Your Greyhound and....
Adjustment Angst
Helping your dog get adjusted is a very important part of
the greyhound adoption process. And with patience, understanding and lots
of laughter the first few weeks, you'll find you have the most wonderful
pet imaginable.
What you have to remember during the adjustment period is
that your greyhound has lived his entire life in a kennel. This means
upwards of 23 hours in a 2x4 wooden crate. He may never have been inside a
home before, and he has no idea who you are or why you are taking him
someplace. Becoming a house pet involves a very dramatic change in routine
for him, and he can be a little scared and baffled by all the new things
around him. But most of these dogs adapt very quickly to the plush life as
a household pet - wouldn't you?!
Initial Nerves
You may feel a little nervous about getting your greyhound. Well, your
greyhound is lots more nervous than you are. And that nervousness
manifests itself in a variety of ways. He might pant, whine, move around a
lot, have a drippy nose, sweaty paws and start getting flaky skin and
diarrhea. These are all common symptoms and will disappear once the dog
feels more secure and calm. So you just need to be patient.
Car Ride Home
Also, remember, he hasn't spent much time in a car, and you're a stranger
to him (but not for long!), so on that car ride home he has a reason to be
nervous. Reassure him with your voice - calm and soothing, and with your
actions - steady and slow. And make sure, right after the car ride home,
before you go into the house, to walk him around the yard first and let
him go to the bathroom..
Length of Adjustment
During the initial adjustment period he'll be getting used to you, the
house, the car, the kids, the pets, the stairs, the beds - get the idea?
Remember, be sympathetic with your greyhound's situation - he has had a
traumatic upheaval in his routine track life, and it may take him some
time to adjust. Usually the initial adjustment period only takes a few
days, though. He's an intelligent dog, and soon he will grasp what you
expect of him. Your patience, love and understanding will help your
greyhound.
You'll also find you have a shadow. Your greyhound will
follow you everywhere you go. To the bathroom, to the kitchen, to the
cellar, to the door when you go out. This will continue until he realizes
you are really his and aren't going to disappear.
As your greyhound becomes more secure with his
surroundings and starts to trust you, you'll see his personality emerging.
He might steal your possessions and hide them, or smile at you when you
come home, or start demanding to be let on all soft things. These signs
mean you now have a bonafide member of your household.
Choosing A Vet
Choice of a veterinarian is another important decision. These dogs have
difficulty with regular anesthesia, and a vet that does not follow the
anesthesia guidelines I gave to you in your adoption packet will have a
dead dog on his hands. So, choose a vet who has worked with greyhounds and
is familiar with the sighthound group. Do not be afraid to ask questions
of your vet, or to find another vet if you have concerns! It's your
greyhound's life at stake.
Exercise
Exercise and play is addressed in the "Running and Playing"
chapter, however, during the adjustment period the more you walk, play and
run with your pet in the first few weeks of ownership, the easier the
transition from racing greyhound to family friend.
Some dogs are accustomed to running up to three days at
the race track. They are bred and trained to run, so up to this point it's
been their greatest pleasure. The change from race track to house is
exciting, but also confusing to your new greyhound. Think of how you would
react to a similar situation. Exercise can help you and him keep
everything in perspective. You'll both feel better and less overwhelmed.
And who knows, maybe you'll drop those pounds you've been talking about
shedding. Additionally, you'll find your greyhound bonding to you more
quickly.
Bonding
These dogs seem to choose to have a relationship with you. They are very
polite and friendly to everyone, but they learn to trust you. While other
dogs seem to blindly trust, greyhounds are uniquely independent, almost
cat-like in the way they choose to bestow affection. The more you do with
your dog, the more solid your relationship becomes. The more you touch,
play and love these dogs the more you get in return. Once your dog feels
comfortable with you, take him with you whenever you can. It helps in the
bonding process. It also helps them to get the picture of their new world.
They have never seen cars, grocery stores, etc. They are very sociable
dogs and will be curious about everything.
Another thing that helps with the bonding process is the
sleeping arrangements. Do not shut your greyhound in a separate room to
sleep. From his track days, he is used to sleeping with lots of other
dogs, so he will much prefer to sleep in the same room with any member of
the family (in the same bed, if you let him!). He will feel more secure
and is less likely to cry or cause damage during the first few weeks if
you allow him this pleasure.
Separation Anxiety
It is extremely important to remember that your greyhound has never been
left alone before. He's either lived on a farm with lots of dog friends,
or lived in a crate in a kennel with about 40 dogs. So if you have to
leave him at home - ALONE - he's going to be scared and confused. He's
wondering - where did you go? Will you return? Where am I? There are a few
things you can do to ease this separation anxiety.
One - Practice leaving your greyhound for a few minutes at
a time. Don't make a big deal about leaving (if he thinks you're going
someplace and having more fun than he is, then he'll definitely be upset!)
and just leave for 15 minutes at first. Increase your leave to a few
hours. He'll get the idea that you're coming back, and his anxiety about
you leaving him forever will be eased.
Two - Initially, dog proof your home. Keep windows
unobstructed from knick- knacks and blinds. Your greyhound will go to the
windows first to look for you, and if there are blinds or other objects in
the way, they could get eaten when he gets anxious.
Three - Borrow a crate, just for the first few weeks.
Remember your greyhound has always lived in one, so it's very familiar. It
can be used to make the transition from racer to pet more quickly. Here's
the routine. For the first two weeks, the greyhound is placed in his crate
when left home alone. Then, when he knows the family routine, he is again
placed in the crate - but the door is left open, giving him the choice.
