My Greyhound Space

Posts Tagged ‘Owning a Greyhound’

Greyhounds make great pets, no question about it.  There's a  certain pride in walking down the road with a sleek Greyhound resplendant in one of the lovely smart collars that seem to attract so much attention from strangers.  One thing that many owners forget is that your dog is an ambassador for the breed.

A lot of the racing fraternity give the impression that they don't make good pets.  This is particularly prevalent in Ireland.  In view of this, it's really important to ensure your Grey is on its best behaviour at all times.  Many newly acquired Greyhounds seem to be at a loss when it comes to dealing with other dogs.  They are frankly baffled by them as, in many cases, they've never seen one before.  Kept in cages with only their own breed for company, the outside world is a strange place indeed!

It just takes a bit of time to get used to what is known in prison parlance as "The out".  The prison analogy is appropriate.  Imagine being in prison for the first qurter, or more, of your life and then finding yourself in the hustle and bustle of the modern world.  It would take a lot of getting used to.

Most of them are particularly fond of children and just love to greet them and nuzzle them.  You must appreciate that not all children, or parents, appreciate this.  Explain politely there is no danger and, if you can, let them become aquainted in a controlled way.  Never let any dog bound up to a strange child, adult or other dog, it can seem like an attack to those of a nervous disposition.

Generally speaking, a Greyhound is unlikely to start any trouble.  I've owned Great Danes that have tried to attack every dog they've seen with unbridled ferocity in spite of the Dane's reputation as the "Gentle giant".  Conversely the Greyhound is thought of by many to be a hunting dog and therefore a bit wild.  It's one of your duties as a Greyhound owner to ensure that the public at large see the Grey as a gentle ideal pet, for that is indeed what they are.

Owning a Greyhound is very different from owning other dogs. Their personality and behaviour patterns are quite unlike any dog I've ever encountered.

To start with, don't expect a hyperactive racing dog, they're, for the most part, couch potatoes. The joke in the UK is they're the most dangerous dog for burglars to encounter as they fall over them in the dark! Now and then you will find one that has that "I could have been a contender" attitude and will demonstrate his speed at every opportunity. These are the exception.

If you're rescuing an ex-racer, you are in for a surprise during the first six months.. So many are traumatised when they find their "forever home" they just can't believe their luck! Typically, the new dog is nervous, frightened by your desire to give him a cuddle as it seems like an assault to him, and looking for an escape route.

Very quickly, he learns that you are in it for the long haul and wish him no harm. Food and treats reinforce the notion that you're on his side and gradually the confidence will grow. After a few stroking sessions he will learn that a cuddle is not an attempt to restrain him, and get to like it. As time progresses you'll find him coming to you for an affectionate squeeze, you'll will feel honoured that you've gained his trust and might even shed a tear.

The reason so many Greyhound owners get so emotional about their dogs is the sad state that so many of them arrive in. The heart rending pity you feel when encountering the worst cases seems to form a bond and sense of responsibility for their welfare that is more powerful than that felt for other dogs. It's hard to explain, but it seems to be the case with most Greyhound owners. Owners, in this context, refers to those of us who've taken the plunge, and adopted an ex-racer. Those who breed or buy them, race them and dump them are not worthy of the term owner. Having said that, there are those who are keen to race their dog/s but keep them as a pet when they retire or ensure they find a good home. They are a different matter altogether.

Don't be deterred by the poor looking specimen before you when you meet the candidates for adoption. With good food and grooming the changes that take place are are nothing short of incredible and incredibly rewarding.