You, Your Family and Your New, Rescue Borzoi

Thank you for giving a ‘forever’ home to a Borzoi in need!

The most important thing to remember regarding your new Borzoi is to call BR-NC at the very first moment you have a question, no matter how trivial or silly it may seem. The first few days or weeks are very important to the dog’s adjustment. We are here to help you in any way we can.

Call us about all the good moments, too – and we truly love to get your pictures!

• Give your new dog plenty of time to adjustment to its new home. The adjustment time varies from dog to dog. You should see a marked improvement in a few days, but it can take from several weeks to several months for a Borzoi to settle in and show its true personality.
• Please remember your new Borzoi needs rest! Changing homes is very stressful for most dogs, and many rescues have also been through recent medical procedures.
• Do not give the new dog kisses on the face and head, or hugs, until he or she has had time to get to know and trust you. Never allow a strange adult or child to kiss or hug your dog! Some dogs think of this act as a threat. Put yourself in the dog’s shoes – you would not appreciate kisses and hugs from a stranger or casual acquaintance. Your new dog may not either and this is understandable.
• During this readjustment period, you must spend quality time with the dog. If you work, your evenings will be committed to helping your new dog feel secure in his or her new home. You also will have to get up a little earlier in the mornings to spend some quality time with your new Borzoi before leaving for work. If you are home all day, or an adult member of your family is, this should pose no problem.

A Few More Basics

• Always have water available in a location where the dog has easy access to it and where it cannot be knocked over by human or animal.
• Dogs are creatures of habit. A schedule for exercise, eating, and sleeping will add to the dog's security.
• Public access gates to the dog's area should be padlocked; those within your property should be latched so the dog cannot open them.
• Your Borzoi should have its own area - a place with a blanket or crate that is theirs alone. This is not a place for punishment. When the dog is in his/her special place, it should be left alone and children should be instructed not to bother it. Everyone, including children and yourself, needs privacy. That includes your Borzoi.
• Dogs like to please the pack master (YOU, as its owner). Regular training exercises will benefit both you and your new dog. Training may be as little as the "shake hands" trick to an obedience course. Obedience classes are highly recommended. There is no better way to get a dog to respond to a new owner (and vice versa)! The rewards are tremendous.

What to Watch Out For

• All sighthounds are chasing (coursing) hounds. Your new Borzoi should NEVER be allowed off lead in any area that is not closely fenced. Borzoi can wiggle through surprisingly small openings. Do not leave your windows open more than a few inches and of course do not ever leave your dog in a car during warm weather!! Watch your dog's behavior in your yard for a week or so. If your new Borzoi exhibits signs of climbing, jumping, or digging under your fence, you will need to take appropriate measures, such as a 'HOT WIRE'.
• You can purchase a unit made for household pets that plugs into a wall socket from most feed stores. Stay away from the battery powered units - they do not work well if you have a determined Borzoi. Run the wire at the bottom, middle, and top of your fence. This will discourage your dog from trying to get out. After the first "shock", your Borzoi may be reluctant to go away from the outside door, but he or she will get over this soon and use the yard as usual.
• The former life of your rescued Borzoi is not always known. Most Borzoi get along wonderfully with children IF they have been raised around them. It is dangerous to assume your new Borzoi will like children. It is threatening to the dog when a toddler or young child staggers, runs, walks, or jumps towards it. You must keep in mind that Borzoi were hunters. This ancient drive is still inborn in them, no matter how many years his or her forbears have spent on a couch being fed by humans. Cats, small dogs, chickens, etc., are "game" and unless you KNOW for a fact your new dog does well with any or all of the above, go VERY carefully!
• There are many brands of dog food on the market and making a good choice can be confusing to any new owner. A high quality, non-soy food is recommended. Most Borzoi do well on a self-feed program where dry food is left out at all times for the dog to nibble whenever it is hungry. Or, you may choose to feed regular meals. Just remember not to feed two hours prior to or after vigorous exercise. This may contribute to bloat. Until your dog adjusts to his or her new home, keep children and other dogs or animals away from the dog and its food bowl while he/she is eating.
• Grooming should be considered quality time by you and your Borzoi. Brushing, nail trimming, etc., can be done in a relaxed manner, maybe while watching TV. Some Borzoi do not like their feet touched or their nails trimmed. Unless you have had experience with the breed before and can deal with a dog pulling away while you try to cut its nails, it is best to have this done by a professional groomer or your vet.

Good Luck and Thank You for Loving These Borzoi!

– by Jacqueline Gregory