Thinking of adopting a retired Greyhound. *UPDATE* Adopted Greyhound

[patandchickens]

I've never owned one but I've known several well, and they are just FABULOUS dogs and I HIGHLY recommend them (with one asterisk, see below).

They do *not* require lots of exercise, mostly they are a speedbump on the floor or sit on the sofa with you (or, at their size, "instead of" you <g>). They do require to get out and be allowed to run sometimes though, and when they do, their brains turn off and you had better have a fully fenced area or you may not see the dog again for a day or two if ever. It's just what they Do. Especially if they see a rabbit or suchlike. The ones I've known have had excellent leash manners though (once trained).

The asterisk referred to above is that they are a sighthound, and dogs that have been trained to race have been extra-much trained to chase moving things, and therefore many greyhounds are apt to chase (or worse) cats, squirrels, and other small animals. You can specify to the rescue groups that you want a cat-safe greyhound (usually a longer waiting list); and sometimes it works; but be aware that rescue groups' ideas of 'cat-safe' may not match your cat's own ideas of 'cat-safe'. The ones I've known have gotten along ok -- eventually -- with the housecat or barn cats, but some always remained inclined to bolt after any other small mammal (incl. strange cats) that came their way. Greyhounds are by no means the only dogs that do this of course.

But they are beautiful and once they adapt to household life are very calm, loving, easy-to-get-along-with, low maintenance dogs, definitely two thumbs up

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[aggieterpkatie]

My parents ran a Greyhound adoption group here in MD. We've fostered and adopted over 100 greys easily. They are really great dogs.

Like was said before, greys are really couch potatoes and do NOT require lots of exercise. They do not make good jogging partners. They're sprinters, not marathon runners.

Some greys are more prey driven than others. So some are not able to be placed in homes with small dogs or cats. Some greys have very low prey drive and do just fine with cats and small dogs. This is where it's extremely important to work with your adoption group and find a dog that's meant for your home.

Greys run fast. Very fast. They can not EVER EVER EVER be let off leash unless in a totally fenced in area. They will be gone before you know it, and they're NOT good at finding their way home. They don't rely on their noses like other dogs.

Greys have very little body fat, so they CANNOT be left outside unless they're just pottying. This means they get overheated very quickly and get chilled very quickly. They like sweaters in the winter.

Greys are GREYT (little pun for ya) on leash, as they're taught to walk with multiple dogs. Some trainers walk 6 dogs at the same time.

They sometimes need a little work on potty training, just because they're used to being in kennels all day with about 4 potty breaks. They learn very well with positive reinforcement.

Greys LOVE anything soft. Blankets, pillows, etc. They usually only get shredded paper in the kennels, so they are so greytful (another one) for fluffy beds!

There are a range of personalities too! There are shy greys, outgoing greys, lazy greys, etc.

Good luck adopting one! And if you have any questions I'll be glad to type another long-winded post.

 

[cassie]

My sister adopted two greyhounds several years ago. She was delighted with them. She said they were wonderful dogs. They are gone now, old age, but she plans on getting another.

 

[cheepylove]

HE He this post was made for me... I have two beautiful grey's

I will answer your question before I give my story

Pros

Get ready to laugh because ours make us laugh everyday
They are gentle
Cuddle Bugs
Velcro can be a pro or a con
Do not shed a ton
Don't stink as bad as other dogs
loving, loving, loving
beautiful
good with respectful children
Are pretty lazy and don't require a ton of exersize

Cons

Need to keep leashed
can have bad gas & sensitive stomachs
require a bit more of an initial adjustmant than other dogs
their nose is counter height and can get them in trouble
You will never have a quick trip to the pet store any more if you bring your grey

Some may call these con's - I personally call them quirks. No one is perfect! They can easily be worked around.

The leash thing, well yeah that stinks. However, it get's you out and moving more. They don't requir a lot of excersize. Trust me! A quick walk to do the duty works for them. Don't beleive the people that say you MUST have a fenced in yard. It certainly helps, but the dogs are perfectly happy to go for a walk. I take my girls to the dog park and although they don't usually chase a tennis ball like other dogs they will chase the other dogs. The other owners like it because thier dogs sleep for the rest of the day!

Bad Gas, well.... My husband has that too! Although they can stink him out of the room. I think it is just pay back! Thier stomachs can be sensitive. People food is a deffinate NO, accept for the random piece of cheese they get slipped. I only say this because the gas thing well it's much worse with people food. The best food to get your grey on is a low protien Lamb & Rice dog food. This is because they can put on weight a lot faster in thier retirement and the lamb will help keep it at a healthy level.

It is true that grey's usually don't have a lot of experience with stairs and with house living in general. It really depends the track and rescue they came from. They do pick up really fast. Although one of my dogs will just entirley skips all the stairs in between and jump. I do reccomend putting stickers or something on an all glass door. Mine walked right into it. It was funny! She didn't get hurt, but the look on her face was priceless.

