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For
further information beyond these FAQs, please read
Dans Guide to Greyhound Care.
What qualities make a racing Greyhound a good pet?
They are loyal, friendly, funny, affectionate, gentle, quiet, clean,
loving, sensitive, trusting, good natured and generally very lazy.
What is the most important criteria in adopting a Greyhound?
We strive to match the right dog with the right family. Providing
pertinent truthful information about your lifestyle and family make-up,
answering questions regarding pets, children, etc, is extremely important
in helping us find the right Greyhound for you. We happily adopt out to
almost any situation - our main concern is that you are a responsible
caring person who will look after an ex-racing Greyhound for life.
How long will it take for an adult Greyhound to get to like his
adopter?
Greyhounds are generally very friendly and thrive on human companionship.
Bonding is usually established within a few days, but getting
used to a new environment and routine may take a few weeks. The older dogs
tend to be better mannered from the start, while the younger dogs are
generally more curious and active. Some dogs are naturally nervous and may
take longer but usually a dog is at home within days.
Is a racing Greyhound difficult to housetrain?
At the Kennels, Greyhounds are accustomed to being let out of their
kennels several times a day to relieve themselves and explore the
paddocks. Because of this, a similar routine in a new home makes
house training relatively easy. Initially it is a good idea to take them
out every hour and immediately after meals or sleep. When the adopter
employs patience and common sense, the Greyhound's natural cleanliness
will assist in the process. If you work for a full day then - like any
other dog - it would be a good idea to have someone come to let the dog
out at lunchtimes. Alternatively, a companion animal can stop the dog
becoming lonely. The companion animal doesn't have to be a dog - but I'd
recommend another Greyhound as they look better! A dog door opening onto
an enclosed garden or yard can also be used.
What
ages are available and what is the life expectancy?
Most Greyhound are retired between two and five years of age, but
Greyhound awaiting a new home can range from 12
months to 12 years old! The adaptable, stable, and loving nature of the
Greyhound predisposes it for an easy transition to a companion dog
regardless of age. Generally, younger dogs will be somewhat more active,
and older dogs will be more quiet and well mannered. The average life
expectancy of a former racer is 12 - 15 years.
What is the size of a Greyhound?
Greyhounds are normally between 24 and 29 inches at the shoulder, and
weigh between 50 and 80 pounds. Females are usually smaller than males.
What are the colours of a Greyhound?
Greyhounds are black, brindle, blue (grey), fawn, white, and a combination
of these colours.
How can I find out about my adopted Greyhound's racing career?
If your Greyhound comes from the Greyhoundhomer R.G.T. then you will
receive a copy of your dogs race card. Otherwise to obtain a copy of his
racing history send a £5 cheque made out to "The Retired Greyhound Trust"
to the NGRC, Twyman House, 10 Bonny Street, Camden Town, London NW1 9QD
with his earmarks and racing name. Videos of his races, where known, may
be obtained from GREYHOUND VIDEOS, 24 Park Lane, South Harrow, Middlesex,
HA2 8NB for some stadiums.
Are Greyhounds good with children?
If a child becomes overbearing, a Greyhound will usually walk away rather
than snap or growl. However, every dog has its limits. Greyhounds are
gentle by nature, most are fine with children, if the child has been
taught respect for animals. Many adoption groups are hesitant to place any
breed of dog with young children (usually under fives), unless there are
specific assurances that parental supervision over both child and dog will
be provided at all times.
Are Greyhounds good with other dogs?
Greyhounds are friendly by nature and can socialize well as a result of
their exposure to other Greyhounds at the racing kennel. Many will have
never seen other dog breeds, so they often need time to adjust, especially
with small ones. Very "keen" dogs (that is those with a
high prey drive) may need supervision for a considerable time. Most
Greyhounds will quickly become accustomed to other breeds. Taking the
dog to pet socialisation classes will speed the process.