After a couple weeks of this, the crate can be retired to the attic and a
happy house pet exists.
Crates are not needed by most greyhounds, particularly
when you have another dog in the household, or you are home most of the
time. But once in a while there's an uncertain hound that needs the firm
guidance of a crate until his new life becomes more understandable. I
would wait to see your greyhound's reaction to being left home alone,
before borrowing or purchasing a crate.
Becoming A Statue
I'm talking about a greyhound trait of stopping dead in their tracks and
refusing to budge or look at you. This usually occurs when they are
scared, nervous and don't know exactly what is wanted of them. The more
insistent you get, the more insistent they get that they are not going
anywhere. And they'll win.
This most often happens when you are teaching them stairs,
or trying to give them a bath in the tub. The best thing you can do is be
very patient and wait them out, the whole time offering verbal
encouragement and making it seem like what you are asking them to do is
the most fun in the world. When you've tired of waiting and encouraging,
then as a last resort just pick up the greyhound and move him to where you
want him to be. (Don't lose your patience and yell, because you'll ruin
whatever good you had accomplished.)
Smiling
Some greyhounds smile, and this causes people who don't know them to jump
a mile back. They have a lot of long white teeth showing when they smile.
My theory is they smile to ingratiate themselves to those around them. If
you've got a smiler, it is really quite amusing and very harmless.
Ears Back
Most greyhounds keep their ears pinned back to their heads unless they
hear a noise that causes their ears to straighten up. This is not a sign
of aggression, my guess is they think it makes them more streamlined and
cool - looking.
Eating Grass
When your greyhound is meandering around the yard, you'll see him eat
grass. Let him. The grass provides a nutrient he feels he needs, and
doesn't do him any harm. A few dogs will then vomit up the grass and
whatever was in their stomach that was making them feel out of sorts. The
majority of greyhounds do not vomit after eating grass.
Leash
Every greyhound will come to you leashed trained. They know to walk
quietly and easily next to you. However, please keep your greyhound on a
leash when he is not in a completely fenced area. Centuries of breeding
will cause them to chase anything that moves. They will take off, they
will not listen and chances are that they will get hit by a car before you
catch up to them. The best way to hold a leash is to place your hand
through the loop and then grab the leash. This way the leash cannot slide
out of your hand. Retractable leashes are not recommended as they can get
tangled easily, especially with a big dog. And they don't provide the
stability of the nylon leash. Four or six foot nylon leashes work well.
Flatulence
And you must be warned. A greyhound fart will wake you up in the middle of
the night, and can clear a room. During this adjustment time, he will be
expressing himself this way. The stress, the newness, the food, the treats
- it all affects his gastric. Some people say that giving a greyhound one
to two dollops of low fat, plain yogurt will cause the flatulence to
cease.
Again, the more time you spend initially getting to know
our greyhound, the quicker his adjustment period will be. If you can take
days off when your grey- hound comes into your home, it can really help
this adjustment period. You will be surprised at how quickly your
greyhound becomes attached to you and your family and what a difference
your presence makes to him... and his presence makes to you.
Your Greyhound and...
The House - Household Horrors
Everything in your house is familiar to you, but not at
all familiar to your greyhound. You'll have a lot of fun watching your
greyhound explore his new home. But he's going to need your help too.
Stairs
Your greyhound has probably never seen nor had to deal with stairs. So you
have to teach him to climb them. The best way is to get down on all fours
and show him. (joke) If that doesn't work, stand behind him and move one
paw at a time - step by step, showing him what he is supposed to do. And
make sure you give lots of verbal positive reinforcement. Gradually
increase the number of steps he climbs. When going down stairs, hold his
collar securely and go down the stairs slowly right next to him. They are
quick to learn and soon become old pros at it
He may initially resist, (that statue routine we spoke of
in the Adjustment chapter) but just keep gently and positively asking him
to climb the stairs. No matter what method you choose to teach your
greyhound stairs, DO NOT EVER FORCE your greyhound up or down stairs by
dragging him by the collar. If pushed into doing the stairs, he will
become frightened and may try to jump them all, and possibly break a leg -
or worse.
Mirrors, Doors and Floors - Oh My!
Everything in the house is new and can be confusing. Full length mirrors
may cause your pet to stare for hours at the mysterious dog on the other
side of the mirror. Sliding glass doors can cause a sore nose when your
greyhound tries to walk through it. Please put masking tape at eye level
for a day or two. Hardwood and linoleum floors are also tricky for
greyhounds to negotiate. Flushing toilets, TVs, refrigerators and more
will provide you with lots of laughs at your greyhound's expense.
Garbage
One man's trash is another man's treasure-this applies to your new
greyhound as well. He doesn't know he's not supposed to root around in the
garbage, and he finds those smells simply delightful and well worth
investigating. Protect your greyhound from getting into trouble or
possible harm by keeping the garbage out of his way, or by using a tight
fitting lid on the can. A sharp, verbal reprimand if he should try to nose
around the garbage will soon teach him not to disturb it.
Counters, Tables
Kitchen counters happen to be nose level with most greyhounds. Remember
they have been raised in a kennel, where every time they smelled food, it
was THEIR food. Your new greyhound has not been taught proper manners yet
when it comes to food on the counter. A sharp NO, when he shows interest
is enough to deter him, at least when you're around. However, a temptation
such as a steak defrosting within his reach might be too much to ask.
