Greyhound Dogs--Training Update #244

[ducklite]

<First part edited due to corrected info below>

I haven't owned a dog in over 25 years, and have been toying with the idea of getting one for several years. I'm thinking that by agreeing to foster one for a few weeks it might be a good opportunity to test the waters so to speak, without a long term commitment.

I'd like to get some information from greyhound owners before I commit to taking a dog. Anyone out there that could answer some questions?

Anne

 

[Bob Slydell]

There's a DIS'er (who doesn't post very often) that rescues Greyhounds in your area -- I'll drop her a PM and have her give her .02.

 

[ducklite]

There's a DIS'er (who doesn't post very often) that rescues Greyhounds in your area -- I'll drop her a PM and have her give her .02.

Thanks so much! That would be perfect.

Anne

 

[lesroi]

I've been approached to take in a Greyhound because a local dog track is closing and the local rescue needs to place 200+ dogs immediately or they will be euthanized.

They are looking for people to either adopt or foster the dogs for a 2-4 week period until they can be moved to other rescues around the country.

I haven't owned a dog in over 25 years, and have been toying with the idea of getting one for several years. I'm thinking that by agreeing to foster one for a few weeks it might be a good opportunity to test the waters so to speak, without a long term commitment.

I'd like to get some information from greyhound owners before I commit to taking a dog. Anyone out there that could answer some questions?

Anne

Anne,

I am not sure where you got the info that the dogs will be euthanized but that is definitely not the case. The track is doing a seasonal closing, yes, but that track is also the "home base" to Greyhound Pets of America rescue so the dogs are SAFE.

I do dog rescue so have also been kept abreast of the situation. I am sure you saw the reports on the news that said the dogs are NOT in danger of being euthanized. Sorry, this is obviously a pet peeve of mine. When dog rescue people "cry wolf" as it were, and create unnecessary sensationalism to try and adopt out some dogs, it is just wrong! Yes, the dogs need homes, but NO, they will not be killed. If you are concerned about saving dogs that really will be euthanized, go to Lake County animal services or Orange County animal services. OCAS alone euthanizes over 11,000 animals each year!

This is the actual group in charge of the Greyhound track adoptions and coordinating the rescue placements of the Melbourne dogs:

http://www.floridagreyhounds.com/index.html

The only thing that I would recommend if you have a Grey, is a fenced yard. Most rescues will require it. If the dog runs, you WILL NOT be able to catch it. Most of these dogs have never been inside of a house, so keep that in mind as well. There will be housebreaking issues, you can almost be assured of that. There will likely also be socialization issues, but these dogs are young, and very resiliant.

Fostering is a great way to get your feet wet when it comes to living with a dog. I think a Grey would be a great choice as they are not generally hyper dogs. They are actually great housepets, but do need regular exercise. They are definitely couch potatoes and sweet dogs.

I hope you do decide to help out, but don't be guilted into it! Do it because you WANT to and because the dogs deserve a home and love.

Tracy

 

[ducklite]

Tracy--Thanks so much for that link! You are right, the info I was given was partially incorrect, and I've sent the link off to the girl who sent me the e-mail to begin with.

I spent six years actively involved with the day-to-day running of a rescue, and continue to sit on the board of a not-for-profit that raises funds and offers various resources to animal rescue groups in time of crisis or emergency. Trust me, I won't be "guilted" into anything. I'm a proponent of responsible pet ownership, and won't add a pet to my family if I don't truly and honestly think that I can give it the care, love, and attention that it needs.

I agree that a grey would be a good choice for me as far as their gnereally docile temperment, and it's one of the reasons I was attracted to the breed. I've sent them an e-mail about fostering, and we'll see what happens. I'll let you know!

Anne

 

[Magickndm]

I suggest getting Greyhounds for Dummies....yes, they even have a book for that.
Greys are wonderful dogs but the personalities vary so much. Some are shy and spook very easy, while others are big and goofy, like mine. Some need a lot of attention and do not do well as a single pet if the owner is away a lot of the day. Oh, and they are BIG! You have to grey proof your tables much like you do if you had a baby for the first few weeks you have them home. Most have never been in a home environment so they have no clue what is and isn't acceptable for them to take.
greytalk.com is a great community for you to visit and read up on.

 

[ducklite]

I suggest getting Greyhounds for Dummies....yes, they even have a book for that.
Greys are wonderful dogs but the personalities vary so much. Some are shy and spook very easy, while others are big and goofy, like mine. Some need a lot of attention and do not do well as a single pet if the owner is away a lot of the day. Oh, and they are BIG! You have to grey proof your tables much like you do if you had a baby for the first few weeks you have them home. Most have never been in a home environment so they have no clue what is and isn't acceptable for them to take.
greytalk.com is a great community for you to visit and read up on.

