GREYHOUND CARE

So now you're the proud owner of a greyhound !!!

Greyhounds do make the most wonderful pets, but it is important to bear one or two things in mind. During their racing life they only see other greyhounds and therefore when they come out into the big wide world they are fascinated by the different shapes a dog can be and alas, sometimes think that a little dog is something they have been trained to chase! It is therefore imperative that they be kept on the lead for at least a month or two, until they are used to seeing small dogs and cats about.

Breeders are very careful not to breed from any animal with a belligerent nature and any dog that shows such a tendency is banned from racing. However they are trained to chase a small moving object - especially if it runs away. This is why it is most important to keep the dog on a lead at first. This is no hardship for the dog as they are used to being exercised on a lead and can run loose in your own garden.

You can do anything with a greyhound with love and guidance. They are like a highly bred race horse - if you bully them they go to pieces but with love they will do anything you want of them. In racing kennels they are taken by collar from kennel to paddock etc - in other words they are not trained to come to command but it is amazing how quickly they learn.

Do not try to cram too much into their minds at once - give them time to learn new ways and very soon you will have a relaxed and very affectionate dog. For a greyhound going into a home is rather like you or I landing on the moon! A completely different way of life! However greyhounds are very adaptable and as most of them come off the track at 3 years old, they are young enough to quickly take up their new life.

Most areas have Dog Training Classes and this is a very good idea - not only will he be trained to obey, but he will see all sorts of other dogs and will get used to the different breeds. If you do go to Dog Training Classes do not expect your greyhound to 'Sit'. Very few greyhounds do this but will happily stand or lie like a Trafalgar Square Lion.

Do not leave your greyhound tied up outside shops! There are so many people looking for greyhounds for the wrong reason when the dog has been found unfit for legitimate racing. They are even sold for vivisection! Greyhounds are valued subjects for this, having perfect bone structure and used to being handled.

Greyhounds make ideal pets for the older person - they are very quiet in the home and do not bark or rush around. The discipline of kennel life stands them in very good stead and their own bed in a draught-free corner is the most important item. Having had their walk they will take to their bed and sleep! In fact, they are really lazy dogs, and do not need miles and miles of exercise. They are sprinting dogs and two or three twenty minute walks per day will keep them very happy. Once you have passed the first weeks' teething troubles you will have a most wonderful pet who spends his life trying to please you.

You can find all the supplies and food that are suitable for your new pet by looking at www.petspantry-cranleigh.co.uk - the Pets Pantry website.