Retired racing greyhounds make the most amazing companion dogs one can imagine. They adapt to the ‘couch potato‘ life very quickly and are pretty easy to train. They love having a job, i.e., teach them to do some tricks — for treats if they are food motivated.  A simple sit, down, bow, stand, roll over. Once your greyhound gets the hang of that, he may persist in making this an every-day ritual by barking incessantly until you give in and provide him with the one-on-one attention he wants. (No, greyhounds do not normally bark very much. But once they learn to manipulate you, look out!)  They really are not very demanding.  Overall, they are very low maintenance, easy keepers.

Greyhounds also do very well as therapy dogs. They enjoy human companionship a lot and do not really need very much in the way of training for this kind of activity. They do need to be certified but that, too, is easy. Just check with your local hospice group to get the information you might need to get your pup certified.  Greyhounds are a good height for people in wheelchairs to pet, and also the bed-ridden patients.

To find a rescue group for greyhounds in your area, go to adopt-a-greyhound.org.  The rescue groups I have been involved with most recently are Rocky Mountain Greyhound Adoption rmga.org, Gold Coast Greyhounds goldcoastgreyhounds.com and Greythounds of Eastern Michigan gemgreyhounds.org.  For more information on greyhound and/or dog training, go to greyhound.trainpetdog.com OR check out The Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic channel.   For great greyhound clothing, go to nonudehounds.com.  See amazon.com for all your pet supplies.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What Is A Retired Racer?

With a life span of up to 15 years, retirement comes early. Typically, they are racing dogs between the ages of 1-1/2 to 5 years. They have retired for various reasons but almost all are healthy and make a wonderful addition to a family as a pet. Generally, a 4 or 5 year old has retired after a career of over 100 races. Most have been winners in their “career” and are now searching for a permanent home.

Retired greyhounds have a gentle nature, are used to being handled by many people, are kennel trained, enjoy going for walks on a leash and love to be petted. When introduced to a “pet life,” you can really sense that they are grateful for this new attention. Younger greyhounds are those that have raced and perhaps are just not fast enough to win all the races. These Greyhounds are generally well behaved and make a wonderful addition to any home as a pet.

Are Greyhounds Aggressive?

NO. Greyhounds are among the most gentle of breeds. They form a very strong bond with their human family and are eager to please. The muzzles that racers wear will protect their noses and aid in determining the winner in a photo finish. Greyhounds do not make good watch dogs. Some may bark if a stranger comes near but barking is usually out of excitement.

Are Greyhounds Housebroken?

Greyhounds are used to being taken out four or five times each day so when you get home this routine needs to be continued. They are very intelligent, sensitive dogs and very eager to please you. Once your routine is established you should have no trouble with accidents in your home.

Are Greyhounds indoor pets?

YES! Greyhounds must live indoors. They cannot withstand temperature extremes and have delicate skin which requires sleeping on a soft bed. Greyhounds must never be chained or staked outside. [I believe this true for ALL breeds.]  They are highly social animals and must be with people. Greyhounds must always be on a leash when outdoors or within a secure fenced in area.

Can I trust my Greyhound off leash?

No! Greyhounds are sight hounds and can see clearly for a half mile. They have no knowledge of cars and traffic and can travel at great speed. Greyhounds love to run, and within a secure fenced-in area it is perfectly okay. Greyhounds enjoy walking or jogging, and are very well behaved on a leash.

What about children and other pets?

Greyhounds are patient, loving animals. All children should be taught to respect any dog, and never to bother a dog that is sleeping or eating. Greyhounds have lived with other greyhounds all their life and should quickly make friends with other dogs that you have. Cats and other small furry indoor animals can become a greyhound’s friend if the introductory period is closely supervised, however, outdoors greyhounds must be constantly supervised. Let your adoption group know if you have children and other pets and will assist and advise in your selection of the most suitable greyhound.  All small children should be supervised and watched around dogs.

How much will it cost?