Initially it is a good idea to muzzle the Greyhound in new situations
and introductions until you are completely satisfied that he will react
correctly. Also, common sense must be used during the introductory
period with regard to food, treats, and toys.
Are racing Greyhounds compatible with cats?
Some retired racers are naturally cat safe - these are often very young
and normally slow runners. Some retired racers can learn to live
harmoniously in a home with a cat quite easily. Others eventually learn,
even then the dog is sometimes not safe with cats he meets outside the
home. Caution should always be used until all animals are completely
comfortable with each other. This can sometimes take several weeks. It is
important to follow the instructions given at the time of adoption. Some
Greyhounds are always "keen" and are not compatible with cats. Completely
"Cat Safe" dogs are sometimes available but are always in demand.
Why do Greyhounds have to be kept on lead or in a fenced area?
Greyhounds hunt by sight and can see movement hundreds of yards away.
Their instinct is to run after what they have seen, mindless of any dangers
around them. They are often out of earshot and sight before you realise!
Responsible owners never allow their dogs to run loose, regardless of
breed, unless the dog always returns immediately when called. They are as
reliable as any other dogs, and of course Greyhounds are very fast and can catch
most small animals on the run. To start with a muzzle can be worn (they
are used to these and this is normal for them) until your Greyhound has
learnt what is expected. Once your Greyhound has become used to you and
less keen you may be able to let him off the lead. However Greyhounds are
used to being walked on the lead and are perfectly happy with this.
Can Greyhounds be obedience trained?
Many former racers have earned obedience titles. All training must be done
with a light, encouraging hand. Positive reinforcement and food rewards
are the best incentives for training. Spending time working with and
training your Greyhound also helps the bonding process, and should be an
enjoyable time for both of you. Some Greyhounds enjoy agility classes
which are also fun. It is also an excellent idea to enrol your new
Greyhound in socialisation classes as this can shorten the time required
for him to be familiar with other breeds under controlled conditions and
will give you an idea of how well he is likely to react to full blown
obedience courses.
Are Greyhounds hyperactive?
No! Really they are very lazy and much prefer lounging about with the
family. The Greyhound is a sprinter so short bursts of exercise is what
they like. Their time at the kennels is spent lazing in their kennel with
short trips to the paddock - or sprint schooling - or going to the track
for a grading trial or an actual race.
Do Greyhounds need a lot of exercise?
They enjoy exercise, but two twenty minutes walks are enough to keep them
healthy. Longer walks are always enjoyed.
Do females make better pets?
No! Males and females make equally good pets. The females are generally
more independent, and the males are somewhat more affectionate. All have
their own characters.
Are Greyhounds ever abused?
Generally speaking the answer is NO! During a dog's racing career happy
fit dogs will race well, whereas ill treated ones won't run so well. A
trip to a race meeting will show you that Greyhounds love to run. Watch
them as they go to their handlers when the race is over. Most are happy
just to have taken part in a race. Some though, are known to sulk if they
lost! Under NGRC rules the dogs are examined before and after a race by a
vet. In the case of track accidents the dog will be treated for it's
injury before leaving the track. This is not to say that abuse never
happens - as in all walks of life abuse does happen - but systematic
abuse does not. All NGRC training kennels are examined regularly - twice
by a vet and once by a racing steward each year so abuse should be picked
up. It is obviously against NGRC rules to abuse Greyhounds - anyone found
doing so could lose their licence for life.
What about switching to home-life?
Many things in your home will be new to your Greyhound, such as, stairs, hoover, TV and telephone to name a few. I've found with my own
Greyhounds
that going upstairs was fine but coming down was another matter!
Common sense is needed in these situations, putting a lead on your
Greyhound and guiding downstairs once or twice does the trick. Exposure to
new things, gradually, will ease your Greyhound into home life.
We have found that a great many Greyhounds get very upset if shut into
small rooms, i.e. the kitchen. If at all possible when you leave them let
them have the hall area, they are usually much happier there.
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