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Greyhounds
and Other Pets -
Greyhounds
are a sociable breed. They try hard to get along
well with other dogs, but that does not mean that
they never get into conflicts over turf, status,
food and possessions. Whenever two strange dogs
are first introduced and asked to share what was
once the property of only one of them there will
inevitably be some adjustments. With your help chances
are very good that they will come to like each other
and enjoy each other's company. You must remember
that newly retired racing greyhounds have never
had the freedom and responsibilities that pet dogs
learn to handle when they are puppies. Sometimes
the adopted greyhound will tend to act like a puppy
for a while. These dogs may look like adults, but
they are slow maturing sight hounds. The adopters
get the pleasure of introducing the greyhound to
all the experiences a puppy must learn, such as
going up and down stairs, how to handle slick floors,
how to play, etc. The greyhound will adjust to the
confusion of home life, and become a mature, responsible
adult dog.
Greyhounds have no inherent dislike for cats, but
they do have an inherent urge to hunt small animals.
That instinct for pursuit is what makes greyhounds
so able as racers. Introducing your new greyhound
to your cat out in the open is an invitation to
disaster. The cat's natural reaction is to run away
from the strange dog, and the greyhound's natural
reaction is to chase the cat at a speed the cat
cannot begin to achieve. The introduction should
be made indoors where you can control matters, and
each should be aware of the other's presence before
they are brought together. The cat must know the
dog is present so it does not panic. The greyhound
must know the cat is present so he will be aware
it is a member of the family. You might consider
having the cat on your lap to reinforce this family
identification. Greyhounds have a good sense of
family and you may consider a muzzle from GPA for
your greyhound to eliminate any risk during the
introduction.
When a new greyhound is adopted, any introduction
or training should be taken slowly and carefully.
Do not rush training. A firm "NO" is usually
all that is required to stop undesirable behavior.
Feeding Your
Greyhound - Retired greyhounds are used
to eating a racing diet of ground beef mixed with
high protein dry kibble and occasionally vegetables.
We recommend feeding your greyhound a quality meat-based
dry kibble, perhaps with a little water or canned
food added at first. The percentage of protein should
be no higher than 25%, and the fat content should
be 10-15%. Avoid dog foods with soy or beet pulp
in the list of ingredients.
Avoid exercising your greyhound one hour before
and one hour after it eats. Of course, greyhounds
should have plenty of fresh water available to them
at all times.
For teeth and gum care, provide "knuckle"
bones and milk bone biscuits, and/or "cow hooves".
Do not give them chicken, turkey, pork or lamb bones.
Remove bones when they get TOO small.
