Hi I am thinking of getting a rescue greyhound but would like other peoples advice or opinion on the following. As I understand the Greyhound would have to be exercised on the lead always, do you think this is fair on the dog?. I am asking cos all my dogs have always had plenty of free running, and would it be kinder to exercise on the road so that he or she does not see other dogs running freely?
Or am I being over sensitive, help please!!

The reason for the recommendation for keeping your rescue dog on a lead in this case would be down to the likely event that the dog was a trained hunter. It would be adviseable to keep the dog constrained where there is the likelihood they could catch cats etc. However, many people with rescued greyhounds and lurchers find an environment where the dog can be let off the lead. In my rescue work I tend to look for somewhere away from roads, in a non built up area, but which is fairly defined. ie somewhere I can see the dogs from all angles. Personally I have never had a problem, but I can understand the sentiment as I would not wish the responsibility of my dog hurting another animal. One trained lurcher I rehomed actually killed a yorkshire terrier. It was tragic .. but the dog simply seen movement in the long grass and grabbed.

The other thing to take account with of greyhounds or lurchers is that they do not need the same duration of walks that other dogs do. They tend to be short sprint animals rather than in there for the long haul.

I am sure the rescue society you go to for your dog will give you plenty of advice and support in making your decision.

Sighthounds (especially a rescue if they are a racer and taught to chase) have a VERY strong sight/hunt/follow instinct. We have whippets and are VERY selective about where we let them off-lead. If we'd rescued a racer I'm not sure we would unless the area was completely enclosed. It is very risky. They catch sight of something and even the best trained sighthound goes deaf. See that bag blowing on the other side of the road? GONE is the whippet/greyhound with no thought to the road or your panicked shouts calling him back.

It does seem unfair, but trust me - it is in their best interests. Now, if you know of a safe and enclosed place that you can take them to run free then by all means - of course use it:)

Wendy