Choosing a greyhound

[SJ]

Thank you all for your comments, it's definitely given me a lot to think about! We've been visiting her lots and I must admit I'm a bit taken with her now and she's been in there nearly a year so I just want to give her a lovely home! But mustn't let that cloud my judgement. I'm going to consider a quieter, more disinterested greyhound as well and hopefully we'll be able to decide. The trouble is of the three I've rehomed, their personalities really didn't show until they'd settled in so quite difficult to tell. I've being observing her around my son and we've had her off the lead in a pen with him and other than stick her nose in his face she's been fine, she didn't even attempt to grab his cuddly toy. All good signs I think!

[SJ]

Thought I'd give an update; we took the plunge and took home the livelier one who seemed to like my son more even though she was strong on the lead and a bit keen! We've had her home a week and she has been amazing. She has settled brilliantly, no accidents, sleeping through the night, good with other dogs, not bad with cats, hasn't picked up any of my sons toys (they are everywhere!) and is so gentle around my son. She's learning to walk next to the buggy and is pulling a lot less than she did at the kennels. 

We haven't got a crate but we've got an area with her bed and a baby gate on it so I can shut it if I need to leave the room. My son know he must be gentle but because she's so calm he doesn't really bother her. It's only one week on so fingers crossed things continue as they are, but she is already part of the family and we couldn't be without her. 

Thanks for for all your advice. 

[julies]

I'd totally agree with Lisa, Perry Barr RGT don't rehome to new people with young children.

The thing to remember is that greyhounds have rarely had much if anything to do with children - children move and sound very differently to adults and their voices can be high pitched - and sound like a little animal so you need to be very very careful and aware.

Your grey will definitely need a place to call her own and where she must not be disturbed - she's not a toy and most children don't understand that they mustn't grab and hug dogs The other thing to remember is that if she is to go away from everyone to escape that can appear to be a punishment to a dog

[fortis]

SJ, I'm so glad things are going well. Your new greyhound sounds lovely. I wish you and your family great joy with her. :-)

[ragsysmum]

Sounds like a great start and I hope things continue to go really well for you all. Do stay vigilant though as she may alter a bit as she becomes more settled and comes out of her shell more.