what to expect when adopting a greyhound

These dogs are gentle souls who would love to find a forever home because they have lots of love to share. Like with all dogs, Dr. Arndt advises pet parents to set a regular routine early on. There are several very good books available on dog behavior. You must ensure they have easy access to shelter from the elements and during the coldest winter months they may need a warm coat. So if you have another dog, its a good idea to make a gradual introduction in a neutral space, such as in the yard or on a walk outdoors. Is the dog potty-trained, crate-trained, able to walk on a leash? Greyhounds shed a lot. Greyhounds are super stink-ay. For the safety of the dog and your children, the children must also understand that dogs are not toys. They have a cat-like ability to curl up in small spaces. This characteristic can be seen in the independent behavior frequently exhibited by even the best trained show Greyhounds in obedience competitions. Water bowl. Visiting the veterinarian every six months is recommended for all pets for this very reason.. Written by an author who has personally fostered Greyhounds for more than a decade, this book confirms that adoption is a Greyhound's best finish. Some owners will even put down their animals because they were injured during the race or are too old to compete. Recycled Racers is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the placement of retired racing Greyhounds into adoptive homes. That environment creates a loyalty that is arguably unsurpassed in the canine kingdom. The light switches are flipped on. The veterinarian you take your Greyhound to must be familiar with their unique needs. The Best Finnish also provides vivid personal stories and profiles on distinctive Greyhound adoption methods and the people involved. Thats why this breed can excel in urban environments when the other larger breeds struggle. You will find greyhounds living in the city, in suburban homes, and in farming communities. If you are keen to adopt you can contact us by email to homing@greyhounds4u.co.uk or telephone or text Debbie on 0787 961 5471. Of course, every dog is an individual, so work with a greyhound rescue to find the one thats perfect for your lifestyle. 4. Because of their early training, retired Greyhounds have never been without the company of other Greyhounds and have never had the opportunity to really be a puppy. Although some families may have too much energy for this breed because of their unique physical requirements, most kids can adapt to what the dog wants if you give them half a chance. Greyhounds are awesome with kids. Many of them can reach a top speed of 40 mph. Your new greyhound may be very afraid the first few nights. Keep in mind that for any recently adopted dog, it can take a bit of time to become acclimated to you and to new surroundings. You just need to make sure that your home and family are ready for this large bundle of joy to come your way. Many greyhounds have been trained to chase lures. Any of my search term words; All of my search term words; Find results in. Youll find that retired greyhounds can make surprisingly docile and affectionate pets. Fostering is a crucial part of the greyhound adoption process, as foster carers can help dogs become familiar with living in a home environment and ensure they go to the perfect . Visit our web site to view photos of available Greyhounds, learn about this gentle breed and the many adopter's events we hold throughout the year. Article wasn't very helpful and needs improvement. Experienced vets answer all your pet questions via chat or video. Greyhounds also do well in agility, which can provide both mental and physical stimulation.. Greyhound racing has been a sportand a rightly contested onein the United States since the early 20 th century. As you can imagine they do feel the cold and should have a winter coat for walking in. We adopted a retired racing greyhound through Maritime Greyhound Adoption Program (MGAP) - this is our experience getting ready and bringing him home! You eat when you are fed, usually on a strict schedule. It will get on your clothes, your furniture, and sometimes even your food. These larger dogs do need some daily exercise, but they are quite content to live in a small space like an apartment or condo. So if they havent been raised around cats, their instincts may kick in when your cat darts through the room. Wentworth Park, more than a-hundred people also turned out for its annual adopt a greyhound day. Greyhounds are an energetic breed. They set the exercise pen up against the sliders in their family room, they put the dog in it, and they left. Fill in the online application which tells us everything we need to know about you and your lifestyle. What is the dogs current medical condition (including additional issues determined by the shelter)? Greyhounds are used to traveling and adapt quickly to riding in cars. When you bring a retired greyhound home after an adoption, you will also discover that these dogs really enjoy being couch potatoes. They are like any other breed, however, and there is fur that is going to come off of their body when you keep them in your home. 9. Greyhounds are sprinters and couch potatoes, explains Dr. Morrisette. You will also need to provide two personal references. When a greyhound is feeling stressed out for some reason, then they typically keep their tails tucked down and keep their ears back. For Greyhounds, as with any other dogs, creating the right home environment with a focus on emotional and physical safety and well-being will allow you to enjoy the benefits of animal companionship for many years to come. These skinny eel-like creatures have comparatively lower body fat than other breeds, making them highly susceptible to changes in weather. The following content may contain Chewy links. Despite their athletic appearance, most greyhounds are content with short strolls around the block every day. When they returned, the dog was in the ex-pen still. In these cases, consider keeping the dog on a leash and using a basket muzzle while you gradually introduce them to your cat. Its important to discuss suitable alternatives with your veterinarian. It is used to living in a crate where it feels safe and secure and surrounded by a large number of other greyhounds. Just ask Dr. Morrisette, who says of his own Greyhound, I loved Lilys gentle presence; she radiated calm.. They do have a larger size compared