BS: Rehomed Greyhounds. Difficult to train?

Subject: BS: Rehomed Greyhounds. Difficult to train?
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 15 Aug 10 - 03:01 PM

Since my dog, Ben, died some months ago, I've been thinking of rehoming a retired racing greyhound, via one of the branches of the Retired Greyhound Trust. By all accounts they make great pets, and rehoming is a far more humane alternative to their usual fate. IE., killing them with a steel ball through the head as soon as they're too old to earn their owner any winnings. They can reach this stage at anything from about 3 upwards.

The problem is that, being working dogs, they have seldom been house or obedience trained. I have a fair bit of experience of training puppies, but none whatsoever with adult dogs.

From what I have seen and been told, greyhounds are highly intelligent, very affectionate and very owner oriented. In other words, training an adult should be a doddle.

However, I would like to reassure myself that I'm not letting myself in for a nightmare of great, thick loveable mutt who just can't get the hang of 'sit', 'stay', down etc.

Has anyone been down this path, and if so, how did you fare?

Many thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: Rehomed Greyhounds. Difficult to train?
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Aug 10 - 03:07 PM

I haven't, personally, but I've met some which were adopted into homes, including one by a veterinarian. All were quite calm, elegant, happy, and seemingly no problem. The vet's was really sweet, followed him around all over his farm; did not chase other critters, though I have heard since they are sight hounds, they can be liable to chase after cats, etc., though the ones I've met seemed to get along just fine with their "own" housemates, i.e. other pets.

Good luck and good for you!

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Rehomed Greyhounds. Difficult to train?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 15 Aug 10 - 03:08 PM

They are 'trained' to run, and to walk on a leash.
They make great pets, and are mostly professional couch potatoes.
I'm sure you would enjoy owning one, if that can be said to be true. Usually my dogs have owned me.
Please give one a home, I'm sure you won't regret it.

JM

Subject: RE: BS: Rehomed Greyhounds. Difficult to train?
From: bobad
Date: 15 Aug 10 - 03:21 PM

Check with number 6, I believe he has done the very thing, ie. rehomed retired greyhounds.

Subject: RE: BS: Rehomed Greyhounds. Difficult to train?
From: gnu
Date: 15 Aug 10 - 03:21 PM

In any case, fact is, if you do get a nut case, better you tried than didn't.

Subject: RE: BS: Rehomed Greyhounds. Difficult to train?
From: akenaton
Date: 15 Aug 10 - 03:59 PM

Well, I've trained greyhounds to run at tracks all over Scotland, and still have my license for Shawfield Stadium...Scotlands only NGRC reg track and home to the Scottish greyhound Derby.

Greyhounds are born to run, there is no finer sight that a fast dog at full stride.
Despite all the bad publicity, the dogs love to chase the lure, I used to travel over 100 miles both ways to race my dogs, sometimes three nights a week and the dogs knew when we were getting near the track....they got really excited, desperate to race.

Why don't you buy a sapling and run it at a flapping track? If it turns out to be fast you can transfer to a NGRC track.....you might even end up with a Derby winner!
Owning and racing greyhound is one of lifes great experiences!

If you want an old dog, you won't get a better house dog...as John says, they love to lie on the sofa with their big long legs in the air, you rarely come across a visious or bad tempered greyhound.

As far as training is concerned, forget it! Greyhounds dont do tricks, but are affectionate and clean preferring to go out somewhere private to do their business. They are rather aloof dogs, never making an exhibition of themselves by licking or slavering over their owners......in fact in a very short time the hound owns the man.
Get one and see what I mean, one thing is certain, once you are adopted by a greyhound, you will never want any other species of owner......enjoy.....Ake.

Subject: RE: BS: Rehomed Greyhounds. Difficult to train?
From: Maryrrf
Date: 15 Aug 10 - 04:15 PM

One of my neighbors has two and he says they are wonderful dogs. The will chase small animals though, and it's hard to break them of that instinct.

Subject: RE: BS: Rehomed Greyhounds. Difficult to train?
From: gnu
Date: 15 Aug 10 - 04:19 PM

"The will chase small animals though, and it's hard to break them of that instinct."

How tall are you, Fred? >;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Rehomed Greyhounds. Difficult to train?
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 15 Aug 10 - 04:24 PM

Friend of mine adopted two "retirees". One was perfect, the upside down on the settee bit, everything - the other was totally hyper, jumped at noises, tore round the place like a mad thing, and eventually had to be returned to the rescue. She was experienced with dogs so it wasn't a novice thing.

They don't need much exercise, but the chase instinct remains forever and most responsible rescues warn of this and won't rehome to where there are "small furries" as they call them.

