on which usually conveys – let’s play and be friendly.
Tucked
Dogs tuck their tails when they are scared. Thunder, vet, another dog, yelling, a cat, a Meet & Greet – they want to crawl into themselves and be as small as possible so whatever is causing the fear might not even notice them.
You want to show dogs there is nothing to fear, but in small doses and short time frames. Sit with them in the situation, saying soothing things, and let them get used to whatever is frightening them. Do not force them to participate or meet their fears just yet. Do not over pamper and reinforce their scared behavior. If you have another out-going dog with you, the more timid dogs will take their cues from the our-going ones, and it will very much help them work through those fears.
Bark-less
Everyone knows greyhounds don’t bark. Well, not like other dogs anyway. However, if you have other dogs in your home, they will teach greyhounds to bark. If you have a greyhound who is a bit more fearful, he or she will bark to warn, and try and be ahead of the fear.
Barking is a form of communication. Just like with people, some are more vociferous than others. Some don’t shut up. Some never make a peep. Some speak appropriately.
I have a staghound who has to say something every time he sees other dogs. As he has aged, this behavior has increased. I’ve taught him No Bark. But he’ll still rumble in this throat if he feels there is something left to be said, or perhaps that other dog wasn’t really listening.
Following our dog’s examples, and giving wagging-greetings when we meet old and new friends, just might change the world. Can you imagine in a fight – if people came out with hands outstretched, big smiles on their faces, and happy dances – what a change might take place in the world.
We must become the change we want to see in the world. Gandhi.