Choose a Greyhound

[Jake2006]

Especially for Katch and Vagreys - I found this on dogs trust website, its great to know that they are doing such good work for greyhounds:

http://www.doggysnaps.com/editorsvoice/

Choose a Greyhound


We all know that greyhounds as a breed have a pretty tough time of it and re-homing centres always have these noble dogs available. I worked as a voluntary kennel maid last year and the greyhounds were often the 'sticky dogs', the ones no-one even stopped to look at. What I discovered, and, what all greyhound owners know, is that these graceful dogs don't need loads of exercise, in fact they are slobs and love their home comforts. The ones I came across were always affectionate and gentle and when they did find new homes the feedback was always wonderful. If you still need a bit of convincing take a look at Littlest Hobo's posting on the YouTube - Talking Dogs thread. Everyone seems to love the YouTube link so take a look if you haven't already.

[Mom to Lil Buddy]

If it were only me in my family, I would have a greyhound. A friend took hers on their trip to Canada and Alaska and what a wonderful travelling companion, required much less attention than my Schnauzer. She is a minister and her greyhound goes to all the nursing homes with her.

The only thing I didn't like, it didn't make eye contact with you when you talked, paid attention to it, but I think that would be a matter of training.

[katch_this]

horay! My local centre also has a little bit about greys!

Hollyhedge:
IN PRAISE OF GREYHOUNDS

If you have always wanted a dog but are worried that you may not have the time or energy for one consider a greyhound!
Often overlooked because of their long legs and thin bodies greyhounds are very easy to own—they are the closest thing in the doggy world to a “couch potato”.

It is a myth that greyhounds need loads of exercise—a good run twice a day is quite sufficient. In between they are content to laze around and enjoy comfortable surroundings. For many of them their early lives have been miserable, neglected and shut away in the confines of a dark, dismal kennel with little or no bedding, discarded when they are no longer of use.
We have several greyhounds or greyhound X’s longing to be chosen and they are all truly deserving cases.
They are all sweet natured and loving and make gentle and loyal pets. They reward their owners with love, loyalty and affection, not to mention company whilst watching your favourite TV programmes.

[Phill]

It's a shame more people don't take on ex racing dogs because a lot of them just end up being destroyed. There was a story on my local news before christmas about a man who had killed 1000's over the years on the cheap.
You just have to be carfull not to let them of the leash because they will chase anything.

[milenia]

i agree Choose a Greyhound, i've had 2 Mollie wasn't a chaser although chased off a few cats out the garden but that about it, Jack is a chaser but he is coming on nicely and hopefully he will grow out of it once he hits middle age.

i love them as dogs they are just so laid back and it amazes me that the ones that get beaten or have their ears cut off and left to bleed to death can STILL wag their tails at the people they get rescued by or their new owners, Mollie had a rough time of it being raced too long and being beaten etc but Jack was luck and wasn't in as bad a state mentally as many can be exposed too, he had a nasty injury from racing.

Bye

[vagreys]

Hehe...my daughter put the futon down for a nap, and has all three hounds for company. All my pups are sacked out.

[Jake2006]

Oh Tom, you should have taken a picture!

[vagreys]

Oh Tom, you should have taken a picture!
Actually, I tried, but my old, diskette-based digital camera was upstairs, and coming back down the stairs ruined the moment. Ah, well.

[Greyhound]

I want one! :D

[GreyhoundGirl]

I'm working for another... but my parents don't believe in the potato chip theory. :p :(

If anyone in New York is considering a greyhound... Consider Booboo. http://www.greyhoundrescuerehab.org/available.html She's so sweet... don't those eyes just melt your heart? :wubsmiley: :wubsmiley: :wubsmiley:

[skunkstripe]

So many dogs, so little time.
I was once at a home show where the local "Fast Friends" group had brought some Greyhounds. It wa a huge noisy hall with people milling around looking at the exhibits, and of course I stopped to look at the dogs and talk to the people. I felt so sorry for those dogs, they had lived a sheltered existence and now they were in this room full of people. I knelt down to one of them and whispered in her ear as I was talking to one of the women, and the dog leaned on me. I didn't realize what an honor this was! Then the woman tried to convince me to adopt one! Oh boy, I came within a hair's breadth of taking that soft, pretty doggy home with me! I told her we don't have a fence, we go hiking and camping with our dogs offleash and she still wanted to talk me into it.
Maybe one of my next dogs!

