Newly adopted galga - progress check
Hi!
I want to show off our girl and check if we're on the right track with progress and if there is any advice since it's our first sighthound and despite all the research and reading I think it's always good to check in
We got our 2.5 year old galga 2 months ago directly from the shelter in Spain. She's on the larger side for galgo females, with 22kg and 66cm tall.
I'd say she is pretty well adjusted, no noticeable trauma responses. We have 3 cats and it was important that she was prey drive tested and ok with that.
On the first day she got into our car without issues, was calm enough to receive a bath and after the initial freeze response from seeing an apartment and the cats she seemed to be getting more settled every day. It took her a week to stop being afraid of the stairs, although she will sometimes still be scared of some doors and hallways.
We started leaving her alone for short periods from the start to help prevent separation anxiety and teach her that this is just a normal occurrence and that we will come back.
After about 3 weeks she started wagging her tail when she saw us and even playing indoors and being goofy.
She managed to gain a kilo and eats well, she's taking a vet recommended supplement too. Her poop is now fully solid and she poops twice per day.
We recently started taking her to a fenced dog park to run, early in the morning and late at night when there are no other dogs. She wears a basket muzzle whenever she's unleashed in the park even when there are no dogs just so she gets used to the concept of dog park = muzzle time, as we want to be safe and avoid any accidents. We noticed that she plays in a very growly, vocal and nibbly way and I am not sure that all dogs would understand the intention of play behind it so I don't want anything to escalate. I must admit I was worried at first until I realized she just likes barking and play-growling and nibbling when she gets excited
She is mostly grasping the concept of peeing outside but she's had some accidents, especially overnight when she couldn't hold it for the 8 horus.
She's had to get a tooth pulled about 2 weeks in and after antibiotics she now sleeps through the night on most days.
But it still sometimes happens that she will pee indoors. not too often, i'd say about once every 2 weeks on average and it is always connected to some slight change in routine. for example last time it was because we had to be away for a couple of hours and this would normally be a timeframe she could hold without problem. We clean the spots with enzyme cleaner and we don't shout or punish after we find a puddle, just clean and take her outside.
I am wondering/seeking reassurance if this is good progress overall for 2 months, is there is anything we can do to prevent these accidents, is there something we might be doing wrong unknowingly or is it just a matter of time and routine?
Thanks for reading!