Some are OK with cats, some not. You might need a bigger sofa though, or you'll be sitting on the floor. Those legs get everywhere.

Good luck

Paws

Subject: RE: BS: Rehomed Greyhounds. Difficult to train?
From: akenaton
Date: 15 Aug 10 - 05:01 PM

Wolfhound person, are you from Scotland by any chance?

Subject: RE: BS: Rehomed Greyhounds. Difficult to train?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 15 Aug 10 - 07:21 PM

I see plenty of retired greyhounds out walking with their owners in Harlow - we've got a dog track here. They always seem very good natured and well behaved. Placid even, as if they've had enough running around and like to take it easy.

Subject: RE: BS: Rehomed Greyhounds. Difficult to train?
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Aug 10 - 08:25 PM

...mostly professional couch potatoes. LOL, that describes the ones I've met to a "T!"

Subject: RE: BS: Rehomed Greyhounds. Difficult to train?
From: number 6
Date: 15 Aug 10 - 09:49 PM

We have rehomed 2 retired track greyhounds. One female, and one male. If you want a loyal, sincere, gentle but extremely lazy dog I suggest strongly in going for one. Their favorite pastime is sleeping and both of our hounds would sleep at least 20 hours in the day. I should also mention they do not eat much, 2 cups of kibble in the morning, and 2 cups in the evening

They are mostly already house broken from the track. There is an initial 'breakend' period, this has to do with them familiarizing themselves with a home environment, and for them to develop that bond/trust with you. This does not take long at at all. They have learned to be obedient at the track and walk very well on the leash. Suprisingly, though they like to run they don't need to have a daily run. When they do have a run they go full out for about 1 1/2 minutes then they just crash and lie down. A one hour walk a day is all they require.

Regarding small animals, some and I would say most can get along with cats or other small dogs in the same home. As I mentioned they are an extremely gentle breed but they are sight hounds and will tend to go to the chase if not on a leash when they see a squirrel or even a deer.

I have had other various breeds of dogs in my life time but none have bonded to me like these 2 greyhounds have.

Our male Otis passed on 1 year ago yesterday from bone cancer. I admit a day hasn't gone by since without a tear forming in my eye when I think of him. I still strongly miss him.

If you have any questions Fred please don't hesitate to pm me. I'd be more than happy to pass on any more information regarding greyhounds.

biLL

Subject: RE: BS: Rehomed Greyhounds. Difficult to train?
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 16 Aug 10 - 04:21 AM

Ake - I'm north of Hadrian's Wall, but technically in England, though when I go south it feels like a different country.

Does that help?

Paws

Subject: RE: BS: Rehomed Greyhounds. Difficult to train?
From: Hovering Bob
Date: 16 Aug 10 - 05:31 AM

As an experienced greyhound owner I can only echo what has gone before. They make the most wonderful pets, are friendly, placid loyaly and LAZY. It's true they don't need a lot of exercise, one walk a day and a few mad moments in the garden and they'll sleep the rest of the day.
'Magic,' racing name 'Blue Magic' is currently asleep outside my office door and she'll stay there until I go down stairs. At which point she'll raise her head, say 'Oh it's him!' and go back to sleep. They are sight hounds ('Greyhound' coming from 'Gaze Hound,' or so I'm told) and will want to chase anything they see that resembles the lure they were trained to chase. We've trained/taught Magic that there is no point getting excited, she's not going to be allowed to chase something she sees a hundred yards away! Our first greyhound 'Finane Wind' was scared of any other animal and we didn't need a lead for her, she'd stay by my side all the time.
They are 'big dogs' with a 'big dog bark', which they hardly ever use. When you visit the rescue kennels you hardly ever hear a noise. (Try visiting a RSPCA centre and you can hear the yappy dogs from a mile away!)
Years ago I worked out a six word definition for greyhound which most other owners agree is accurate. "Legs, Muscles, no Brain and Asleep!"
They are 'intelligent' but their two brain cells can't figure out that if the brought back the toy you've just thrown for them you'd throw it again.
Greyhounds, new from the rescue centre/track need to be taught to socialise with other dogs, they've never been allowed to do so before and they also need to be taught to 'play.' They do make the most loyal friendly pets/friends and our lives changed when we got our first one.
I won't say they 'like' folk music but they are placid enough to accept that, if it's what we want they'll cope! Magic is a regular at 'The Cause' at Chippenham and 'The Bell' at Grove festivals. Caution, both ours are/were scared stiff of thunder and loud dance-side drums are an approximation too close for comfort.
If you're based any where west London/home counties visit The Hersham Hounds Kennels near Chobham, Denise will find you the perfect greyhound!
Finally, enjoy them!
BobH

Subject: RE: BS: Rehomed Greyhounds. Difficult to train?
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 16 Aug 10 - 08:23 AM

The kids had speedy little radio control cars...they would stick a splayed sheet of notebook paper in the window slots.