to some other breeds, but most of them are quiet, affectionate, and gentle dogs that can adapt to many different lifestyles. Greyhounds love to get dressed up for a day out and about. We like to talk to out potential owners and get to know a bit about you so we can find the right family member for you and most importantly, find the right human for the greyhound!! Basically a Greyhound is like all other dogs, but because of its training and racing career has some unique characteristics. All greyhounds homed are provided with a leather greyhound collar, lead set and a muzzle. You can start with the dog in a crate and give them regular potty breaks until they get the idea. Good Morning, We are going through the process for adoption of a retired racer near Kansas City. GreySave - Chino, CA. This breed is an excellent choice for families or households that have never owned a pet before. On the other hand, you are likely to be charged $100 - $200 less for a senior greyhound or special-needs greyhound. Your vet may also want to perform additional blood work to look for babesiosis, a tick-borne disease common in racing Greyhounds, given the environment in which they may have raced. These owners stick together to find new and innovative ways that can help those who are in need. True stories of Rescue, Compassion & Love, originally edited in 1997 by Nora Star, reedited here by Claudia Presto. This article had helpful info and advice that I trust. They have been handled a great deal during their early years by dog walkers, trainers, veterinarians, and others. It's a good idea to put a decorative sticker or two on the glass at the dog's eye level. You may even want to take your Greyhound to participate in agility classes. Despite the fact that they can run up to 43 miles per hour, they actually prefer to be couch potatoes. Like all other dogs, Greyhounds are pack animals, which means that they are social creatures who live in a social hierarchy. While Greyhounds make for a great family pet, there are some things that potential owners . That is because their bones are long and thin, they have very little body fat, and their personalities tend to be rather sensitive. Health and dental checked. When you choose to adopt a greyhound, then you are creating multiple benefits. When considering adopting a retired racing greyhound SAGA encourages you to research the breed to gain an understanding of what you can expect. You may experience some behavioral issues and the occasional mess, but that can be said of every home that has dogs. Greyhounds have coats which, in many different colors. Greyhounds can make exceptional pets. If you are interested in the adoption of a greyhound, then here are the vital pros and cons to consider before you complete the process. Just because your lifestyle and interests change doesn't mean you can abandon a dog like a used toy. They do need to have some exercise, but most are satisfied if you can give them a 20-minute walk every day. They may need to act out some puppy behavior, like chewing, which they typically quickly outgrow. Sensitive souls. Greyhound Rescue ambassador Ash London gives a rundown of what to expect on your greyhound's first day in their new home. With their longer life expectancy and unbreakable gentle spirit, Greyhounds can provide great companionship long after their racing career is over. My experience with Greyhounds is that they are well-behaved, calm and good with small children.. For more information and suggestions on how you can help promote greyhound adoption during April, check out the Greyhound Project. There is a practical reason for dressing them up, since there are lower levels of body fat reduce the insulation they have during cold weather. 1. GAP SA will also provide ongoing support following the adoption of the greyhound. Greyhounds make great family dogs and are especially good with children who are already familiar with the do's and don'ts of being around animals. Why is it important to understand my greyhound's background? They may not understand the concept of picture windows, so taping an X across the window may help them understand theres a barrier there, and help prevent them from leaping through it. It is a common misconception that Greyhounds cant live with cats, says Dr. Arndt. Many greyhounds can live peacefully and happily with cats, guinea pigs, birds, ferrets etc, but some cannot. They possess superior intelligence and can exhibit a quiet but surprising independence. It does not mean that they are unhappy or don't like you. Also, when it comes to retired racing Greyhounds as pets, Dr. Arndt warns that they may suffer from arthritis due to wear and tear from running and their activity level. It will also be easy for them to put on weight since they are transitioning from a very active lifestyle to one that might not be as active. Greyhounds generally live for between 10-14 years. When adopting any purebred dog, it is always a good idea to be informed about health issues common to the breed. They are gentle and quiet as a breed, which means they tend to work best when there is a tranquil environment for them to enjoy. How much food is provided and at what times? Retired racing Greyhounds have often been handled quite a lot. Generally, before collecting your new greyhound, you should have the following necessities: Collar and identification tag (with your greyhound's name & your phone number) Front-attaching harness and leash. You will not find another breed that offers as much compassion for the companionship you offer than this one. That's why leashes or harnesses, and tall fences are a requirement. As well as those items, you are joining a local community of . 