i posted on here a while back about getting 2 pups, but now we have been checked over and approved- we are looking at rescue greyhounds/lurchers, we just thought whats the point in buying a pup, when there are so many of these abused and abandoned gentle dogs?!

Ifeel we are doing the right thing, i only ask that they can withstand cats and can be left for a few hours on a couple of days a week.
im in touch with the wales greyhound rescue and they will tell me who is need of a home soon, just wanted to ask if there is any tips or advice on this subject?

much appreciated-
mags & chris

Do you have stairs?  Strange question I know :D but racing greyhounds never have to deal with stairs, so you will probably have to teach your new guy/gal how to go up and down them safely.

Hi!

I've been lurking for a looong time but never felt qualified enough to post anything!

Well, this one I can!

I had an ex-racing greyhound for many years.  He was the sweetest, loyalest, most beautiful friend I've ever had.  Once you've had one, you'll want a houseful!!

With regard to your questions, I assume you've mentioned all of these things to the rescue centre?  They will do their utmost to find you a dog that fits your lifestyle. 

They can be taught to accept and not chase small animals that they are introduced to - you will never be able to un-train them to chase rabbits or squirrels when out on walks, though!

They are usually fine about being left for a short while - of course, they've been used to being in a kennel on their own for longer times anyhow. 

They can have house training problems, but mine never messed in the house.  He also didn't have any problems learning the stairs!!

If you want to know anything more about living with a rescued grey, let me know!

Jenna

Hi

I have a rescue greyhound and a cat (plus other dogs) and they are ok together but I would never completely trust him with the cat and never leave them in the same room together. He is ok with the cat when she is not moving but you can see the interest he has in her when she is walking or running so we are very vigilant with them both. My cat does sleep upstairs most of the time and we dont have a cat flap so when she is let in the house or room where the dog is we are always present and aware of them. There have been many cases of greyhounds killing cats and when I was checked by the rescue they were a little unsure as to whether I would be a suitable home because of this, I did get him because I promised I would take all precautions. It is possible to have a cat and a greyhound together but you must be aware of all of the issues and take really good precautions. I was lucky my greyhound is ok with cats but some aren't.

As for being left not a problem as they spend most of their time asleep.:) They are a lovely dog to own and my boy is like most of them gentle, loving and kind - he loves all people, is fantastic with other dogs and walks wonderful on the lead, he is a pleasure to be around. Good luck in giving a home to a dog that truly deserves it.:)

So long as you can stay aware that they are generally (although not always) TOTALLY unsocialised and quite 'backwards' in their education regarding ANYTHING other than running really fast, being kennelled and travelling in a van or car, you should do ok.

Life as a racing dog is REALLY insular, so dont be at all surprised if your dog doesnt recognise 'non pointy' dogs as being dogs (an beware the very small fluffy jobs!!!), stairs, as mentioned might be an issue, as well as every day household sights and sounds.

Just take it as it comes, start from scratch as if you had an 8 week old puppy wrt housetraining and socialising.

A basket muzzle is a must, but DONT get into the mindset of thinking your dog is inherently a killer -- he is not, any more so than any other undersocialised dog, the only difference is, HE can catch things he chases!

Likewise, dont think you cant train a greyhound, you can (althuogh i wouldnt be expecting top class competition obedience), including a recall, IF you put the work in (and i say this as many people just go 'oh he is a greyhound, he cant do recall). and bear in mind that whilst wearing a muzzle is a sensible precaution to take, it cannot prevent him chasing/scaring and headbashing his 'quarry' should he choose to do so!

All the ex racersi  have met have been lovely laid back dogs in theend, although some take more work than others.

My own dog had a similar background, but as a working lurcher -- undersocialised, kept in a shed, didnt understand how to be a dog. Fortunately she ahs (for a saluki) a good recall and ive learned to read her body language damn well -- she can be around my cat but i still have to tell her to leave him if she gets too keen. Other cats, no way!

Good luck

Em

CONGRATULATIONS! All the retired greyhouds I've met have been fab and really easy going.

Hi Maggymills, excellent descision to offer a home to one of these dogs.

I have never owned one myself, but meet a wonderful lady regularly who has now rescued three. Two of them are gentle giants and are now perfectly at home with my dogs, the third still needs lots of assurances and is still in need of a constant lead, but I know she will turn him around too. As well as the excellent advice to be careful around cats, I would also add in Yorkshire terriers one of them had a tendancy to chase these too!

The resecue will no doubt go over everything with you that you need to know, but they can make wonderful pets and can be socialised into home life. (It can be a lot of hard work though, depending on the dog so be prepared for this.)

I wish you and your new dog (when you get it) lots of good times together, and again it is wonderful that you are giving one a loving home.

Maggie you traitor :-)

I thought I'd talked you into getting a whippet!  I'm going to send you some pics of Cashie so you can see what you're missing. :-)

Seriously, I think you'd be a perfect owner for a rescue greyhound.  I seriously considered getting one but decided in the end that my flat is just too small.  A couple of my clients have them and although they're hard work the owners love them to bits.

One thing, as you probably know, they f@rt like you wouldn't believe!  I'd keep a window open if I were you!

Keep us posted

M-Cx