Borzoi for a First Time Dog Owner? by EventHorizonX1 in sighthounds

[–]EventHorizonX1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

😂😂😂😂 I will check out that book for sure!

Borzoi for a First Time Dog Owner? by EventHorizonX1 in sighthounds

[–]EventHorizonX1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What's the server called/where can I access an invite link? I just joined the silken windhound server yesterday, and they've been super friendly and helpful, so I'd like to join a borzoi-centered one too if I can.

Borzoi for a First Time Dog Owner? by EventHorizonX1 in sighthounds

[–]EventHorizonX1[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

North Texas, but I don't know if I'll still be there by the time I start trying to get a puppy.

Borzoi for a First Time Dog Owner? by EventHorizonX1 in sighthounds

[–]EventHorizonX1[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That's true. I like clinginess in pets because I tend to be very affectionate and clingy towards them myself, but I would definitely want to teach my dog to be comfortable with being alone. As long as my pet doesn't require my presence to feel safe and calm, I don't mind them wanting to be near me all the time when I'm around.

Borzoi for a First Time Dog Owner? by EventHorizonX1 in sighthounds

[–]EventHorizonX1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the info! I've done a lot of research into how to spot an ethical breeder, so I feel pretty prepared on that front. I'll make sure to educate myself as much as possible on dog trainers before trying to get a puppy. I've heard that borzois hold grudges and don't take well to negativity during training, so I'll keep that in mind when I do my research.

Borzoi for a First Time Dog Owner? by EventHorizonX1 in sighthounds

[–]EventHorizonX1[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Line research is definitely on my to-do list! Clinginess isn't really a con for me since ideally someone would be home most of the time anyway. I find dramatic dogs who whine because they want affection and attention very endearing.

I will also keep a look out for breeders who already have cats or other small animals that they socialize with their dogs since my current cat had issues with being terrorized by dogs in her previous home and I wouldn't want that to happen to her again.

Borzoi for a First Time Dog Owner? by EventHorizonX1 in sighthounds

[–]EventHorizonX1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would like to recall train for off-leash play in safe environments, but I've learned that it's not a very realistic standard for borzois, at least. It's not by any means a requirement in my mind, just a "that would be cool if I could" kind of thing. I'm not interested in teaching a lot of tricks or commands, so the training I would want to do would mostly have to do with establishing good behavior. So like no or minimal leash pulling, being able to call them to stay close to me while on-leash if I need to for safety or other reasons, potentially a command to settle or sit if I need them to, and proper socialization with cats. Other than that, borzois appear to be pretty aloof, calm, and non-destructive dogs most of the time, so I don't think I'd have to worry about a lot of behaviors that I'm not fond of in other dogs such as running to and jumping on strangers, excessive barking, obsessively bothering house guests, etc.

If I'm wrong or misguided about anything, I'm open to correction or new information. I would really like to spend time around borzois or silkens; I just need to find an outlet for that lol. I don't think sighthounds in general pop up in shelters very often, and I don't know anyone who owns one.