The lesbian nurse would bring in her greyhound rescue dogs (she ofter said she liked dogs more than people)she had special blankets to cover them and called them "therapy dogs" for convalescent homes. The were disgusting dumb dogs and she had them with her 24 7.

If laughter is the best medicine .... then I guess we were therapized.

She would take them out to run free on the playing fields. The kids moved outside the chain-link fence, and let their cars zip short dashes until it caught the dogs attention....and then Holy Moly....it was Off To The Races. Grehounds don't do well with chain-link at 40 miles an hour.

Sincerely
Gargoyle

No more free range rabbit foo foos running on the playing field.

Subject: RE: BS: Rehomed Greyhounds. Difficult to train?
From: Bettynh
Date: 16 Aug 10 - 09:14 AM

My son and his girl have had a rescued greyhound for a couple years now. Their biggest fear is that the dog will get loose and run free, since he tends to forget where he is and who they are if he gets any distance away. Rather dim, but they love him. He spent 5 years in crates and kennels, so had trouble with ordinary things - stairs, random rocks, most people - all frighten him. When they take him to a fenced dog park, he's gentle and sociable when playing with other, usually much smaller, dogs. In the past few months, he's delighted them by actually playing with toys and romping around their apartment for about an hour in the morning. Since they both work, his tendency to sleep a full day and full night is perfect. He behaves very well on a leash. From what I can see, it's all about the dog in their relationship - worry about the dog, teaching him about the world, bringing him to the happy places to play. Pleasing or even playing with people hasn't occurred to this dog, so there are no games or tricks. At almost 8, he's beginning to be old, since the lifespan of a greyhound, like many large breeds, isn't as long as other breeds.

With all that said, they're doing a good thing for the dog and probably for themselves. They do say that visiting a shelter and knowing a dog before you bring it home is absolutely mandatory. Each dog reacted to the crate/kennel environment individually. No retired greyhound is young. They volunteered at a local shelter, walking dogs several times a week before choosing their own. If any of this sounds like you can handle it, go for it.

Subject: RE: BS: Rehomed Greyhounds. Difficult to train?
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 16 Aug 10 - 10:46 AM

The description of the Greyhounds' personalities sounds a lot like the description I had from a friend who owned an Afghan Hound:

"An animated fur rug."   Dumb and lazy.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: BS: Rehomed Greyhounds. Difficult to train?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 16 Aug 10 - 11:43 AM

Biggest difference with Greyhounds and Afghans , Greyhounds lie down , Afghans Recline !

Subject: RE: BS: Rehomed Greyhounds. Difficult to train?
From: akenaton
Date: 16 Aug 10 - 01:45 PM

Pretty sick joke from Garg.

I've seen quite a few injured greyhounds in my time, none of these injuries are very funny.

They're brave dogs when suffering and will allow you to examine and tend severe cuts, strains and breaks, without aggression...i have never been bitten by a greyhound although having to attend to many cut pads ect. Contrary to popular belief, racing greyhound owners are in the main very protective of their charges, a top racer can be worth around £50,000 and even a half decent grader will cost over £1000.

As I said earlier anyone wanting to get into racing should buy a pup or sapling and have it schooled at racing kennels. Once schooled its simply a matter of good food,grooming and plenty of walking on the leash, the exciting bit begins with getting your dog to do the time required to qualify for racing.....its a real roller-coaster from then on, there will be lots of highs and lows, but the highs you will remember all your life.

Subject: RE: BS: Rehomed Greyhounds. Difficult to train?
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 04:59 AM

Thanks for the advice folks, all except from Gargle of course. Dunno what he was smoking at the time, but I hope he doesn't blow any of it in the dog's face!!!

Akenton. Sorry if I fell into the trap of generalising over racing greyhound owners. I'm sure the majority look after their dogs well. But the thought that even a minority have the dogs put down as soon they're too old to race is appalling, and something I find difficult to handle.

Anyway, on the strength of what I've been told, here and elsewhere, I'll definitely be going ahead and rehoming one.

Subject: RE: BS: Rehomed Greyhounds. Difficult to train?
From: GUEST,number 6
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 07:30 AM

Good for you Fred .... you certainly won't regret it.

biLL

Subject: RE: BS: Rehomed Greyhounds. Difficult to train?
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Aug 10 - 05:54 AM

As I said before, ENJOY, I know you will!

BobH