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Greyhound rehoming

51 replies

xxxJess123xxx · 15/04/2020 14:48

Hi all, I work with greyhounds and I would love to rehome one.
Shes a small, quiet bitch.
I do live in a flat though and have a 1 year old and 4 year old.
Would you consider it? Someone will be home everyday apart from one day when my mum can bring her down for a wee (first floor flat)
Also as a side note, iv never owed a dog before but have worked with greyhounds for a number of years.

OP posts:
frostedviolets · 15/04/2020 14:53

I personally would not rehome a dog with young children.

I think a lot of dogs find young children stressful and I think that rescues don’t always assess dogs as thoroughly as they should and signs of discomfort are often missed by people, rescue workers/volunteers and owners alike.

uneasymongoose · 15/04/2020 14:59

This shouldn't be a problem, if you're aware of dog body language and can offer a 'safe haven' area for the dog where the children will not have access then I would go for it. You have to be the advocate for your dog, and make sure the children are used to respecting boundaries regarding the dog from day 1.

xxxJess123xxx · 15/04/2020 16:20

Dog would have the run of the kitchen behind a baby gate to get away from the kiddos and then when I am in the room she can join us in the front room. X

OP posts:
uneasymongoose · 16/04/2020 19:36

You could always give it a trial for 3 weeks or so, let the dog get used to family life and settle in a bit. It sounds like your set up could work well, good luck!

Nannewnannew · 16/04/2020 21:08

I think greyhounds are one of the best breeds to have with children but as a pp has said you need to be aware of dog body language. The dog also needs to have her own space where she can get away from the children. Toddlers can sometimes fall or step on dogs accidentally.
Good luck if you go ahead.

xxxJess123xxx · 16/04/2020 22:53

It wouldn't be for a little while yet as she needs to be spayed and only emergencies atm.
Having worked with dogs for a number of years, I think I'm ok with dog body language but any tips I'm happy to take on board x

OP posts:
BeeBella · 18/04/2020 12:28

Go for it OP, you sound experienced and greyhounds just slot into family life if they've got a bed and a sofa!

xxxJess123xxx · 18/04/2020 14:32

Does anyone have a dog/greyhound in a flat? Its first floor. How do u find it in terms of taking them out multiple times a day for toilet breaks xx

OP posts:
sunshineandshowers21 · 18/04/2020 14:40

we’ve always had greyhounds/whippets in our family and i’d never have any other dog. they are amazing dogs and family pets. very laid back and very lazy! i have 2 and they basically just laze around for the majority of the day and they’re amazing with my kids. i don’t live in a flat but i let mine out in the garden every 2-3 hours for a wee and then a big walk where they can have a run twice a day.

xxxJess123xxx · 18/04/2020 15:57

The trainer I work for would be happy to take her back if it didnt work out so that's reassuring.
It's big jump though isnt it taking the leap and having her! X

OP posts:
frostedviolets · 18/04/2020 15:58

Trainer?
Is she a racer then?
Poor little pet

xxxJess123xxx · 18/04/2020 16:16

Please dont turn this into an anti racing post!

OP posts:
Bamaluz · 18/04/2020 17:55

How would you take her out for a wee when the children are in bed?

xxxJess123xxx · 18/04/2020 18:17

I have a partner x

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 18/04/2020 18:19

An ex racer who won’t be clean in the house. Stuck in a flat with two kids?
I wouldn’t.

xxxJess123xxx · 18/04/2020 18:36

Yes I'm worried about how to toilet train but she loves grub and I'm thinking she may get the hang real quick with the help of treats but I'm looking for realistic views too

OP posts:
RemotelessControl · 18/04/2020 18:54

I've rehomed an ex racer. Clean from day one. No idea how having never lived in kennels.

Easiest dog I've ever owned.

RemotelessControl · 18/04/2020 18:54

Having never lived in a house Confused

Shambolical1 · 18/04/2020 19:01

You'd have to consider that if she's lived in kennels and/or at a track all her life, she won't know anything about living in a home. She won't know what a TV is, a washing machine...She may never have used a flight of stairs. If you have wooden floors, she might slip on them, become frightened and/or refuse to walk on them.

She may not have seen any other breeds of dog before and will need to be socialised with them; she may chase - or want to chase - other furry/feathery pets you might come across. Do other residents of your building have cats?

That's a lot to learn and to deal with, plus your children. How are they with dogs? Do you have anywhere you can dedicate as a 'safe space' for the dog, where she can rest and relax and get away, if needs be, from the hustle and bustle?

Toilet training with treats isn't something I've come across. You can't really go rushing over to her in mid-whatever and feed her treats; I'd read up on house training for puppies and, if you do adopt her, use those methods.

If you are working with her every day, can you introduce her to at least some of these things while she's still at kennels? Is there an office she could 'visit', or a laundry room? Can your children meet her before you take her home?

Flat living with a larger dog can be done (I do it) but it certainly isn't the easiest thing to do and you need to think and plan very carefully, being realistic about the time and space you have available for her.

ImPeckish · 18/04/2020 20:14

I fostered a greyhound, she was straight to us from racing, she was clean in the house from day one.

She was incredible with children, so gentle and calm. Easiest, best dog in the world.

I still regret not keeping her.

xxxJess123xxx · 18/04/2020 20:54

Sham, I have worked with greyhounds for over 8 years. I understand she has never seen anything in a house before including stairs etc.
The treat comment was bringing her down for a wee, lots of praise and a treat when she does her business.
The large kitchen has a baby gate across it and she can escape the kiddos that way.
I am maybe not putting myself across very well, but eventhough I have never been a dog owner, I have vast experience with the breed for nearly a decade.
My questions were purely on the practical aspects of having a greyhound in a flat with 2 children x

OP posts:
Shambolical1 · 18/04/2020 21:06

You asked for realistic...

You might find the dog you see every day at work is a totally different animal when you get her home, and you say you've never owned a dog before. I wasn't being patronising, just pointing out things you might come up against.

She might come straight out of the kennel and be roaching contentedly on your sofa without a second thought within ten minutes.

But she might not.

Greyhounds are the best and I hope it works out, but living with one is very different from closing the kennel door and going home of an evening.

ImPeckish · 18/04/2020 21:38

Shambolical1 I think the OP absolutely realises that, and that's why they're posting here asking for advice.

ImPeckish · 18/04/2020 21:44

Toilet training with treats isn't something I've come across

I've house trained dozens of dogs and the treat method works brilliantly. Dog pees/poos outside - gets a treat and verbal 'good dog!'. Only takes a few days.

With being in a flat, OP, I'd be taking the greyhound out every half hour and giving the treat when she toilets. :) And have a routine for the 'last wee' before bed too, say 11pm, and get up at 6am to take her out again for a morning wee/poo. She will soon get it!

Wolfiefan · 18/04/2020 21:50

Toilet train gin shouldn’t be done with treats but rather praise. Otherwise they pee a tiny bit. Then a bit more two minutes later. Then....
Well they do if they’re smart.
OP a baby gate won’t allow her escape. Not from the noise. And I’m guessing the kitchen isn’t huge and has a hard floor? Not ideal.