Sofas, Beds
If it is soft, your greyhound will like it. Shag carpeting is bliss for
your retired racer. But a comfy sofa is even better! A good rule to
enforce right from the start: if you don't want your dog on the couch,
don't ever let him on. He'll quickly learn to love the luxury of the sofa
cushions, and you'll never get him to stay off. If your greyhound figures
out the couch all by himself, and lounges on it while you aren't home,
then take an old blanket and cover the spot he's chosen prior to leaving
the house. It's a lot simpler than fighting it.
Your Greyhound and...
The House - Feeding Frenzy
As you introduce your greyhound to your home, you will
also have to teach him a new concept - that not all food he sees is for
him. He'll need to learn the difference between dog food and people food.
A greyhound's diet at the track consisted of 6-8 cups of quality dry
meal/kibble, with 1-2 lb. of meat (sometimes 4-D - diseased, deadly, dying
etc. ) added, and cooked vegetables. In retirement, as a house pet, your
new greyhound won't need that volume of food nor the added meat.
Initial Eating Adjustment
Some greyhounds may seem nervous when eating. They are just worried that
someone else is going to come and take their food. My first greyhound
would load his mouth up with kibble, go into another room, drop it and
then eat it in privacy. He eventually realized the food was his, and he
could eat it in peace. Also, they may be very sloppy initially. You'll
find more kibble on the floor than what's in the bowl. Again, they are
chowing down because they are afraid someone else is going to take their
food. Eventually, better manners will prevail.
What To Feed
Everyone has their own favorite kibble. I recommend a high quality Lamb
And Rice from a pet food store. The first few ingredients on the bag
should not contain by-products or corn. An additional supplement, whether
powder or oil, helps greyhounds coats become sleeker.
Greyhounds generally have excellent appetites and will eat
everything. Unfortunately everything doesn't quite agree with them. Like
most sight hounds, greyhounds have sensitive digestive systems that
respond to changes in their diet with diarrhea. So too many table scraps
is not necessarily a good idea.
How to Feed
I've successfully free fed all my greyhounds. This means I leave dry food
out in their dish 24 hours a day, and they eat when they are hungry. My
dogs do not ever get fat, and are not that food oriented because they know
they can get food whenever they want. Other greyhound owners feed their
greys twice a day totaling about 4-6 cups of kibble. You may need to
modify the amount after the first few weeks according to your dog's
activity level, age and size. You should be able to feel ribs, not see
them.
Greyhounds need their food elevated. You can buy the
feeding platforms, or just invert buckets or a box and put your dog's
bowls on them.
Treats
Your greyhound may have eaten bananas, apricots, pumpkin, applesauce,
spinach, and even vanilla ice cream as a racer. Oftentimes marshmallows
were given after a race. When selecting snacks for your pet, choose good
quality basics such as Milkbones, and natural biscuits. Avoid treats that
contain lots of dye and sugar. Rawhide bones (American only), Nylabones,
other toys and stuffed animals are all treats your greyhound should have.
Treats are an excellent positive reinforcement.
You should be perfect about one thing though - CHOCOLATE
CAN BE DANGEROUS. Reactions vary from dog to dog, but none are good.
Chocolate contains ingredients that can speed your dog's heart rate and
can cause allergic reactions.
Don't Say You Weren't Warned
And you must be warned. A greyhound fart will wake you up in the middle of
the night, and can clear a room. This flatulence usually occurs because
you've given him something he's not used to in his diet, like a new treat
or some of your food (!). Or he could have gotten into something in the
yard or garbage that didn't quite agree with him. It could also be a sign
that he needs to go out, so let him out! Some people say that giving a
greyhound one to two dollops of low fat, plain yogurt will cause the
flatulence to cease.
Your Greyhound and...
The Yard - Pee and Poop
Most greyhounds are very easy to train. They have been
crate trained and so they don't go in the area they consider their kennel.
However, they have never been inside a house. And they are used to being
let out up to six times a day to relieve themselves in a fenced-in pen.
So for the first few days when you get your greyhound
home, make sure you take him out often, stay with him and praise him
effusively when he goes. He'll catch on very quickly that outside is where
he does his thing. Try to establish not only a fairly set routine that
your new greyhound can learn, but a word or phrase that your new greyhound
can identify and respond to, such as "Do you want to go out?"
You will notice, if you watch carefully, that within a few days your
greyhound will adapt to his new routine, and also start giving you
"signals" when he needs to be taken outside.
Having An Accident
If your dog has an accident in the house, and you are right there when it
happens, give him a sharp, verbal reprimand, then take him outside, wait
with him until he goes, and then praise the dickens out of him when he
goes in the right place. Do not hit your dog or try to put his nose in the
accident, as your dog will respond more quickly and more positively to
kindness.
If your greyhound is a male, he may attempt to lift his
leg in a few places around the house to "mark his territory,"
especially if you already have a dog. He is making the house HIS house, so
he feels more at home. Watch him carefully as he walks or sniffs around
the house the first few days and try to catch him before he does it, so
you can reprimand him verbally and strongly. If this should happen, it
does not go on for long, so try to be patient.
Greyhounds are very clean dogs by nature. If your
greyhound has any type of accident, rather than blame the dog, look for
the reasons why it happened. He either wasn't taken out early or often
enough, or not allowed enough time to fully relieve himself. Remember, a
dog which has fully relieved himself has nothing left in his bladder to
make an accident on your rug. Also remember that your new greyhound does
not have any way to tell you he needs to go out. He is used to a set
routine, where someone came and got him and put him outside in a turn-out
pen.