[Rainbow]

Can't believe they are 'sticky' dogs. Greyhounds are so beautiful. I dont have one (have 2 other types of sighthounds) but yes, they are lovely dogs...cat like, they dont smell or shred much fur, their paws dont track in much mud and they are gentle lazy dogs who are a sight to see when they run full gallop. Furthermore, they are a BIG dog...and big dogs are extra scrummy (mind you I am biased).

[GreyhoundGirl]

I can't believe they are the sticky dogs either. :( I think a lot of people are turned off by their skinny, boney appearence. That's what the people I've asked have told me, anyways.

I will definetly be owning more greyhounds and promoting greyhound adoption. :)

[gr8hound]

I currently have four live greyhounds, with two in urns that have passed. Many are just like any other dog once they are homed. Some will be forever quirky. My Missy just turned nine last week, we have had her since before she turned two. She was a special needs adoption, she was so afraid of everything! She is still quirky, afraid of my husband, who is the primary feeder, etc. But she loves me to death, and is SO happy when I come home. She is a velcro dog! She loves my grandson, who is six, and is a really good girl, except she is so fearful! The other three are littermates, got Sam at 15 months, never raced. Budget a year later after a broken leg on the track, and Izzy in 9/2005, when her track was closing. The three of them are buddies, like they know they are littermates! It is the wildest thing I have ever seen. Sam came here from OK, Budget from AL, and Izzy from WI, so they were not together for years, but you would never know it. Missy is the Mama, they all listen to what she says, it is funny! My first two were night and day, Red was a lover you could trust with a baby, Stormy was a cranky dog, that you had to really watch. So I think the greys are like any other breed, they generally are quiet good dogs, but you can get that random dog that has a mean bone in him. And yes, to have one hug you is an honor, especially with a right off the track dog. They are usually not so people friendly, they don't know how to be, so if you got a hug, you are special :)

[lovingpaws]

I fell in love with greys when the foster homes were full, and dozens went to local shelters (we have too many tracks here:( ) My friend & I were volunteers and spent time loving & training them.
My friend adopted a fawn named Harry and I new I'd have to have one some day. Some day has just about come, we're moving so we can have pets. So in the next few months we hope to have a grey.

By the way Harry's so well behaved He was ringbearer at our wedding. He came from the shelter where hubby & I met so we thought it fitting.

[lovingpaws]

Actually, I tried, but my old, diskette-based digital camera was upstairs, and coming back down the stairs ruined the moment. Ah, well.


This post reminded me I have my wed pics with Harry on disc, & :bulb: bingo, since we're godpawrents I get to show him off.

[Ðanisty]

I'm looking to get a second dog and have already decided that I want a rescue dog. I've been doing a lot of research on greyhounds because I think they're beautiful. I had no idea they were so mellow. I am hearing conflicting information on that though and I need to know before I adopt. How much exercise do they really need? Also, how well do they adjust to change such as moving?

[vagreys]

I'm looking to get a second dog and have already decided that I want a rescue dog. I've been doing a lot of research on greyhounds because I think they're beautiful. I had no idea they were so mellow. I am hearing conflicting information on that though and I need to know before I adopt. How much exercise do they really need? Also, how well do they adjust to change such as moving?
There is a lot of misinformation out there. Retired racers do not need a lot of exercise, nor do they need to have a lot of room to run. We have adopters who live in one bedroom apartments, who have multiple Greys and no yard. They walk their hounds on lead.

Greyhounds love to run, but they don't need to run. During their racing careers, they typically run about 550 yards in about 30 seconds, and then they are done for the week. They are sprinters. They conserve their energy for the sprint, and rest or sleep 16-18 hours a day.

When they first arrive from the track, they are not used to walking more than about 1/4 mile. You have to work them up to a longer walk. If you want to have them as running partners, you have to condition them for distance running, since they are not used to running even a full mile.

I walk mine 1-2 miles, twice a day. I also try to take mine to the dogpark for a run, most mornings. The way Greys run, we spend far more time travelling to and from the dogpark, than we do at the dogpark. We get there, they run for a minute or two, walk around and do their business, run a minute or two, and then they are ready to leave.

Retired racers are used to travel, and generally do well. They need a break every two or three hours, but generally they are placid. They adjust ok to moves, but you do have to take their needs into consideration.

If you have more questions, please feel free to post them or PM.

[Maltese_love]

There is a great rescue up here in NJ, close by me. They take in ex-racers and stuff. Have alot of fun events too, foster homes, etc. I will definately be rescuing a grey when I get older as my first dog when I move out. They just fit my lifestyle so perfectly. I love them, beautiful dogs..They are really elegant too.