3. That makes it easy for greyhounds to become chilled. You want an 'outside dog'. No dog should be left outside in the cold. There are always exceptions to the rule, but most greyhounds are well-mannered, quiet, loving, and highly intelligent. They're social and they look for companionship. They didn't have a crate that was "big enough," so they decided to use an exercise pen to confine the dog when they were out. This allows pet parents to implement preventative care and give their canine friends the best possible lives. If you adopt a retired dog that is used to racing, then you will have a high-energy animal that will require a lot of attention. Many trainers are women who bring their children to work, so the dogs frequently have been exposed to children of all ages. Adopting A Greyhound. Tagged: Pet care New pets Adopting an animal. First and foremost, if you're adopting a Greyhound after it's racing career has ended, understand how it's been brought up thus far. If you want to adopt a retired greyhound in the United States, you can contact the American Greyhound Council (AGC). Greyhounds are usually a low-maintenance breed. When you first bring a Greyhound home to meet your family, short, controlled introductions to children and other pets are necessary to keep the interaction positive for all, explains Dr. Arndt. Divorces, job changes, relocations, and new babies happen. What is the current behavior and/or temperament analysis of this dog (are they good with children, or other dogs or cats?). Even a following toddler creates enough impact that could injure the dog. The pros and cons of adopting a greyhound can help to determine if your environment is suitable to meet their needs. Some excellent dog toysfor Greyhound playtime include the Chuckit! We request a donation of 150 to adopt a greyhound. If you have elegant items in your home that you dont want to have damaged, then you will want to remove them before you bring home an adopted greyhound. Wormed and C5 vaccinated. If you can meet their special needs, including their energy requirements, then this breed is one that you will adore having. Dogs get sick, and it isnt a pretty experience if they dont make it outside before it happens. 4. Greyhound racing is a business based on how fast the dog can run. Once you adjust him/her to a good food, this may decrease, but expect to feel like you're in a stink-bomb warzone once in a while. Greyhounds are used to traveling and adapt quickly to riding in cars. 8. It would be no surprise for your Greyhound to follow you from room to room looking for attention. Greyhound Care Manual explains how to care for your newly adopted Greyhound and what behaviors to expect. 5. After going along to a few adoption days held by GAP, we came away with a black seven-year-old greyhound with white socks and a sad, wise face, like an old duffer on a bus. Because Greyhounds dont have a lot of fat padding and have a shorter coat, owners who live in cold or wet climates, or in areas with cold and rainy winter months, need to take extra precautions, such as putting sweaters or rain gear on your Greyhound when going outside. Greyhounds are still very large dogs for some homes. It is important that your Greyhound be examined by your family veterinarian soon after adoption to review the medical file and determine what your new pets future medical needs may look like. If you let them start running in your backyard as a way to save on these trips, then expect your landscaping to get torn up in a few weeks. The crates become the dog's private, safe space where they cannot be bothered by other dogs. Ever since, they have held a high profile as the dogs of nobles, and theyve been featured in countless works of art and literatureincluding the Bible and Homers The Odyssey.. Because most of the available dogs come from a racing background, greyhound rescue presents some different considerations than typical dog adoption. If they've been at the shelter or fostered for some time, this may be a little easier. Some greyhounds may also need to be housetrained. These gentle, lovable dogs have special physical and emotional needs, and no other guide is more authoritative or complete in preparing potential Greyhound owners for the . Greyhounds are very affectionate dogs. PAYMENT. A harness would be more suitable for walking than a collar, given the Greyhounds size and tendency to want to chase. Get pet health tips and insights from top veterinarians delivered to your inbox weekly! As a member of the sighthound breed, they possess a keen sense of vision, are sprinters, and have a well-developed prey drive. Like any other breed, some do well with cats and some do not, but the majority can be taught to live with feline friends.. Its recommended that most dogs, including Greyhounds, be examined twice a year. Sometimes, the greyhounds arriving from the track or foster home will cry or whine the first night or two. When going outside on chilly or cold days, Greyhounds must wear a dog sweateror jacket to keep warm, Dr. Arndt says. Greyhounds have unique body language characteristics. You will find this hair getting tucked into the corners of your room if you have hardwood floors. Greyhounds have never been exposed to other breeds of dogs. They are used to having humans telling them what to do. They have a higher incidence of the following: Gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV), or bloat, Pannus, an eye disease that causes blindness, Malignant hyperthermia, a life-threatening genetic disorder that results in a higher-than-normal body temperature, Ventral comedo syndrome, a skin condition, Idiopathic bald thigh syndrome, a skin condition, Systemic lupus onychodystrophy, an autoimmune skin condition. This allows them to cool down more efficiently after running at speed. We will be pleased to tell you more about the adoption process. Most dogs retire by the age of five, but they have an expected lifespan of 13 years. Premium racers can maintain the top speed of 45 mph for up to 250 meters. The minute they see something that looks fun to chase, they're off, and your chances of catching one at their top speed of 45 miles per hour is slim to none. You will give that dog a good life, find a friend for yourself, and a loyal companion for your family. But they're sprinters, not distance. Classic launcher or the Squishy Face Studio flirt pole lure. Are there any in-house low-cost testing options, coupons, or discounted medical care to help with future costs? Hounds can severely injure or (rarely) kill themselves this way, because they can reach thirty miles an hour in a few strides. Timber and tile floors can be slippery, so lay some rugs to prevent injury. Greyhounds as a breed do you have some special needs that owners must meet. Having a small backyard will not be enough to tire them out each day. They show affection with their whole body and may rub up like a cat or lean against you. With time they can learn all of these things. Diana Rayment is well qualified to talk about greyhound adoption. Diana is a greyhound behaviour assessor at the Greyhound Adoption Progam in Victoria (GAP) and a companion animal welfare scientist completing her PhD research on canine personality assessments. 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