If you are seriously considering expanding your family with a new pet, you might want to look into adopting an older Greyhound instead of getting a puppy. Because of the recent closure of the Plainfield Greyhound Track, a large number of dogs are now without a place to call home. Many were given to families that would adopt them privately, while many others were given to shelters and organizations that rescue animals.
Adoptive families take in an increasing number of retired racing Greyhounds every year. This trend is expected to continue in the foreseeable future. As there were only a few thousand Greyhounds adopted in the early 1990s, thanks to the efforts of adoption and rescue groups people have since learned more about the possibility of bringing retired Greyhounds into their homes. Over the course of the previous year, tens of thousands of retired dogs were successfully adopted into loving homes.
Between the ages of two and six is the typical time period in which retired racers are made available for adoption. Their careers as racehorses come to an end once they are no longer profitable for their owners. Even the most talented racers are required to hang up their spikes by the age of six, whether because they have lost too much speed or because they have sustained an injury. The average life expectancy of a Greyhound is between 12 and 14 years.
Because of their calm demeanor, lack of barking, and sociable nature, greyhounds are not suitable for use as guard dogs. They are easy to train because they have wonderful manners and respond well to reinforcement that is positive.
These medium-large dogs, weighing between 65 and 75 pounds, have no trouble adjusting to life inside the home. They form close relationships with their families and adore hugs and pats. They are intelligent pets that love to have fun and are easy to train. Due to the short length of their coat, grooming is minimal to nonexistent. In addition to this, they tend to get along well with other canines.
The majority of dogs that are put into retirement have been trained to stroll quietly by their owners’ sides. In spite of the fact that they have never been inside a house before, retired dogs typically learn house manners in a matter of a couple of weeks due to the structure of their lives at the track.
Even though they were prepared for crates and walking nicely thanks to their track life, they were never exposed to windows, stairs, patio doors, or floors that were slick. If you adopt your dog directly from a track adoption center or rescue kennel, you might be responsible for helping them overcome the challenges described here.
You can probably imagine that they are very active dogs who require anywhere from three to five sessions of exercise each week. These can include things like a fenced-in area for running, a dog run, or even just a long, brisk walk.
Because they are so fast and have such a strong desire to run after things, greyhounds should never be let off their leashes unless they are in a fenced-in area. In addition to this, these canines are sighthounds, which means that if they see something that catches their attention, they are likely to chase after it at a speed of thirty-five miles per hour.
They have a strong desire to run when they are outside, but when they are inside, they prefer to relax on the couch. Pups Without Partners, a Greyhound rescue group based in Bridgeport, refers to the breed as “45-mph couch potatoes” because of their ability to switch gears from active outdoor play to calmer, more sedate activities indoors.
Since their streamlined physique, which was designed for speed, does not permit any excess body fat, they need to wear a sweater and sleep in warm bedding during the winter. Because they have such low levels of body fat, they are at increased risk when exposed to pesticides, herbicides, and even some forms of anesthesia. Before subjecting your dog to any of these potential hazards, you should first seek the advice of your veterinarian.
Their intense instinct to chase can be dangerous for the smaller animals they encounter. It is important to get the Greyhound used to being around other animals, especially if you have rabbits, cats, or small dogs. It is best to use a racing muzzle when introducing an adopted greyhound to other animals, such as cats and dogs. Until you are one hundred percent certain that the Greyhound will not be unreliable when left alone with the other animals, you should not leave it alone with the other pets.
The vast majority of Greyhounds get along great with well-mannered children. If your children are young and rowdy, you should get a docile dog and steer clear of dogs that are timid or sensitive to noise. Rescue organizations and adoption agencies specialize in matching up dogs with families who will provide the best home for them. Put your faith in their discretion. Before making a choice, it is a good idea to get acquainted with a number of different canines. If you and your family find that a Greyhound is a good fit, you will have a friend for the rest of your life.
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