Adoption fees will vary among rescue/adoption groups.  However, and for some Greys, the fees may vary depending on circumstances.

What does the fee cover?  Generally, it covers:

• Spay/neutering
• Teeth Cleaning (if needed)
• Rabies vaccination (if needed)
• De-worming (if needed)
• Heartworm negative check
• Flea Treatment
• Transportation costs from the kennel
• Leash, collar, and  ID Tag

What is the adoption process?

Adoption generally starts with an application.  The interview, which usually lasts about an hour, helps determine that a greyhound is appropriate for you. It also helps to find the dog best suited for your home. The application is reviewed, sometimes with you, and your preferences for the greyhound (i.e. sex, age, personality, coat color, etc.) are determined.  Any questions or concerns that you have can be addressed at this time.

Can I meet some greyhounds first?

Yes, it is best if you do meet some Greyhounds first!!!

What do I need to prepare for my Greyhound?

Your greyhound’s acclimation period can range from two to thirty days; some dogs will adjust more quickly than others.

Suggested Reading Material:

Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies by Lee Livingood

Adopting the Racing Greyhound by Cynthia Branigan

If you have young children, it is highly recommend that you read Childproofing Your Dog by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson.

Many books are available at your local libraries.

Dog tags:

Purchase a tag with the dog’s name, your name and address and telephone number. Place this on the ring with the adoption group’s ID tag.  ALWAYS KEEP BOTH ID TAGS ON YOUR DOG AT ALL TIMES.

Crate:

We recommend that you purchase a crate. Your greyhound has always lived in one so it is very familiar and comfortable for your dog. It can be used to make the transition from racer to retirement easier. If you’re not too sure about when to use the crate, a general rule of thumb is, if you can’t watch your dog, crate it. For the first two weeks, crate your dog every time you leave the house, particularly if you work all day and the dog will be alone. This will help your dog become familiar with the family routine. When you feel the dog is adjusting, put the dog in the crate but leave the door unlatched. This gives your Greyhound a choice.

Be sure to have the crate on hand before you arrive home with your dog so that you can begin using it right away.

Food and Water Containers:

You’ll need one bowl for food and one for water – be sure to purchase large containers.

Dog Food:

Decide ahead of time through consultation with your Vet or other Greyhound owners what type of food you will be feeding your Greyhound and purchase it before you bring your Greyhound home.

Rice and/or Canned Pumpkin:

During the first couple weeks, as the dog is transitioning to his/her new diet, your Greyhound may develop diarrhea. Consult your books–switch to a diet of boiled rice and chicken or canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix). This will help eliminate the diarrhea.

Dog Bed, Pillow or Thick Quilt:

You’ll need to provide something soft for your Greyhound to lie on. One tip: purchase or use something that is washable. This will allow you to clean it regularly.

Toys (Optional):
Greyhounds love the fleece toys with a squeaker inside or the “stuffed” animal toys—anything that squeaks.  A “squawker” is highly recommended in case your Greyhound ever gets loose.

Dog Biscuits:

Choose a quality dog biscuit.

Bones:

Raw beef knuckle or marrow bones are good for your dog’s teeth and satisfy the chewing urge. It is recommended these be chewed out of doors since they can be messy.

Enzymatic Cleaner:
A good cleaning solution to effectively remove any “accident” spots of odors. Nature’s Miracle and Simple Solution are very effective.

Muzzle:
Until you can trust the dog, a muzzle is essential if you have a cat or small dog in your home. Muzzles are also required if you plan to participate in an organized playgroup for Greyhounds. Again, your rescue/adoption group should include a muzzle.

House Rules:
Review the rules of Greyhound ownership with your children. Remind them to keep outside doors closed and latched; gates closed and locked. Remind them that when the Greyhound is sleeping or resting on his bed, or eating anything, you don’t bother him.  It is important that your Greyhound learn the rules, too.  Remember that Greyhounds are generally sensitive dogs, and very thin-skinned, literally.