Greyhounds from the Greyhound Gang are housebroken (at my
home) when they arrive at yours. They are also used to a doggie door. If
you can put one in your home, do it! They are invaluable, and give the dog
the ability to go in and out at will. This means you don't have to worry
about there being any accidents in the house when you've been gone an
extra amount of time.
Cleaning An Accident
Pet stores have lots of solutions to help make cleaning up after your dog
easier. I would definitely purchase one, like Nature's Miracle, before
bringing your greyhound home.
Prevention
However, prevention is the best solution to any house-breaking problem.
For the first few days, it's a good idea to walk or let your greyhound
outside in a fenced yard more frequently than you ordinarily would - as
often as every couple of hours. This teaches your greyhound where his new
home is and where he is supposed to "go," and helps relieve the
tension of a strange place, thus preventing accidents. It is very common
in their first few days for greyhounds to drink a lot more water than they
would normally. They do this because they are nervous about being in an
unfamiliar place. But all this drinking plus being nervous means they will
need to go outside more.
Also, quite often the change from kennel dog to house pet
can give a greyhound diarrhea, caused by nerves, change of water, change
of diet. If your greyhound should have loose stools the first few days,
mix cooked rice and/or hamburger with his kibble. You can also try solid
packed pumpkin. Also be sure you allow your greyhound the ability to
relieve himself quite often if he has diarrhea, as he cannot
"hold" it for long. This type of diarrhea doesn't last more than
a few days. If it does, take your dog to the vet, as there may be some
other problem, such as worms, food allergies, nerves, etc. which could be
causing it, and it needs to be treated by your vet.
Your Greyhound and...
The Yard - Running and Playing
One of the questions you'll be asked most often is - Don't
greyhounds need a lot of exercise? Once you live with a greyhound, you'll
know the truth - this is a very lazy dog.
Lazy or not, your pet will need physical activity - just
like you do! The most obvious and easiest answer is in your own backyard.
However, most greyhounds will not play with themselves. They will want you
to play with them and walk them around the block, on leash.
On-Leash
Your greyhound is leashed trained. You need to keep him on leash unless he
is in a totally fenced area. And he needs to stay on leash until he's
obedience trained, and even then, you need to be extremely cautious.
Most greyhounds walk very well on a leash. If your pet
starts to pull or freezes as he sees something on the horizon,
"pop" or "snap" the leash to quickly jerk the collar
and give the command, "heel," "let's go," etc.
If you plan to use your greyhound as a partner in a
walking or jogging fitness program, you should have an enthusiastic
partner as long as you start slowly and use a little common sense.
Greyhounds exercise primarily on sand in their kennel situation, which
means the pads on their feet are smooth and soft. A little time must be
taken to build up the calluses needed to exercise on cement or blacktop.
Start your dog's regime the same way you did yours - slowly. Walk or jog 2
or 3 blocks at first and then gradually increase.
Off-Leash
Care should be taken to introduce your new greyhound pet to your yard or
any new fenced area before turning him loose in it. This means that you
need to check the entire fence for potential openings (because if there is
one, he'll find it and he'll be gone quicker than you ever thought
possible.) While you're walking the fence with the dog on leash it also
enable him to familiarize himself with the boundary. You should also let
the dog investigate hazards in your yard such as a barbecue or planter.
The first time your dog exercises in your yard off the leash it should be
daylight and you need to watch him.
Surprisingly, you may need to restrict your dog's activity
in a new area. For example, when you take your dog to a fenced football
field, you'll want to monitor the running your dog does. Greyhounds have
been conditioned for sprinting and may be so excited and interested by a
new exercise area that they overtax themselves. If this happens, they'll
react just like any athlete who's over-extended himself - heaving sides,
heavy panting, vomiting, wooziness while standing. You'll need to walk
them very slowly to cool them down, and dowse their feet in water. Don't
let them drink a lot of water fast, as they will choke and vomit it back
up.
Weather
Care should be taken during extreme temperatures. Your dog is susceptible
to heat stroke, just as you are. During hot weather it is wise to exercise
early and easier. Make sure your dog is completely cooled down before
feeding.
Cold weather presents other hazards for this desert breed.
A warm-up blanket (coat) made for greyhounds is an excellent idea for
walking or jogging in winter. Check you dog's feet for snow packing which
can split webs or ice cuts. It's also a good idea to swish the dog's feet
in lukewarm water to rinse off salt and other ice melters after your walk.
Each dog is an individual with different activity levels.
Generally younger dogs enjoy higher activity levels.
Warning
It cannot be stressed enough that exercising your dog off leash in an area
that is not entirely enclosed is asking for a disaster to happen.
Your pet may be entirely devoted to you and never leave
your side at home, but you must remember that this pet is the product of
centuries of specialized breeding to produce a lightning fast hunter. The
greyhound has been bred to scan the horizon and run after anything that
moves. A paper cup blowing across the street from the park could mean your
dog's death. This is not about disobedience. The explosive hunting run is
instinct. Once your pet is focused in on a moving object, he is running on
pure instinct and he'll no longer hear you. The car driving down the
street does not expect to see a 45 mph blur of a dog bounding after the
paper cup crossing in front of it. Don't take the chance.
Playing
Your greyhound may not know how to play because no one has ever taught him
or showed him how. He was bred as a business, not as a pet, so it's your
job to teach him to play. And it's the funest job you'll ever have!
We recommend a box or basket of toys that are just his.
He'll get the idea quickly and pick and chose his playthings when he's in
the mood.
