Day Four with Nico

Day four with Nico was mostly uneventful with the cold weather we're having. We went for a short walk around the neighborhood just to walk and work on his leash etiquette. He’s still a puller but has gotten better since he arrived. Our walk probably lasted 15 minutes when I would normally have walked 30 to 45, but our temperatures were below freezing and I don't have a coat that fits him properly.

We spent the rest of our day practicing not chasing the kitty and more times than I can count I said "No kitty." Nico always stopped and gave me his attention but as soon as my kitty made any move he was right there. He's ready, willing and able to do what comes natural for a greyhound and that's chase the little creature. Last night my niece and her boyfriend (I'll call him T.) popped in for a short visit. It was interesting to watch Nico. Up until my niece and her boyfriend arrive I hadn't seen Nico visibly upset with the presence of men.  But tonight Nico was clearly frightened. T did everything right he greeted my other three dogs and gently called Nico, but he wouldn't come. He didn't push and tried making himself smaller and took off his hat as well, it didn't work and Nico retreated to my living room for the rest of the time. T. has a slight resemblance to his last dad in size and facial features, but is more soft-spoken. Once T and my niece left Nico was fine and ready to nap on his bed.

He'll still needs quite a bit of work socializing with men, but I'm confident he'll overcome his fear as he relaxes and realizes his forever-home mom is his leader and will protect him. Today is our day 5 and it should be interesting with our schools closed and snow, ice and rain on the way.

Until tomorrow, Woof, Woof and Roo, Roo.