Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Flip

Original poster

Greyhounds, do you need to keep them in pairs?

21 replies

Wishiwasrunning2 · 12/01/2017 14:02

I've been following a few greyhound rescues as we are considering rescuing one.

They are often paired up in rescue to go to homes together or state that they need another dog in the house.

Is it best to keep them in pairs or is a singleton happy enough as long as adequately stimulated, exercised, and lots of company?

Any greyhound experts?

OP posts:

OlympicBonfire · 12/01/2017 14:05

I'm on my second greyhound and both have been singletons. They do like other greys but you can normally find greyhound groups who do regular walks so that they can get to meet up with their own kind.

Both mine have been happy as singletons

Original poster

Wishiwasrunning2 · 12/01/2017 14:18

Can I ask if you would recommend any rescue centres? I know there are a fair few which specialise in greyhounds. I'm in Berkshire.

OP posts:

Scuttlebutter · 12/01/2017 14:58

I know people who do happily manage with singleton greyhounds, but our experience is that they are just SO much happier when there is another pointy around. It's worth remembering that until they are adopted, they have literally lived their entire previous lives with other greys. Many may have gone their entire life without seeing other breeds of dog.

As others have said, if you do stick with one, take advantage of the very well supported greyhound social scene. There are a huge number of greyhound walks, picnics, playdates, events etc - single greyhounds love these as it gives them some social time with other greys and it allows you to make friends, and then for your greys to have sleepovers/playdates with their friends.

Scuttlebutter · 12/01/2017 15:04

Just to add, a good rescue will advise you on which dogs will live happily alone.

For Berkshire, you could consider the Forever Hounds Trust which covers most of southern UK, Birmingham Greyhound Protection (which also has a wide reach despite its name), Celia Cross isn't too far away and they are superb. If you look on the RGT website, it lists the regional branches - depending on where you are you might find it easier to either go to Swindon branch or to some of the ones round London (herts/essex etc)

luckylambchop · 12/01/2017 15:23

We only have one and he seems perfectly happy! The way I see it, life as an only dog in a nice warm house is way better than the damp, cold kennels we got him from. We have neither the desire nor the money for a 2nd dog. :)

Original poster

Wishiwasrunning2 · 12/01/2017 16:10

Thanks we will contact those rescues and see what they have. They look like they make the most amazing pets but we would only have space for one. Although I have seen they fold quite small (when sleeping)

Maybe we can find one that is happy to live as an only dog, I can imagine our sofa will be more pleasant than a cold kennel.

Do they vary in exercise requirements? I've read that they only need 2x 20 min blasts a day, but I love running and would love some company on runs up to 4 miles-ish? Would it be possible to build them up to that?

OP posts:

Original poster

Wishiwasrunning2 · 12/01/2017 16:11

...and Greyhound Sleepovers sound like a lot of fun!!

OP posts:

luckylambchop · 12/01/2017 16:37

Mine will walk for miles, most mornings we do about 5 miles. Mind you he is a fair weather dog. Right now he won't even walk half way up the garden for a wee...

LaGattaNera · 12/01/2017 18:33

I am in Berkshire and got mine from Hersham Hounds initially got one girl then a year later got a boy and feel a pair was better for me and for them. However, if due to room/cost etc then better to have one than none as they all need a loving home. Hersham Hounds will let you try them for the weekend before adopting the dog and you can try a second one if the first doesn't work - they are super, really helpful and flexible and work hard to ensure a great match.

LaGattaNera · 12/01/2017 18:36

oh and re the running, I am a runner and never took mine after an initial try they are sprinters and like short bursts - found that they ran way faster than me but obviously could not cover the distance and what with the pees and poos they need on the way it doesn't work. Further if they see a cat or squirrel or rabbit they could dart for it and pull you with them and if you are not off-road this could be into a road for example I think it is too risky and I always felt that their walks were their walks.

Original poster

Wishiwasrunning2 · 12/01/2017 20:28

Thanks for the info, I suspected that might be the case with the running, but no matter as it's not a deal breaker.

Will try Hersham Hounds, a trial would be good as we haven't had a dog for years and need to check the kids would be happy and that there's no allergies etc.

OP posts:

Scuttlebutter · 12/01/2017 23:32

They can do running, but you need to build up slowly and gently. DH used to do running with one of ours until he got old and our new hound is 5 - DH is going to start doing more runs with him to build up to around 5K (what he used to do with our old boy) with a view to maybe doing some canicross at a later date for fun. Would def recommend one of those waist leads if you are going to do this, and it also helps that we've done a lot of work with new hound on his lead walking so he already adores running with DH very happily side by side when they are at the park together (it's lovely to see actually). :)

CMOTDibbler · 13/01/2017 08:05

I have lurchers (one more greyhoundy, one is more whippety - though chunky as he is prob x doberman) and they adore running with me. I will run up to 14km with them - its not that they won't do more, just that I get fed up of poo bags. wee stops on really long runs.
I can't get on with a waist lead, and def don't want to encourage pulling (unlike the canicross people), but it is the only time I use harnesses due to rapid stops and people going the wrong way round bollards (hard stare at ddog1).

Lurchers often have more endurance than greyhounds, and usually have been more used to living alone. Though they still love pointy company socially.

Chester would love to go running with you for instance!

Original poster

Wishiwasrunning2 · 21/01/2017 20:54

Met a lovely rescue Greyhound today, he was the most placid, happy boy ever. Hopefully visit him again tomorrow.

Now I've met one in the flesh I see the attraction

He's fine to be an only dog too.

Gorgeous!

OP posts:

CMOTDibbler · 22/01/2017 07:35

Hurrah! When might you be able to bring him home?

Original poster

Wishiwasrunning2 · 22/01/2017 08:54

He's coming for a visit today so see how he gets on with us then he can sleepover or we can pick him up properly tomorrow!!

OP posts:

Scuttlebutter · 22/01/2017 10:25

Fantastic news! Hope it all goes well.

CMOTDibbler · 22/01/2017 11:25

Fingers crossed!

Original poster

Wishiwasrunning2 · 22/01/2017 13:02

He's here, our youngest isn't too impressed by him though!! She's a bit nervous of his size.

He's being very good, not bouncy at all. Settled on his bed now.

OP posts:

ThatsWotSheSaid · 23/01/2017 22:23

How's it all going?
I'm planning on getting a rescue greyhound in the next couple of weeks. Any tips?

Original poster

Wishiwasrunning2 · 24/01/2017 07:50

He's great but our youngest is not adjusting, and he's very strong in the lead. I didn't realise how strong they would be!

OP posts:

Flip

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

Join Mumsnet Log In

This thread is closed and is no longer accepting replies. Click here to start a new thread.

Swipe left for the next trending thread