You may not get to see the silly side of your greyhound
for a while. He will probably not feel like letting his puppy personality
out until he feels quite secure. When you see the classic bottom up, front
end down pose bouncing in front of you, you'll know it's time to play.
Toys
One of the most popular toys is a cotton rope toss about a foot long. Not
only is it safe, durable, and fun for your pet, it also flosses his teeth!
Greyhounds love to adopt stuffed animals, pillows etc. Tag
sales are great places to pick up an inexpensive toy for your greyhound.
Just remember to remove the eyes or any other part that could cause damage
to your hound.
Additionally, little squeaky toys will get any greyhound's
attention. When they were trained to chase a lure, squeaky noises were
part of that training, so you'll see them become very intent on the
squeaky toy.
Rawhide Pick and chose your rawhide purchases carefully.
American made rawhide is the only type to buy. Inexpensive rawhide is
cured overseas, often with dangerous chemicals like arsenic. Also, the
compressed rawhide is safer than the ones with the knots on either end.
Bones
A Nylabone may seem expensive, but will last forever and provide good
cleaning action for your dog's teeth. A shank or marrow bone at least 5
" will provide hours of enjoyment for your dog and can be a great
doggie pacifier. Try putting some peanut butter in it, and your grey will
be in ecstasy.
Balls
Some greyhounds like to play with a tennis ball. Remember, your pet was
bred to chase critters on the ground - so roll or bowl the ball, don't
throw it. Once the ball is punctured, it should be discarded.
Running and playing are key to your greyhound's
well-being. Discover the joy he feels by joining in with him!
Your Greyhound and...
The Yard - Bugs and Baths
One of the nicest features of your greyhound is that he
doesn't have a lot of hair and this makes him easy to care for. A quick
brushing with a grooming mitt (nubbed rubber glove) keeps him looking
great.
Baths
Your greyhound only needs to be bathed when soiled, like if he decides to
doze on spilled motor oil. Otherwise, he's fine with his routine brushing.
Greyhounds have very little oil in their skin and so have little
"doggy odor." If you do need to shampoo, select an all natural,
mild, conditioning shampoo.
My greyhounds were not into baths, even though they got
them very seldom. I'd have to pick them up to put them in the tub, and as
I bathed them their legs would turn to rubber and they'd sink to the tub
floor looking very helpless and put out. Just keep bracing them up on
their feet. Their shower should take no longer than five minutes and they
do survive.
Ears
Once a week you should inspect your pet's ears and clean gently with a
cotton ball and baby oil if needed. Don't use peroxide, as it can cause
damage to your dog's ear drums.
Skin
Their past living conditions (fleas, ticks, poor food etc.) were not
conducive to good skin. Most greys I get from the track have some kind of
skin condition. You'll need to provide a good supplement to their food,
and give their hair and skin time to grow in nicely. And, trust me, it
will!
Teeth
Greyhounds have notoriously bad teeth when they come off the track as
they've been fed a lot of soft food. They've been cleaned before you
adopted your greyhound, but those teeth get plaque build-up just like
yours. Brushing them regularly helps them to stay clean and healthy.
Another way to keep teeth clean is to buy knuckle/soup
marrow bones at your supermarket. The gnawing greyhounds do on these big
bones help to keep off any plaque. Bad breath is a sign of mouth problems,
so please check with your vet when your dog breaths on you and you gag.
Nails
Greyhounds are used to having their nails trimmed while they stand. Just
lean over and bend each foot backwards, so that you can see the underside
of the nail. If you do a little bit regularly, then you don't have to
worry about causing the dog to bleed. If you're nervous about trimming the
nails, ask your vet or local groomer to show you how much to trim.
Greyhound toes and nails are longer than the average dog, but will still
need to be clipped. Make sure you have styptic powder or flour on hand
when you do this to stop the bleeding.
Fleas
DO NOT EVER put a regular flea collar on a greyhound! !
Regular flea collars work by releasing their flea-killing
chemicals onto the skin of the dog, which is then absorbed into the dog's
bloodstream. Most breeds can have their livers/kidneys filter these toxins
out. But a greyhound's liver/ kidneys do not work that fast, so the toxins
continue to build up until it eventually kills the greyhound. For this
very same reason, do not ever use any of those internal flea preventative
pills .
One caveat - there are a few "totally natural"
flea collars out on the market. These collars are treated with pennyroyal,
mint and eucalyptus oils. They are perfectly safe for greyhounds. The best
way to handle fleas safely is to use natural flea shampoos and flea sprays
that use natural based pyrethrins and do not contain organic phosphates.
Take time to read the label. Many flea products cannot be used on a dog
who is taking heartworm preventative medication. When in doubt, check with
your vet. Also, many flea sprays that advertise long duration protection
are far too strong to be used on greyhounds.
Your Greyhound
and...
Making Friends - Cats, Cockatiels & Critters
Let your greyhound get used to the house, "his new
kennel" first, before you introduce him to other pets in the
household. It's a rare greyhound that does not get along with any type of
pet, BUT BE CAREFUL AT FIRST! The introduction and the first few days of
co-habitation are critical - not only for your new greyhounds well being,
but that of all your other pets. Every group should do screen every
greyhound they place. They Greyhound Gang introduces all greyhounds to
cats, little dogs, etc. We know each dog's predisposition before we place
him.
To ensure there are no problems with introductions I've
given you a muzzle. Please use it for the first introductions to small
animals. Muzzling the greyhound is not cruel. They have been wearing a
muzzle for as long as they have been wearing a collar. It is more cruel to
the dog to give him the opportunity to make a dreadful mistake such as
grabbing or hurting your small animal, and then being angry with the dog.
