Are you looking to add a companion to your family? Have you ever considered adopting a greyhound but you’re a little unsure of what you might be getting yourself into? Today’s article is all about greyhounds and how they make the perfect companion for nearly any family.
Although there are a small number of greyhound breeds for the showring most adoptable greyhounds are retired racers so therefore, when you adopt a greyhound you're not only gaining a best friend but you're also helping support the community of people that are dedicated to giving these dogs a second chance.
Some of these beautiful dogs may not have the best or the easiest start to life like a lot of our rescues, but they have a lot of love to give. They’re just waiting for someone special to come along so they can begin a life they truly deserve.
Lauren Buck is from Greyhounds As Pets (GAP). Lauren and I have become very close friends within the industry and what she does is absolutely amazing. Greyhounds As Pets is a not-for-profit initiative. They rehome rescued greyhounds to suitably matched homes.
I asked Lauren if there are any differences in the behaviours of the racing greyhounds and the greyhounds that haven’t raced. Although all dogs have their own personalities, Lauren explained that those that have raced are often more confident because they have been exposed to different people and environments. The greyhounds that haven’t raced tend to be a little more sensitive and anxious around people and in strange environments. However, complications with the rehoming of greyhounds are commonly seen regardless of their past, requiring the right adoptee which Lauren and their team do such a great job at finding the perfect forever home.
If you are looking to adopt a greyhound, there are some things to consider. Generally, greyhounds are pretty good on the lead, though of course there are some dogs that can be more challenging than others. As a rule, Greyhounds don’t need much exercise; a 20–30-minute walk, once or twice a day will be enough. According to Lauren, greyhounds are lazy dogs and will sleep up to 20 hours a day! I have clients who own a greyhound and live in an apartment, which may seem strange because we have this idea that greyhounds are very energetic dogs, but in fact, they aren’t. If you’re looking for a very active dog, perhaps the greyhound is not the right fit.
Of course, not all ex-racing greyhounds are comfortable in every situation because they haven’t been exposed to a household or families before. That’s what I love about GAP. They analyse the situation and get to know the dog’s personality and the potential owners, so they can determine if they are a good fit for each other. As with any rehoming situation, it's important to make a great match right from the start.
The greyhound surrender and adoption process is a little different to that of other rescue dogs. Generally, the previous owner will book the greyhound in for a free assessment with the GAP Program to see if the animal is ‘pet ready’.
GAP recommends to previous owners that they gently expose the dog to a domestic household prior to GAP assessment. This gets them used to the new environment and helps with the transition into a home. They also need to make sure the dog’s vaccinations are all up to date.
The greyhound is then assessed by experienced GAP staff and if they are deemed to be ‘pet ready’ the dog is moved into GAPs adoption centre to become pets. GAP staff have to make certain that greyhounds being rehomed in a household with other pets, will be socially friendly and able to cope. There are a couple of cats and small dogs at the GAP adoption centre that staff carefully and safely expose the greyhounds to in a controlled environment. Socialisation and training occurs every few days once they’ve settled in and this gives GAP staff an opportunity to get to know the dog and match it to the best forever home.
There are a lot of things GAP takes into consideration when matching a dog and its new home; the dog’s behaviour, temperament, energy level, whether they are social with other dogs and if they will be suited to a home with children, a small backyard, other animals, lots of noise and activity etc. Also, some dogs will be suited to full-time workers and being home all day alone and others would do better with an owner who is at home throughout the day.
Greyhounds love to hang out on the couch with you. They have their quirks which can be very loveable, and GAP provides new owners with all this type of information they need prior- and post-adoption. They remain on-hand to provide help and recommendations so the dogs and owners adjust to their new lives together.
GAP is able to find a greyhound to suit the majority of families. Sometimes it can take a little longer to find that perfectly match. If you have a cat or other small animal, live in an apartment or unit with no yard, or you have a busy household with lots of young children - all these factors have to be considered by GAP when choosing the perfect greyhound for you. These are all new things for greyhounds to adjust to, so the right dog may not always be ready and available straight away.
Greyhounds need to be trained like any other breed. They do need to learn the basic commands (sit, lie down, etc). Greyhounds can find it difficult to sit due to their physical makeup but with patience it can be done. So, there is not much difference in the training, however there may be a need to modify the training and the commands to suit the breed.
Gap staff are more than happy to assist all rescued greyhound owners with any training help, education or general information they may need.
The GAP website is full of great information; there are greyhound behaviourists to speak with and even a manual for owners or potential owners to refer to. You’ll also find GAP at Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Greyhounds make wonderful pets and companions, so if you feel that a greyhound would suit your family and lifestyle, get in touch with GAP and the staff will be happy to talk you through the adoption process.