[mysterydog1]

I'm working for another... but my parents don't believe in the potato chip theory. :p :(

If anyone in New York is considering a greyhound... Consider Booboo. http://www.greyhoundrescuerehab.org/available.html She's so sweet... don't those eyes just melt your heart? :wubsmiley: :wubsmiley: :wubsmiley:

Nice post =] Thanks.

[happysaz133]

Especially for Katch and Vagreys - I found this on dogs trust website, its great to know that they are doing such good work for greyhounds:

http://www.doggysnaps.com/editorsvoice/

Choose a Greyhound


We all know that greyhounds as a breed have a pretty tough time of it and re-homing centres always have these noble dogs available. I worked as a voluntary kennel maid last year and the greyhounds were often the 'sticky dogs', the ones no-one even stopped to look at. What I discovered, and, what all greyhound owners know, is that these graceful dogs don't need loads of exercise, in fact they are slobs and love their home comforts. The ones I came across were always affectionate and gentle and when they did find new homes the feedback was always wonderful. If you still need a bit of convincing take a look at Littlest Hobo's posting on the YouTube - Talking Dogs thread. Everyone seems to love the YouTube link so take a look if you haven't already.

Are you a memeber of doggysnaps? It is a FAB site, and yes, it is great the editor included this.
If I had the time I would have many more greyhounds, they are such wonderful dogs.
And this photo is just to show some can get on with cats. Todd killed a cat in his last home, due to his owners stupidity. Now look at him with Lucky.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q213/happysaz133/me_and_lucky.jpg

[KatzNK9]

And this photo is just to show some can get on with cats. Todd killed a cat in his last home, due to his owners stupidity. Now look at him with Lucky.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q213/happysaz133/me_and_lucky.jpg

It is wonderful to see them together. I'm so glad to see that there are still believers that any dog can be trained to be a loyal friend & companion rather than deal in myth & breed bias.:)

[vagreys]

...I'm so glad to see that there are still believers that any dog can be trained to be a loyal friend & companion rather than deal in myth & breed bias.:)
I'm sorry Katz, but that just isn't true. As with most gross generalities, there are exceptions. Greyhounds with extreme prey drive are not a myth. No matter how much you insist, or how adamant you are in your position, you cannot convince me otherwise. I have worked with retired racers. You have not. Can many be trained? Yes. Not all can be trained to do all things. I have fostered many greyhounds. Some were cat safe. Some were cat interested, and were trained to be cat safe. A few could not be broken of the desire to rip cats (or small dogs) to shreds. I think that, in some cases, genetic predisposition, instinct and years of training to chase and kill cannot be overcome. To dismiss what those of us who have experience with the breed know to be true, because it doesn't fit your philosophy of training to which you adhere with religious fervor, is a mistake.

I don't subscribe to claims made about all sighthounds. To claim that all sighthounds will bolt and run, or that all sighthounds will go after small animals and can't be trained is as wrong as your dismissing all such behavior as mythical. I know retired racing Greyhounds, inside and out. I live with them. I train them. I work with them. I rehabilitate them. I place them for adoption. I follow their adopted lives from retirement to the grave. Most can be trained to not attack small animals. Some cannot be broken of that drive. Some retired racers can be trained to good recall. Many cannot. Some do fine off lead, until the one time they do not and do not survive the experience. Your dismissal of what I know to be true, and your insistence that any dog can be trained to do anything, is a statement of faith, not fact.

[booboo]

I completely agree with you Vagrays. I have 2 greys. The older 1 lost his chase instinct many years ago when a cat attacked him and he is quite happy to potter off leash in the park. Now the 6 year old is completely different. I do not dare let her off the leash apart from a fully fenced paddock i know of. She absolutely hates cats and small dogs and will physically lunge and do that horrid growling, snarling noise. I took her on last june after alot of dicussions with my husband and son. She had only finished racing a month. It was to be expected that she would be like she is. I've been in and around greyhounds all my life. Working in a racing kennel, taking the dogs racing and as a small child helping my now very successful greyhound racing trainer uncle so it's in my blood. I also fundraise for the Retired Greyhound Trust. I can't stand other peoples opinions of retired racers and if the subject ever comes up with people who don't own one i always put them straight!!
Hopefully spreading the word as i do, if 1 person i've spoken to gives a lovely ex racer a home it will be all worthwhile.

[Momofmany]

I lived with 2 greys for many years. I probably broke every single rule with them by allowing them to run loose in my yard (10 acres) without a lead and we mowed paths that they could run on (probably quarter mile). Very early on I taught them come and once they were 100% consistent, they were let off lead on the property and never disobeyed (well, once but that is later).