The greyhound simply does not know better, and until you teach him to
behave properly around small animals, use the muzzle!
Other Dogs
Your greyhound should get along well with other dogs as he has had lots of
"socialization" experience in the racing kennel. Watch all the
introductions carefully, however, as the "old dog" may be
jealous of the newcomer. And the dogs will need to establish who's the top
dog. This will take some time, but with caution and patience, it will work
out fine.
Again, we suggest using a muzzle for introductions to
small dogs. Greyhounds who have never seen one may initially think the
little dog is something that should be chased and caught. With strong
verbal reprimands from you (and a few from the little guy as well) the
greyhound will quickly learn who's the boss.
Cats
All of nature is telling the greyhound that the cat would be fun to chase
and catch. All you have to do is tell the greyhound that both of these are
bad ideas. Show your greyhound that the cat is a loved member of the
family, a pretty tough character, and OFF LIMITS!!! They will be quick to
respond to all kinds of encouragement. If you are lucky, your cat will
help out by being pretty bold, and will make clear to the greyhound that
he's the boss.
Remember while making the introductions between cat and
greyhound to keep the muzzle on the greyhound. No matter how the first
meeting goes, the greyhound cannot hurt the cat while muzzled.
A final note about cats and greyhounds. Most greyhounds,
once they have accepted the cat, get along quite well all the time. But
occasionally a greyhound who accepts a cat indoors may not apply the same
rules of behavior outdoors. Be very careful if you allow cat and greyhound
outside at the same time. Greyhounds are sighthounds, and outside their
instincts may take over, and they will give chase to the cat. Most cats
can outrun dogs, but greyhounds being the fastest breed of dog, are fast
enough to catch them. The cat may not know the dog is after it until it is
too late, as greyhounds do not bark even while chasing something. And
always keep in mind that though your greyhound may totally accept your
cat, his acceptance may not apply to your neighbor's cats.
Bird
Introduction of a greyhound to a caged bird follows the basic procedures
detailed above. A severe jerk on the lead and/or collar accompanied by a
low bellowed "NO!" will do wonders.
Horses
If you own horses, remember that greyhounds have absolutely no sense when
it comes to behavior around horses. They may not understand how a horse
moves. Around horses, the greyhound could be seriously injured by a kick.
Like in everything else, these dogs are highly intelligent, and it won't
take them long to understand about horses, but until they do, don't let
them get hurt.
Your Greyhound and...
Making Friends - With Children
Children and dogs are a natural combination. And they'll
become the best of buddies when they both learn how to play and interact
with each other.
Greyhounds are a very tolerant, non-aggressive breed and
will allow children to handle them extensively. However, just because they
are one of the most easy- going dog breeds, they are also a live, adult
animal with all the accompanying instincts and needs. So please follow
these guidelines.
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
No dog should be disturbed when sleeping. If you're going to interrupt his
sleep, call his name before startling him. A greyhound needs a place of
his own to rest undisturbed.
Teach Children How to Act
Small children often want to express their affection for the pet greyhound
by hugging or clinging on the dog. Though greyhounds will endure all sorts
of treatment initially, in silence, their limits will be reached and they
may growl, bark or even snap. Greyhounds never intend to do harm, but if
the child's body is in the path of their snap, harm could unintentionally
occur. They'll also start avoiding your children and will cringe when they
approach. You don't want this to happen. So teach your children the
correct way to handle a dog by gently stroking the neck and shoulders or
brushing instead. Also enforce that tails are private things, not play
things.
Teach your Dog How to Act
It is important to reinforce the idea with your dog that children are not
litter mates to the dog. Even though a child may be eye level, your dog
must understand that it is still a person and must respond appropriately,
not as if the child was another dog.
If you let the greyhound share your child's bed it
encourages the dog to think of the child as a brother or sister and
respond accordingly. If one dog rolls on or kicks another as they sleep,
the dog naturally responds with a growl or a disciplinary nip. The
greyhound will do this to the child, not inflicting or intending harm, but
it could scare the child.
Playing Outdoors
Outdoor games with your greyhound should be closely supervised, especially
initially and until both child and dog are fully introduced. No dog, and
especially no greyhound, can be expected not to chase after an excited,
squealing child. And sometimes the greyhound's idea of fun is to play
"imaginary hunter" using the child as a lure. Being run down by
a large dog would hardly be classified as fun by most kids!
Instead, encourage your child to join you as you stand in
place and happily encourage your dog to come to you, with each person
taking a turn. This provides exercise for the dog and reminds him that all
people are in control - large or small.
The main rule to keep in mind concerning children and dogs
is easy - safety first. This applies to both the dog and the kids. Do not
ever leave young children and dogs alone together.
Although protection of the children is your first concern,
you must also protect your dog. Your greyhound could be seriously injured
as a youngster decides to "play horsy" on his back or tries
painting his nose.
Your Greyhound and...
Making Friends - With You
Setting Limits
You'll probably go out of your way to make your new pet comfortable in his
new home. Of course you want him to like his new environment and love you
in return. Spoiling is OK, up to a certain point. Have you ever met a
spoiled child? Bratty, bossy and totally unpleasant to be around. You
don't really want your greyhound to turn out like that.
Animals, just like children, need limits set for them.
Consistency and clarity about what's acceptable behavior and what's not,
and knowing that you're in charge are key to a good transition for your
greyhound.
Throughout the dog's life, he's relied on someone to set
boundaries for him. First his mother laid down the law, and the puppy
quickly learned that as long as he followed the rules, life was great.