It will take a while to get the dog used too your rules and well thier nose will get them in trouble. Don't leave food on counters and trash around. They will find it! This gets better over time and eventually they will avoid the temptation.

Greyhounds are wonderful dogs but they are not for everyone. DO you research and know what to expect. Most dogs get returned only after a few days or so just because of the inexperience. I adopted my first beauty from a specialized rescue after researching the breed for a year. I knew what to expect the first days.

Some tips:

Crate is an absolute essential. Greyhounds are crate trained from a very young age. They spend an average of 22 hours a day in a crate. It is what they know and important that they have that saftey. May I mention that I have done a tour and seen these crates they are not large. They are usually stacked two to three high and just give them enough room to move around. The first few nights be prepared to not sleep well. My gosh do they wine! I was told to get up, bang on the crate, and stearnley say NO! It get's better within a few days. They get lonley. Eventually you can slowly introduce them to being out without the crate. My girls don't need one anymore.

This one I learned from experience. When first bringing your dog in your home keep them on the leash. They have NEVER seen a house. They need to be slowly introduced and if you have coketeils make sure they are in thier cage!

Grreyhounds can often sleep with thier eyes open so make sure you call them before going over and petting, leaning, or waking up. You can often startle them in the first days and it can sometimes have a bad reaction. If you have small children rehearse this so they understand. Eventually once the newness wares off the dogs as well as the children adapt well and you don't have to worry. I don't know how many times I have had to remove my sleeping children from the dog bed all curled up with the dogs.

All & All I love my dogs. If you have done your research and are willing for love a wonderful dog I fully recommend a Greyhound. I do have to warn you though, They are catchy. Once you have one you seem to want more.

Please if you have any questions let me know!!! I am a huuuuge Greyhound advocate.

 

[annanicole18]

my boss adopted a retired 3 year old a few years ago and i have to say if he is the norm i will prolly never adopt one. he has yet to comprehend the meaning of come not to mention he will never learn stay or sit or the like. i cannot have a dog that will run out the door just to run not ever after anything and not comeback. i feed him dinner and i guess greyhounds are finicky eaters because i cannot list the number of foods she has tried him on and he still has yet to pick anything that he actually wants to eat. he is the sweetest guy ever and loves attention he adores my DH and will leave me in a second to greet him at the gate when he comes to help me in the eve. don't let the rescue people tell you that they don't do well with small dogs especially those with a herding inclination. he loves to be chased not only by her shelties but has a blast with my two dogs when they come over to play. he has gotten over cats but at first wanted to chase them. he had the nerve to growl at the horses in the field in the beginning too but now they are just there to him.
even if i would never get one off the track they need love and good homes too. i hope that if you feel that you could provide one with a good home that you go for it and see. most places give you a trial period and keep their muzzle on if you have other animals until they get used to them. they have a special muzzle that they can eat and drink with on and it helps to get them acclimated to eating with other dogs close by.

 

[aggieterpkatie]

Quote:
Some greys cannot be with small animals. Some do fine, but some will kill small animals because it is their instinct. You really should listen to the rescue group's opinion of the dog, because they're the ones who foster it. I've seen a grey kill a cat, and it's not nice. Some dogs can be trained to ignore cats, but some cannot be trained and will always pose a threat to small animals.

 

[Wifezilla]

The best food to get your grey on is a low protien Lamb & Rice dog food. This is because they can put on weight a lot faster in thier retirement and the lamb will help keep it at a healthy level.

Protein doesn't cause dogs to put on weight. Carbohydrates do. If your dog has gas, it is usually because of the fillers. Corn is a BIG culprit, but wheat and other starches can also be a problem. Dogs did not evolve to eat grains. Getting rid of the grains usually gets rid of the gas.​

 

[jaimslee4u]

Quote:
Some greys cannot be with small animals. Some do fine, but some will kill small animals because it is their instinct. You really should listen to the rescue group's opinion of the dog, because they're the ones who foster it. I've seen a grey kill a cat, and it's not nice. Some dogs can be trained to ignore cats, but some cannot be trained and will always pose a threat to small animals.

I agree. The rescue groups really know the dogs. Know what you need & want in one and let them know. Take your time to spend with each one and bring someone to help you because you will simply want to take them all home.

 

[jaimslee4u]

Quote:
Protein doesn't cause dogs to put on weight. Carbohydrates do. If your dog has gas, it is usually because of the fillers. Corn is a BIG culprit, but wheat and other starches can also be a problem. Dogs did not evolve to eat grains. Getting rid of the grains usually gets rid of the gas.

Sorry If I worded that wrong. I was told by the vet to have low protein. My first grey had anxiety problems. He said to make sure it was a low protein food. Appearently it can cause problems. My dogs don't get food with corn but they still have gas. It's just a breed standard. I'm not a vet and don't claim to be one. I just did a lot of research and know the breed. I was just trying to give examples of what worked with my dogs and what didn't

 

[aggieterpkatie]

Quote:
Greys are definitely stinky.