Greyhound Guide

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Your Greyhound and...Making Friends -- Cats, Cockatiels & Critters

Greyhounds and Other Animals Let your greyhound get used to the house, "his new kennel," 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 for that of all your other pets. Every group should screen every greyhound they place. Greyhound Gang introduces all greyhounds to cats, little dogs, horses, kids, etc. I know each dog's predisposition before we place him.

To ensure there are no problems with introductions, use 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, I suggest using a muzzle for introductions to small dogs, and keeping your greyhound on a leash. Greyhounds who have never seen a small dog may initially think he 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, 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.

About 20% of all greyhounds can not live with a cat. Every reputable adoption group cat tests, and would never willingly place a non-cat safe greyhound in a home with cats.

Birds

Introduction of a greyhound to a caged bird follows the basic procedures detailed above. Holding the collar, accompanied by a low bellowed "NO!" will do wonders. A flying bird though will be a big temptation, so keep your greyhound muzzled and next to you if your bird is flying around.

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.

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Your Greyhound and...Making Friends -- With Children

Greyhounds and Children Children and dogs are a natural combination. 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. Please be smart, and never allow your children alone with any dog.

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.

Also have your child feed the dog, and go out of a door before the dog. Don't leave children alone in the yard, screaming and running, with the greyhound chasing them. This reinforces the child as part of the pack, and you'll start to see your greyhound play with the child as if the child were another pack member.

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 were 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.

In summary, 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 horsey" on his back or tries painting his nose.

There is a book, Childproofing Your Dog: A Complete Guide to Preparing Your Dog for the Children in Your Life, that I recommend all adopters with children purchase and read prior to adopting a greyhound. It is the definitive book on children and dog interactions.

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Your Greyhound and...Making Friends -- With You

Setting Limits

Learning to Love your Greyhound 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 firm, consistent leader (alpha dog) quickly becomes a bratty, overbearing animal that no one wants to live with. 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 to 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!

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