|
|
Post by sarahbb on Jul 30, 2013 13:10:49 GMT -5
I am looking at adopting my first retired greyhound in the near future. I have grown up with dogs and have not taken this decision lightly- I have waited over 5 years for the 'right time.' I do have a few queries about rehoming that I hoped greyhound owners may be able to advise on.
The first is that I live in a one bed ground floor flat. We have a small patio garden which is fully enclosed with high stone walls. Can greyhounds get on ok in a fairly small space? I am thinking to buy a dog gate to separate the lounge and kitchen and when out leave the dog in the kitchen area (about 2m x 2m) with a comfy bed and food/water. I am hoping that the dog will find this space quite safe but also somewhere where they can still see out.
My other issue is that me and my OH both work full time. I do get an hour for lunch each day and it is literally 5 mins from the flat so I often go home anyway. So each day the dog would be alone from 08.30-12.00 and 13.00-16.30. I would take the dog out for a good walk in the early morning, a short one at lunch and a long one after work- we live right next to the south downs and seafront so can walk as far (or as little!) as the dog wanted!! I already go out walking, cycling or running every evening anyway so it would not be much change for me.
I already know the dog training class that I would take the greyhound to to help with socialisation etc. How soon would you recommend to start going there?
I would take the first week off work to help acclimatise the dog to being left alone.
What do you think? Does anyone have experience of leaving a dog whilst at work and/or living in a modest sized home?? I have waited most of my adult life to own a retired greyhound and for me the number one priority is that the dog is happy and has all its needs met. I know I can give the dog all the love, exercise, training and leadership it needs, it is just whether a small home is ok for a greyhound, and whether people find that greyhounds struggle with separation anxiety after living in kennels for so long.
I know all dogs are different and it is IMPOSSIBLE to predict 100% how a dog would manage but it would be good to hear others opinions/experinces.
|
|
|
|
Post by Lisa on Jul 30, 2013 13:29:50 GMT -5
Sounds perfectly acceptable to me. X
Sent from my GT-I9300 using proboards
|
|
|
|
Post by kamkay on Jul 30, 2013 15:57:47 GMT -5
All I can say is that when Sue did my home check I was having a wobble about whether my house was big enough for a greyhound: she told me she took 4 ( now 6) in a caravan-so no problem then. They do fold up very neatly. I waited 30 years for my hound and haven't regretted for one second being adopted by him.
|
|
|
|
Post by andywillow on Jul 30, 2013 16:02:29 GMT -5
Sarah you have obviously given this a lot of thought and waited a long time to adopt. I am sure there is a greyhound to suit your lifestyle. Oh and if you are worried about small spaces, we take 6 in the caravan with us and they are all totally happy with the arrangements  Good luck and hope you get a hound very soon. Sue x |
|
|
|
Post by andywillow on Jul 30, 2013 16:09:39 GMT -5
Oops hadn't seen your post Kay before I posted! Actually we took 7 with us in the caravan last time as we had foster Pearl with us! It was very warm and cosy at night |
|
|
|
Post by jodav on Jul 31, 2013 9:03:05 GMT -5
'If you can still see the floor, you haven't got enough greyhounds'  I think the saying goes? Good luck Sarah, sounds like a hound is going to be very happy in your home. Jo x |
|
|
|
Post by sarahbb on Jul 31, 2013 12:12:03 GMT -5
Wow! Thank you for your replies, you have certainly put my mind at rest Should we consider fostering first do you think? or do people need to be more experienced to foster usually? |
|
|
|
Post by brooke1 on Jul 31, 2013 13:48:38 GMT -5
Just wanted to say welcome to the forum and I'm sure you will soon find the right dog for you - or it will find you!
|
|
|
|
Post by ragsysmum on Aug 1, 2013 4:38:57 GMT -5
Plenty of greys will be very happy with that situation. It's just a matter of finding the right one. Maybe something slightly older and less demanding than a real youngster would suit you fine.
|
|
|
|
Post by julies on Aug 1, 2013 6:26:31 GMT -5
Welcome to greyhounds They are amazing and addictive .. Just a few things (am at work so will have to be quick LOL) Ex-racers are used to being kennelled in pairs so some will never be ok on their own (my last grey girl), some are fine with training and some will be fine from the start They are sprinters not stayers Mine get 30mins round the block before I go to work, an hour in the woods most days and 10 mins before bed time in the garden, I built up to the longer walks and they enjoy it but personally I don't think they are good candidates for being exercised off a bike or when running ... in case you'd considered it ...some will be ok but they are built for short bursts of speed not sustained trotting .... They are very intolerant of heat and cold so need coats in winter or late/early exercise to avoid the heat They are intelligent but need careful, sympathetic introduction to other breeds and life in general as they've rarely seen other dogs, houses etc etc etc but adapt fantastically as long as you let them go at their own pace In training class I let the newbies do only what they can, encourage them with high value treats and don't pressure them .. then suddenly they 'get it' and really enjoy training Classes/trainers who don't have experience with greys often think them stupid or stubborn but that's their fault for over loading the hounds  You'll never have another dog they are just so fantastic Julie x |
|