Thanks! We were just looking at a rescue site and saw what they call a "socially challenged" dog that we really think might work well in our home. We have a very quiet home with three adults, no kids. We have two ferrets--that is of course a major concern with greyhounds. The dog we saw is afraid of cats and other dogs, so we're thinking it might also be afraid of the ferrets--or at least not likely to be aggressive towards them. Of course we'd never have the ferrets and the dog loose together. Between doors and gates, we can easily keep them seperated, and even include a DMZ inbetween.

We live in a quiet neighborhood. We have no problem respecting that a dog might be shy or easily spooked, and that we have to earn their trust. In fact we'd actually prefer a shy dog. We're fairly "proofed" already--we don't like clutter laying around. My DH shares a place in NJ with a friend (he works up there half the month) and his friend has a Great Dane who hasn't quite learned her manners, so he's used to not being able to leave anything around. We'd just have to remember to keep the door to DS's room closed all the time, that place is a dog's paradise.

Do you crate your greyhound? Is that something that's acceptable to do until they've become used to the home and can be trusted to not get into mischief? My goal would be to start with a crate, and eventually not have to use it.

Anne

 

[manleykr]

I volunteer for a greyhound adoption group called KCREGAP. I also have 3 greyhounds of my own. They are all unique and have their own personality. Two of mine are very shy and storm scared but my other one is very outgoing not storm scared and doesn't know a stranger. It is very different than having other breeds of dogs. They must always be on a leash or in a fenced yard. They are sight hounds and when something catches their eye they lock on it. You will need to be careful when people come over and watch the door closely. They are big couch potatoes most of the time. Very Very loving animals.

 

[jbthi]

My father had a rescued greyhound and it was the best dog I have ever seen. It had the sweetest personality. Dad had cancer and the dog seemed to sense when he didn't feel well. He would lay with his head on dad's lap but would be very quiet. When dad felt better he would be ready to play.

I don't know how he became housebroken but he never had an accident. The only time I heard him bark was when a new roof was being put on.

 

[jbthi]

One other thing, my dad's dog loved his crate. Dad had planned on the dog sleeping on a bed on the floor next to dad's bed. The dog had other ideas. He always slept in his crate, both at night and for naps. The door was never closed when dad was home so the dog could go in and out. If the dog got scolded for something, which didn't happen often or if anyone raised his voice for any reason, the dog would head for the crate.

 

[Mom2Ashli]

I would not recommend a Grey to anyone who does not have a fenced yard. They are used to having an area to run around like a track. Our greyhound made her very own track around the outside of our pool. She would just get out there and run like she were racing.

 

[Magickndm]

Do you crate your greyhound? Is that something that's acceptable to do until they've become used to the home and can be trusted to not get into mischief? My goal would be to start with a crate, and eventually not have to use it.

Anne

Dasher started in a crate, he loved it actually. I weaned him from it mainly because the crate was so big and he's fine alone in the house. Looked more like we were housing a tiger than a dog. Now the room, this one with the computer, is his room because it was where the crate was. He has 2 beds, one thing they really do need since they are so boney.

I would not recommend a Grey to anyone who does not have a fenced yard. They are used to having an area to run around like a track. Our greyhound made her very own track around the outside of our pool. She would just get out there and run like she were racing.

Dasher has his own personal track too, it even banks up on the side!

 

[Mom2Ashli]

Dasher started in a crate, he loved it actually. I weaned him from it mainly because the crate was so big and he's fine alone in the house. Looked more like we were housing a tiger than a dog. Now the room, this one with the computer, is his room because it was where the crate was. He has 2 beds, one thing they really do need since they are so boney.

Dasher has his own personal track too, it even banks up on the side!

Yep - Lagan had hers banked. It was funny to watch her take off running and than the German Shepard would try and catch her. She would even stop and wait for him to round a corner than take off again until she lapped him. It would crack us up to watch them do that.

 

[ducklite]

I don't have a fenced yard. We're talking about putting one in--eventually. It's not in the game plan in the immediate future. I would walk the dog 3-4 times a day, with at least one of the walks being a 30 minute or longer trek. Can a greyhound--particularly a quieter, shyer dog--handle this, or will it go stir crazy without a yard to run in?

Anne

 

[Jennasis]

Anne,

You'll be fine! Congrats (prematurely perhaps, but once you see that sweet face, you'll be hooked!!)!!

