First Coast Pet

For many long-time dog owners, the greyhound breed packs an irresistible package for a pet: loving and sympathetic at one point, then a lazy couch potato in the next minute. Many greys are quite happy with the occasional game of fetch or chase, which comes as a welcome tip considering that in their early years they were used to blinding speeds on the run. In tune with greyhound dog training, new grey owners need to know that their dog may just need to be muzzled off-lead or on lead, and some cannot be allowed to be off-lead due to the high likelihood of bolting. Owners will also want to look into whether the dog has raced, been trained to race, has a high prey drive (not so good), etc. Sometimes some dogs are declared as “cat trained,” indicating that these have low-prey chase instincts and do not need a muzzle. A lot of owners have been able to train their dogs to recall via food bribes. These plans usually start with allowing the dog to have games and freedom of movement in enclosed areas such as basketball courts or tennis courts. Some six months later, dogs can go off-lead but under controlled conditions, which means making sure to have no access to main roads, choosing quiet country paths with no animal distraction, and so on. Be wary also of any notions of the dog as fully managed in the hands of a young child; in fact, these dogs have surprising bursts of strength. All it takes is the distraction of an attractive looking furry in order to send the dog to some rather irresistible pulling. A slightly built child is therefore not the best walker for a grey. Ultimately in greyhound dog training, greys cannot be classified that easily; each dog that catches your attention will need to be examined more closely. If you want your dog to come from a rescue, be clear and honest with your ideas. For example, be clear that you are capable of training the dog to be offlead sans a muzzle. A rescue with quality service and concern for the welfare of its wards will likewise be honest. With such a source of your future pet, be ready to wait for a while for the right dog.

Comments are closed.