Experience with IG's is not a necessity, but it is always a plus. They are so different than the average dog. I usually try to talk people out of them because they do have more than a few idiosyncracies. If you've read that they can be difficult to housebreak - believe it. They don't like rain, wind, snow, or cold and if any of these conditions exist outside they will usually need to be escorted out and watched to make sure they do their business. They will spend more time trying to figure out how to get back inside than it would have taken to go to the bathroom. It can often take 9 months to a year to have an IG housetrained and even then it will likely be 99% at the most. As usual, you get out of things as much as you put in. The people who have had much success are those that work very hard and are very watchful of their IG's during the housebreaking stage. This means keeping them relatively confined when you do not have your eyes on them, watching for any signs that they might need to potty, taking them out often, and praising them immensely for each success. I have been successful with my IG's and I have many tips that I can share if you are in need.

I always describe IG puppies to people as 'baby mountain goats'. They have no fear of taking flying leaps from the back of your couch to the floor - or anywhere else for that matter. They will attempt to do things that they probably should not do. They have much energy as puppies and remain that way for quite some time. At around age three, their brain starts to develop and they gain a sense of judgement and sanity. Prior to that, they all tend to think they are Superman. When they are puppies, their humans will likely need to step in and explain to them they are not Olympic gymnasts and curtail their excitement to show off how agile they are.

IG's are the sweetest breed I've ever met. They are happy, loving, sweet, and comical. They typically get along well with other animals and are not 'scrappy'. In general they are not a 'snippy' breed. You won't go to the bathroom alone again. They get very attached to their family, but can often be reserved around strangers. They don't do very well with rough housing. Think comfort. They are all about comfort and warmth. They don't do well in households that do not allow them on the furniture (couch, bed, etc.) As for training, think artistic. It has to be almost all positive. They can be quite sensitive and will sometimes "shut down" with traditional training methods. I have had much success with clicker training and finding a way to make them think it was all their idea.

No matter how much training you might do and how well trained they are, they are still small sighthounds and should not be let off-lead in an unsecure area. If they bolt for whatever reason (see a squirrel, are frightened, etc.)they run and cannot hear you calling no matter how loud. IG's are regularly hit by cars because their owners allowed them off-leash. They have zero road sense. On the whole, they are a breed that remains "puppyish" long into adulthood. You must have a sense of humor to live with them. They are usually quite healthy and tend to live on average about 15 years. I hear they can work in homes with people who have allergies. They are a very clean breed. They do shed, but it is quite minimal - sort of like eyelashes. I read somewhere once that the amount of time you don't spend caring for their coat, etc. you spend ten times that in supplying them with attention. Truer words were never spoken. :-)