Adopting a Greyhound
Posted August 21st, 2008 @ 09:27am by Erik J. Barzeski
So, we're considering adopting a greyhound. It seems it's the only way to get one, after all. Though part of me loved being "in control" from the get-go (or, well, about nine weeks old anyway) with my former canine pal, part of me is looking forward to not having to get up three times per night to take a very small dog outside to pee and all that. If you consider them a wash, the only downside, then, is not being able to get cute puppy pictures.
Given kiddo's issues with that former canine pal, we're going to be going to some "meets" to make sure she's comfortable with a dog the size of a greyhound. From what Carey and I have read, they're pretty gentle, and you must only watch out for small animals running around outside - as a sight hound, the Greyhound might immediately take flight after said small furry object. 🙂
Target date is early next summer, but we'll see. In the meantime, feel free to post any thoughts here.
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Posted 22 Aug 2008 at 4:43pm #
Hi
greyhounds are kind dogs indeed, and although very energetic, they don't need as much exercise as one would think.
I have a part lurcher (which is a typical scottish breed, originally part greyhound). It's a kind and playful dog, a bit of a handful sometimes 😉
As with any dog, larger ones in particular, it's important for it to know it's place, especially with younger kids around. As a dog trainer used to say: "everything that's yours is yours, everything that's his is yours".
One trick I use to help establishing limits is one of those small mineral water bottles with the top that opens and closes. If you want to stop the dog doing something show him the bottle and spray him if he continues. There's something about being sprayed that stops him from doing it again and after a while just showing the bottle will suffice.
Hope all goes well!
Posted 22 Aug 2008 at 5:44pm #
Mike, spraying with water would probably be classified as negative reinforcement. I had such good success with positive reinforcement via clicker training the last time that I'm probably going that route again this go 'round.
Posted 24 Aug 2008 at 2:16pm #
I have had two greyhounds, they are absolutely the best animals I have ever owned, they will not disappoint you.
You do have to be extremely careful with them, do you have a fenced-in yard? You can really never let them off the leash even for short periods, as you mentioned they WILL go after small animals and they will run until they get hit by a car or their heart literally gives out.
That said, they are the most loving creatures ever, with the best personality. Though they are definitely energetic at times but for the most part they are couch potatoes. We have smaller nephews/nieces who have done some *ahem* rude things to the greyhound and neither one would ever take even a nip at them. (not that i'm advocating letting your children run all over your dog like i've seen some do, but it's also no good if the dog will defend itself)
Both dogs responded excellently to clicker training -- which is an issue since they are definitely not puppies when you get them and clicker training (which I wholeheartedly endorse) worked great on both (though I have only trained to very simple obedience levels).
I somehow don't have any pictures of isis with me, but this is my last grey gina and this one too. I'm sure you can see that they are really passive creatures 🙂
I'm forgetting where in PA you are but Greyhound Angels is in Pennsauken, NJ (Outside of Camden) and may be really close to you -- we got our last grey from them and they are great with a wide selection, you really do want to get one that fits your personality.
If you have any other questions i'd love to answer them!