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Greyhounds go with….?
Hi Everyone!
There are some breeds that have not crossed my path to work with. Soon, Greyhounds will be checked off the list, though! I am excited to be working with Greyhounds this week!
Admittedly, I believe I may be over-thinking their needs and enrichment.
Does anyone have any experience or recommendations for enrichment or training they found to be successful with Greyhounds that they would like to share?
Walks may be limited at this time so, looking for physical and mental stimulation in the yard or house.
Flirt pole? Snuffle mats? Scent games? Swimming?
Are they seemingly easy or eager learners? Independent thinker type learners?
Do you find them to be more toy or food motivated?
Of course the individual varies but…..
Looking forward to learning something about them!
Thank you!
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17 Replies
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Hi Jen,
Congrats on filling out yet another breed card in you paws-port! ????
Is this an off-the-track adult or ??
Culture shock can be very real for dogs moving from a track life to a home, so that may be the first consideration.
It’s been years since I had my hands on one, but I found him to be very amenable to clicker training once we found a treat he liked. Simple shaping games can be fun.
I’m not sure about the flirt pole… I’d be thinking about that prey drive; it would be genetically very powerful and they aren’t built for tight corners.
They love leashed walks and squirrel TV. ???? (Ensure the TV is safely bolted to the wall!)
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Hi!
Yes, two females, between 4-5 years old, retired racers, in the same home.
Walks are going to be on hold or at least very limited for a while-they are developing frustration/reactivity towards other dogs on walks.
I figured the flirt pole may tap into their genetics buuuuuut, I like how you point out they aren’t built for tight corners. I will have to see how big the yard is.
Was yours a retired racer as well?
I appreciate your input!
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Aw, poor pups. Yeah, off-the-track dogs have severe culture shock coming into urban life. You know all the things… DS/CC …and it’s good you are looking to enrich their brains. Remember the basics too – treat them like they are puppies who don’t know darn thing, cuz likely they only learned to keep their crates clean and to run. Most are pretty tolerant of body handling too, from what I understand, but some can be fearful of nail trims, etc.
If their yard is fenced, they can still go for sniffy walks in the backyard. Owners can even hide some treasure out there.
I’ve never met a greyhound who wasn’t off the track. At least the rescue organizations have had success at giving them a live release option. But the transition can be very difficult for some of the dogs. Keep us posted, and good luck! They are luck to have found you!!
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Can’t wait to hear how things go with these dogs, @jenz !
I’ve met some retired racers over the years. They seem to enjoy a few zooms around the yard, and then a comfy sofa for endless, lazy lounging. Treasure hunts in the yard will probably go over nicely too.
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<font color=”#0076a8″>@virginiad </font>
<font color=”#0076a8″></font>” endless, lazy lounging.” It is hard for me to picture a dog bred for speed and racing lounging but the owner seems to have a similar description!
I appreciate your input and will let you know how it goes!
Thanks!
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Agree! Their “off switch” is full couch-potato mode.
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What an extreme!
She describes them as ” love people”.
I have perceived this breed as a working, independent, non- affiliative- type. Learning a lot already!
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My ridgebacks were similar — needed some good, high-speed loops in my field and then couch potatoes the rest of the day.
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Another sighthound… genetics are cool. I know this is generally true about Whippets too… I think Basenji are a bit more active, aka: countersurfing! I have little experience with other sighthound breeds. Would love to hear from anyone who has worked with Borzoi, Wolfhound, or other lanky racers.
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Here’s my friend’s whippet. This is what Rockett does 99% of the day!
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Haha that’s an amazing photo. Fun fact: I got to “catch” Whippets at the end of a lure coursing race once… OMD are they ever intense when in hunt mode! I was terrified the muzzles were gonna fall off (they didn’t). Seeing them so peaceful like this is such a polar opposite. Love it.
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Yeah, apparently Rockett is scary-effective in the hunting department, i.e., when he’s not sleeping!
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This is great!
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You aren’t wrong.. they are not pocket/velcro dogs, but they do love the creature comforts (and extra blankies!)
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Soooooo, I just met with the 2 Greyhounds! They totally shattered my expectations of who Greyhounds were! Thankfully, you both provided some insight that was helpful to shift my perception going in.
These two were velcro, move over I am going to sit near or on you couch potatoes! One has the whole (soft and gentle) “here is my paw; do you feel me close? do you not see me? Here is my paw again in case” vying for attention behavior down.
The owners have had 15 fosters and owned Greyhounds over the years. They were fostering these two girls. They never had Greyhounds that were so “affectionate”; they decided to keep them!
I had the opportunity to observe, learn, teach and train.
We have a lot to unpack but mom and dad are excited to start the next chapter for them. I am too!
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Oh my goodness, they sound so lovely, I can hardly stand it! Have fun, @jenz !
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I had the opportunity to observe, learn, teach and train. – Jen Z.
THIS ⬆ is the best mindset, EVERY LESSON, EVERY DOG!
Love it. Thanks so much for sharing. I’m excited for you and these lucky pups!
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