Tyler (closely bonded to me) had a terrible prey drive and I care for feral cats. I would find dead cats around the place perhaps once a year and I assumed it was Tyler. But I did break him of his drive: One morning I was gardening and the dogs, as usual, were loose outside with me. I was distracted and looked up to see Tyler going after a 6 month old kitten. Unfortunately he caught it, breaking its spine in the process. I let out a loud "NO" at which point he dropped the cat and laid on the ground. I pointed at the door to the house, opened the door and let him into the porch. I pointed at the table in the porch and he laid under it (on a bed). For the next 2 weeks he was fed and walked without a word spoken to him, then returned to the porch. In pack terms this is called "banning" and he got the message. Four years passed when one night I let him out for his business. When I called him to come back inside, he didn't come. First time in 7 years that he hadn't responded to "come". I go outside with a flashlight and see him pacing back and forth on the other side of the driveway. I shine the light around and see a possum on the ground playing possum (he was fine). Tyler was so terrified of the thought that he had injured an animal that he was deathly afraid that I would "ban" him again. I had to hook a leash on him and bring him back into the house. But I never found a dead cat again after the initial banning.

I hear what others have said about not putting too much in faith when training a grey, but I also believe that they are really no different than other dogs, and if you enforce pack rules, you can train them as easily as any other breed. I think the number of exception dogs are far less than what people give them credit for, but only if you address their breed quirks. And all good behavior bets are off if they are ill.

I absolutely adore greyhounds. They run like crazy after a good poop (its hysterical), sleep on your sofa (or in the case of Tyler, he got a queen sized water bed), "chatter" when they are happy, can knock small children over when they "lean" against them, and are generally sluts to any person wandering by.

Doug was the alpha dog in our pack (of 5 dogs), probably because of his sheer size - he was 95 pounds full grown and actually scared people when we brought him out in public. Once the cats learned the rule of "let sleeping dogs lie", he was very gentle with the cats:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v415/amycich/My%20dogs/DougBogart.jpg

[happysaz133]

The running after a good poo is so true with greyhounds! It is rather amusing!
And I am still of the opinion you can train greyhounds, even those with an extremely high chase instinct. It is interesting to read differences in opinions though!

[vagreys]

...I hear what others have said about not putting too much in faith when training a grey, but I also believe that they are really no different than other dogs, and if you enforce pack rules, you can train them as easily as any other breed. I think the number of exception dogs are far less than what people give them credit for, but only if you address their breed quirks. And all good behavior bets are off if they are ill...
I have found them to be easy to train in some respects, and certainly, they are hounds like any other hounds. But they DO have breed quirks, and those quirks are not myths. And racing Greyhounds are different from show Greyhounds. I have a friend in Barcelona who has two Greys she raised from early puppyhood. They have excellent recall and walk off-lead around the city, like any other well-behaved hounds. They still have sighthound instincts and will give chase if something really catches their eye. They resist the temptation, most of the time, but not all the time. But they come back. However, an important distinction is that these hounds were not raised as racers. Racers are trained from a very early age to do one thing well: chase and catch a small furry object, without being distracted, and without breaking off the chase for any reason. In the case of a retired racer that enjoys catching and killing small animals, or bolts instinctively after whatever catches its eye and refuses to break off the chase, I think the additional career training they have received can be difficult, if not impossible, to overcome, sometimes. Is this often the case? No. But it happens enough that all adopters are warned of the possibilities.

I've heard a number of owners say, as you have, that they broke the rules and never had a problem. I say that's great. I have also had to console owners, who lost their hounds, or lost other pets, or had their hounds confiscated and put down for attacking the pets of neighbors, because the owners were too trusting or refused to accept that there were behavioral issues they needed to consider. I have also seen hounds behave fine for years, and then suddenly snap in an instant. Categorical statements concern me, whether they are statements about all sighthounds or declarations that hounds are blank slates and that everything is a matter of training, because new/prospective owners are easily misled. I would hate for someone to believe that their problems were all because they were lousy trainers, when they might be fine trainers up against the results of 6000 years of selective breeding combined with years of intensive, specialized training.

Retired racing Greyhounds make wonderful companions, and can be champion obedience dogs, flyball dogs, rally dogs, agility dogs, therapy dogs, and I even know of a Greyhound that is a champion tracker. But their blood composition is different from other breeds. Their metabolism is different. Their physiology is different. Their behavior is quirky and some of those quirks are consistent across the breed and common to other sighthounds of similar origin. As you said, the breed quirks have to be addressed, which means they exist.