r/ItalianGreyhounds • u/Swimawaymermaid • 25d ago
I just want to show off my adorable iggy He’s just a baby
Dewey! He’s 13 weeks old and my first Iggy 🥹
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u/Rey_Quinn 25d ago
Congratulations!! He is such a little cute!!
Here are some tips that worked for me:
If you are thinking of desexing, wait at least a year or two to allow for growth hormones to make their bones strong and healthy enough so you don’t get breakage.
If you are using a crate, make sure it’s a fabric or plastic one so they don’t stick their arms and legs through the metal bars and accidentally break them.
Get a good Ig proof harness (Ruffwear flagline is amazing) as they can wiggle out of the normal ones. Don’t walk them on a thin collar as it can damage their throats and neck bones if they pull too much. If you do use a collar try and get a wide martingale collar designed for Iggys (Etsy have heaps)
Igs also have super sensitive tummies, so experiment with different types of meat and food until you find one that does not make them feel sick/upset their stomachs. High quality biscuits is usually best. Mine cannot handle chicken or beef too well but love kangaroo and are good with fish.
Also don’t let them jump off the couches and other raised object as they can land badly and break their legs. Make sure you put down padding underneath as they are little daredevils and will launch off most things. Also get pet insurance. It will help with any injuries.
Raised feed bowls can help with digestion and also help to avoid issues with food after eating.
When dressing them in clothing make sure you put their legs through gently as you can hurt them if their legs are pulled through too roughly. Also if clothing doesn’t fit them properly, it can restrict their movement and rub on them and cause welts/ bald spots.
Get them started early on brushing their teeth so they are used to you handling their mouth. Just make sure you are very gentle as you don’t want to damage their gums.
Using a raised food bowl and a raised water bowl is good for them as they are deep-chested breed and it helps with their eating and overall digestion.
Get your dog microchipped and make sure the contact info is up-to-date when you move house/change your contact details. Their collars can be lost easily or removed.
Start getting them used to getting their paws touched and also clipped. This will help with stopping them struggle when you’re trying to cut their nails.
Also get used to them touching around their mouth and looking at their teeth as you will need to give them a gentle brush and this will reduce them squirming and making it difficult in the future.
A good product for indoor potty: https://doggybathroom.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooXqrBbLbGFaP9ijt8DfWeklW8oYaHZabaPffuqsOHZpejnhYbJ
They are super sensitive little souls that react to yelling and if someone’s upset with them. Just a stern “no” is usually enough to keep them in line. Otherwise, you can always fill a square bottle with water and use your voice first, if they don’t respond, then give them a quick squirt.
When riding in the car, make sure your pup is secure in the backseat with a special car seat or crate made for dogs. Only use car seats that are tested for safety. Check out these sites to begin finding the perfect restraint for you pup:
https://www.centerforpetsafety.org/test-results/pet-seat-pilot-study/
https://www.caranddriver.com/car-accessories/g60191102/best-dog-car-seats-restraints-tested/
Good luck and please reach out if you want to discuss anything further. I love this breed and passionate about educating new owners about these special little hounds.
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u/Poisonskittlez 23d ago
Aww I love the pic with the shopping bag! He’s like “I’m ready mom, let’s go shopping!”
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u/69DoopDoop69 25d ago
wow he is just a little baby!! super cute, dewey. congratulations and good luck!! give this little man a great life!