The leadership role was transferred to humans as your
greyhound left his litter and began his training. Although he was exposed
to lots of new experiences and places, there was one constant factor he
could rely on - there was always a human to tell him what was good and
what wasn't. Every dog needs this reassurance.
Be The Leader
A dog without a strong leader (alpha dog) quickly becomes a bratty,
overbearing animal that no one wants to live with, and therefore the dog
suffers without the one thing he needs most, acceptance and a place in the
pack. You are that leader, so act like one. Be firm and fair, and you'll
have a dog you can take anywhere and be proud of.
Discipline
Greyhounds are so smart, and react so well with positive reinforcement.
This means praise and hugs when they do what you want. They'll know you're
happy, and they'll continue to try and make you happy.
When you need to discipline, and it must be done while the
'bad' incident is occurring (like peeing in the house, chewing on
something they shouldn't, barking etc.), use your voice, not your hand.
Lower your voice to a growl, get his attention (I grab his muzzle and make
him look me in the eye) and tell him "no" or "bad" and
then leave him alone for a bit. He will be so chastised, he may never do
it again. If he does, you escalate the level of your voice, and be even
more forceful that you mean it. It really is like dealing with kids, some
of them will ignore you until they really think you mean it.
Occasionally new greyhound pet owners fear reprimanding
their pet because they think the dog won't like them. Unfortunately, these
are the adoptions that have problems several months later. After 2 to 4
weeks of no reprimands, he might not react well to you suddenly trying to
get him to pay attention to what you want. Plan to keep a balance from the
beginning, being fair and consistent. These dogs don't want to be bad,
they really really want to please you. So get into their heads, understand
why they are doing what they are doing, and don't cater to every whim
every time. In the long run, it's better for your pet and you. Remember
you have a new family member, not a house guest!
A Dog With A Past -
History of the Breed
Greyhounds have had a special place in history for a long
time. And until modern times, were treasured by their owners, usually
royalty or noblemen, and treated as one of the family.
Ancient Times
The greyhound, as we know it today, was worshipped in ancient Egypt. The
death of a favorite greyhound was treated the same as the death of a
human. Families shaved heads, stopped eating, wailed and buried and
mummified their pets with their owners. Greyhounds traveled from ancient
Egypt to ancient Greece and were treated with the same reverence. The same
is true for ancient Rome. Gods in all three cultures were portrayed with
greyhounds - Anubis in Egypt is sometimes interpreted as part man, part
hound. The Greek Gods Hecate, Pollux, Artemis all had greyhounds as
companions. In Rome, Diana was just one of the many gods who were
portrayed with greyhounds. It was in ancient Rome that it appears that
greyhound racing after hares started as a sport.
Medieval Times
Greyhounds almost became extinct during the middle ages as famine and
pestilence spread across the land. Men of the cloth saved them, and the
nobility claimed them as an exclusive right of theirs. It is during the
Renaissance that greyhounds were painted and immortalized. Both Chaucer
and Shakespeare mentioned greyhounds in their literature.
In the 1700's greyhound coursing became popular and spread
across Britain and Europe. During the same time, bulldogs were bred with
greyhounds by an English nobleman named Lord Orford and these crosses
continued for 7 generations, and were very popular.
Getting To America
As the Britons emigrated to America, they brought their greyhounds with
them. And found them ideally suited to chase down rabbits that were
interfering with their crops. This led to bets and wagers among the
farmers as to who had the faster dog. And in the 1900's, an artificial
lure and an oval track led to the first formal greyhound wagering, the
forerunner of our greyhound racetracks.
A greyt book all about your greyhound's past is The Reign
of the Greyhound - A Popular History of the Oldest Family of Dogs, by
Cynthia Branigan. All book stores carry it and it is highly recommended
and fun reading!
Additionally, there are a lot of web sites devoted to
greyhound adoption. The Greyhound Project and A Breed Apart (and, of
course, the Greyhound Gang) are two of the best! They have tons of
information on history and adoption of these wonderful dogs.
A Dog with A Past - Racing History
Ear Tattoos
Tattoos are applied by the breeder at 3 months of age to puppies to ensure
a permanent and positive ID of each potential racer.
Birth date
The right ear tells the month and year the puppy was born.
Example 1: 88A means the puppy was born in the
eighth(8) month of 1988 (8), and is the first (A) dog in the litter.
Example 2: 122E means the puppy was born in the twelfth
month (12) of 1992 (2) and is the fifth (E) dog in the litter.
Registration ID
The left ear has 4-5 digits and is the litter registration number with the
National Greyhound Association. This number is checked every time the dog
is raced to ensure it is the correct dog racing. You can use the numbers
to help locate your pet if lost.
You can also contact The National Greyhound Association at
Box 543 Abilene, KS 67410 913-263-4660. This is where they maintain their
computer registry. They'll give you your greyhound's racing name, his
birth date, his birth place, his mom's name, his dad's name and the
current owner of record. You can write to that owner and send papers to
get your greyhound's ownership transferred over to you. This information
is also available on The Greyhound Project's web site.
Their Former Life
Greyhound litters usually produce 4 - 10 puppies. Once weaned, puppies are
placed in a fenced area to play and grow. Usually when they are around one
year old they are kenneled and their track training begins. They are
taught to chase a lure and race counter clockwise. It is usually at this
time that it is determined whether they will become racers or not.
When greyhounds are kenneled, they are kept crated for the
majority of their time. Crates are placed one on top of another, side by
side. Crates are usually 3 feet by 2 feet.
