ARmy Rumour SErvice

**jumpinjarhead** · 05-04-2012, 22:01

Originally Posted by Dicey

Monty,

What you say is generally what I've read. Good idea about trying to find a forum on rescued greyhounds so will do that. Been a donar to Dog's Trust, PDSA etc., for years so will contact them for some advice as well.

Many thanks.
Dicey.

Kudos for looking for a rescue dog.

**CivvyLurker** · 05-04-2012, 22:39

Originally Posted by Monty417

Dicey.

I would find a forum that specialises in them and ask there as well as here.

Here ya go

Greyhound Gap - Home

The people at GG will be able to answer all your queries.

For the past 20-odd years I have had rescued lurchers - down to one now plus a demon whippet. My present lurcher has very high prey drive but it's manageable with a bit of common sense and forethought. He can go off-lead and as reward for good behaviour I occasionally work him on rabbits. As much as I dislike cats they are definitely off his menu.

From what I understand from friends with ex-racers they are even more lazy than lurchers and will hog the sofa, fire and duvet. They are not generally as clever as lurchers but that can work to your advantage. And they are incorrigible counter-surfers so you'll soon be trained into keeping your kitchen spotlessly tidy - no chance of leaving anything out to defrost! Plus they are champion farters (my friends' dog can empty a room whilst chuffing in his sleep) which is just what you want when there's a hound stuffed under the duvet.

They generally adapt quickly to being in a home environment and are good to house-train. Some of them prefer not to go out in the rain and can defer a toilet-break for 12 hours or more if it means being able to keep their feet dry. The '20-minute walk' thing is a bit of a myth as they'll take as much exercise as you want to give them, and will trot along quite happily on-lead for miles. Just don't use an extendable lead on a neck collar because if he sees a cat before you do and takes off at 0-40mph in 4 seconds he can end up with serious neck damage.

And if you want to do some training with him I can highly recommend Jim Greenwood who is a superb hound-man.

JandJ Greenwood Dog Training

Hope that helps a bit. Sighthounds are really special dogs and once you are intiated into the ways of the hound, one is never enough.

**DavidBOC** · 05-04-2012, 23:26

Civvy-Lurker is quite right about extendable leads. I had that problem with my old ESS. She took off for a bouncing tennis ball, brought herself up short on the lead and ended up with something called IIRC "Horner's Syndrome" which involved drooping eyelid due to nerve damage in the neck. She eventually recovered from it but it took a while.

Never owned a greyhound but friends have had retired racers and they were lovely dogs, happy with walks on lead in a city. Only problem I heard mentioned was they hate the cold and really need a warm dog coat during the winter here in New England. Good luck.

(note: my state, Massachusetts, banned dog racing by referendum due to the abuse of racing dogs, inhumane deaths etc)

**Dicey** · 06-04-2012, 13:11

Going to pick the dog up tomorrow. We've had excellent advice and many good wishes from all the sites/contacts recommended on here - can't thank people enough...but thank you all anyway.

I've asked that the owner - who was originally going to have the dog put down - not be there tomorrow when we get the dog. If he is, I don't think I could keep my hands off him.

Thanks again.

Dicey.

**Monty417** · 06-04-2012, 13:22

Originally Posted by Dicey

Going to pick the dog up tomorrow. We've had excellent advice and many good wishes from all the sites/contacts recommended on here - can't thank people enough...but thank you all anyway.

I've asked that the owner - who was originally going to have the dog put down - not be there tomorrow when we get the dog. If he is, I don't think I could keep my hands off him.

Thanks again.

Dicey.

Get his address, we can all abuse him.

Best of luck mate, I know the new member of your family is going to love his new home.

**CivvyLurker** · 06-04-2012, 22:21

Hope it goes well tomorrow, Dicey. Looking forward to some pics of your new lad when you get chance

**Markintime** · 07-04-2012, 08:52

Originally Posted by Dicey

Going to pick the dog up tomorrow. We've had excellent advice and many good wishes from all the sites/contacts recommended on here - can't thank people enough...but thank you all anyway.

I've asked that the owner - who was originally going to have the dog put down - not be there tomorrow when we get the dog. If he is, I don't think I could keep my hands off him.

Thanks again.

Dicey.

Best of luck with him mate and congratulations on becoming a Grandfather too!

**Dicey** · 07-04-2012, 11:20

Many, many thanks to all. We're just setting off to pick him up - got water, leads, treats etc,.

Will get some piccies on as soon as possible.

Again, heartfelt thanks from Mrs Dicey and me.