Our Janky is a petite female who we adopted from a rescue on Long Island. She came from Seabrook Racetrack in NH. We had NO fenced yard but were quite willing to commit to walks. She was quite happy and even now years later with a fenced yard, she ADORES leash time and goes nuts if I pick it up. We used to walk her in the am first thing, again quick before I left for work, immediately when I returned from work, and then a good long one later in the evening. Occassionally she'd wake us up in the middle of the night to go out but she grew out of that pretty fast.

With a fenced yard, she spends all her time lounging in the sun. I have YET to see her run like the wind through the yard. Fastest she's ever gone was when she was running alongside DH's bike!

She tolerates our barn cats but will yell at them if they come too close to the yard fence. She's never offered to go after them even when right next to them in the barn on the leash. I think she just likes acting tough. She rarely barks at all. In fact, until we moved to the country on the farm, we swore she was mute!

She is a total daddy's girl, terrified of thunderstorms, loves anyone willing to pet her, has a HUGE sweettooth, used to steal my beanie babies and hide them in her crate, LOVES lying in shallow pools of water (has her own kiddie pool) and is the best dog ever. We will have another one when she leaves us for the rainbow bridge.

Get yourself a greyhound. Best move we ever made.

 

[Rozzie]

Greyhounds are our life! We our on our 3rd and 4th greyhound, and it's our favorite and only breed we do. First off, these dogs are usually very well socialized, and typically are calm and docile around children and other pets. They almost always are wonderfully leash trained, and we rarely have pet accidents in the house. Usually their 1st week or so in their adjustments and then it sails smoothly. We don't crate ours, and some do. We usually baby gate them in the kitchen when we go to work, and it works out great for us. They do like a quiet corner, and don't be offended if they come and greet you excited with kisses when you get home, but then go back to "their corner". They don't shed a lot, and most don't bark. (always exceptions, as a new one we have has found her barking voice, just precious! ) What is great about the greyhound rescue groups, is they personality profile the perfect dog for you. Some are not cat safe, some need to run, some need quiet homes. It is a excellent program and results in very successful matches.

We do have fenced in backyard, and I can't imagine not having one as our's love to run and chase. But only for about 10 minutes a day, then they sleep the rest of the day away. They are not called 45mph couch potato's for nothing! We do have a lot of people in our rescue group that live in patio homes with no backyard, and they adjust by lots of walks and a taking them to our "playdates" at the dog park. Their dogs seems to do great with this.

Last, I have to warn you. Greyhounds are addicting, and you will immediately by taken by their grace, and their willingness to forgive. They are wonderful loyal companions, and spend their rest of their life thanking you.

Please PM me if I can help in anyway.

 

[ducklite]

I'm giving it a lot of thought, but I think I'm now looking to give a greyhound a forever home.

I'm going to meet with one of the local rescues this weekend and meet some of thier dogs.

I still need to think about it, and I want to spend a little time with the dogs as part of that thought process. I'm not one to rush into a decision like this quickly.

I would prefer a female or smaller male in the 2-4 year old range. It MUST be good with cats and smaller dogs--anything else is a total dealbreaker. I'd prefer a shy dog over one that thinks everyone is their new best friend. I don't care about color, except I'd rather not have a brindle--my mind associates that pattern with some breeds that I'm terrified of.

Anyhow, thanks to everyone for thier input--it's been really helpful. If I do decide to get the dog, I'm sure I'll have a ton of questions for you very knowledgeable people!

Anne

 

[MushyMushy]

I'm really excited for you! Please keep us updated.

I've always wanted a greyhound, but we've never lived anywhere with enough of a yard.

 

[Magickndm]

I guess you don't HAVE to have a fenced yard with a grey, but it sure would make your life easier. Mine is just itching to run, I mean a full out run, once a day. No way walks would be enough for him. If you really think about it, that is what they have been bred to do for hundreds of years.
I'm sure whoever you adopt through can figure out what will work for you though.

 

[Rozzie]

That's great to hear Anne! Really go with a open mind, and don't be sold on looks. When we lost our last one, we went back our group and requested the 2 that needed a home the most. What'd we get? A big ole' 80lb male brindle, and a fawn with scars all over her. Very different from our previous 2 Greys, but they are absolutely wonderful dogs. No one wanted the Brindle because he was "too big" and no one wanted the Fawn as she "had scars" and they were both older. Wow, their loss, because they are incredible. Sometimes it's the older dogs that are more laid back, and may not need the runs as much as the youngn's. There is the perfect Grey for you, just take your time and research as you are doing, you are doing everything right!

Good luck, hope you can update us with how it works out. Be prepared to be charmed, as they are charmers. Can you believe it used to be illegal for a commoner to own a greyhound in old Europe? Only Royalty could own them. Pretty cool that it's now as easy as your local Greyhound rescue group.