Trainers usually care for 20-60 dogs within a kennel.
Greyhounds are let out, muzzled, with a pack of other similar sex
greyhounds up to 5 times a day, depending on the kennel, to relieve
themselves. A racing or training greyhound is also let out of the kennel
to go to the track and run 5/16th of a mile up to twice a week.
They are fed once a day with a variety of food - usually
soft, high-protein and inexpensive. They are not neutered or spayed in
case they will be used for breeding purposes.
This is what a greyhound knows until you bring him home.
After thoughts
Quick Facts
Retired racers are usually between two and five years old. And will live
to 12-14 years of age. Males are usually 26 to 30 inches high. Females are
23 to 26 inches high.
Males are usually between 65 and 85 pounds. Females are
between 50 and 65 pounds.
Greyhounds come in many colors - brindle, black, white,
fawn or a combination of these colors.
Swimming And Pools
Greyhounds have a very small percentage of body fat, so when you ask them
to swim, they sink. I have seen a few greyhounds learn to like swimming,
and most will valiantly dog paddle when you've taken them over their head,
and then slowly sink or turn over on their sides in the water.
Be very careful with your greyhound and pools. They have
never seen one, and won't understand instinctively that the blue stuff is
water. They'll be dashing around your yard, and suddenly - plop - right
into the water. And they will sink, and you will have to jump in to save
them. So introduce them to the pool and watch them carefully the first few
times you're in the yard playing near it.
Names
Greyhounds have track names, but are not usually called by those names.
Trainers don't want them responding to someone yelling their name as
they're racing around the track. They usually have a kennel name. When you
get your greyhound, if he comes with a name you don't like, you can
usually give him another name without a problem. You just have to use it
continually until he gets the idea.
Wounds
Greyhounds have no protection of fur or fat for injuries. So they tend to
seem more accident prone. But they are not babies. They will still run and
play even with an injury. So just keep an eye on them when they are
running and playing hard.
Also, buy bentadyne and use it instead of peroxide to
clean a small wound. Be sure to dilute it until it looks like weak tea. A
triple antibiotic ointment is also used once you've cleaned out the wound
with bentadyne. You should, of course, take your greyhound to the vet for
big wounds.
Here's my goriest wound story. My greyhound saw a cat
under a bush and decided to try and pounce on it. Instead he pounced right
into a stick that stuck about an inch straight into his eye. It was
nighttime, and we lived an hour and a half from the vet. So I pulled out
the three inch stick (I was sure it had punctured his brain, if not the
eye itself), kept my hand over his eye (thinking the eye ball would fall
out if I didn't) and starting driving the hour and half to the vet. I was
speeding and got pulled over by a cop. He thought my dog looked fine, as
he was standing in the front seat with one eye closed. Then I showed him
the bloody stick I'd pulled from my dog's eye.
Happy ending to story - eye membrane had parted to allow
stick to enter with minor damage, so dog is 100% OK.
Guard Dogs
They are not guard dogs. Once in a while they will bark when someone
approaches the door. But more likely they are fast asleep on something
soft. They are not an aggressive breed and will not attack any person.
However, most people will think twice about entering a home that has a dog
the size of a greyhound, with that long a nose and those long teeth. And
if you get one that smiles at strangers, well, you've got your guard dog!
More After thoughts
Pack Rats
Some greyhounds like to collect your items and take them outside or put
them in their beds. They seldom damage the items, they just collect them.
So if you're missing something, check with your greyhound!
Sweating
Greyhounds sweat through their paws and nose. If your greyhound has
overexerted himself while running, hosing down their feet only will help
them get cool quicker.
Petting Your Greyhound
Greyhounds loved to be massaged
everywhere, but particularly on their necks and butts. Additionally, they
like their noses rubbed - top and bottom. After they've eaten, they will
often try to clean off their noses by rubbing them on your furniture,
blankets or you. The more you pet them, the quicker they will bond to you.
Barking & Whining
Greyhounds are not barkers. If you have a barker, then you probably have a
more insecure dog and he is barking because something has frightened him.
Now, whining is another story. Greyhounds communicate with you by whining.
Whining to be let in, to eat, to play, to get up on the bed - you name it
and they'll talk (whine) to you about it.
Where They Put Their Noses
Beside counter tops, other dog's behinds and anything else that smells
good, when greyhounds approach people their noses are right about crotch
level. So they have been known to stick their noses in people's crotches.
They're not being bad, just friendly.
Products
The Internet has so many greyhound sites, and they all have products and
information. I buy my doggy products through a variety of catalogs. King
Wholesale, 800-825-4647. NE Serum Company, 800-637-3786. Foster Smith,
800-826-7206. RC Steele, 800-872-3773.
For items made especially for greyhounds check the
Internet or call Nat'l Greyhound Adoption Program, 215-331-7918. The
Voyagers, 1-800-352-3762. Glorious Greyhounds, 508-520-4852.
Items You Need Before You Get Your Greyhound Home:
1. Something very soft and nestable for them to sleep on -
dog bed, big blankets, sleeping bag
2. Leash - 4 or 6 feet, nylon
3. Food - Kibble of high quality, no preservatives, no
corn, no by-products - I use a lamb and rice
4. Elevated dog bowls - can buy them or put the bowls on a
box or buckets
5. Supplement to add to their food for their coat
6. Bones for them to chew on
7. Toys for them to play with
8. Lots of love
Congratulations on being a smart and savvy person and
adopting the best pet !