Let your greyhound get used to the house, “his new kennel”, before you introduce him to other pets in the household. It is a rare greyhound that does not get along with other pets, but be careful at first! The introduction and the first few days of habitation are critical-not only for your new greyhound’s well being, but also for all your other pets.
Other
Dogs
Your greyhound should get along well with other dogs as he has had lots
of “socialization” experience in the kennel. Watch all the
introductions carefully. As the “old dog” may be jealous of
the newcomer. They will need to establish who is the top dog. This will
take some time, but with caution and patience, it will work.
Cats
All of nature is telling your greyhound that the cat would be fun to chase
and catch. All you have to do is tell him that both of these ideas are
bad. Show your greyhound that the cat is a loved member of the family,
a pretty good character, and off limits! They will be quick to respond
to all kinds of encouragement.
A final note about cats and greyhounds. Most greyhounds, once they have accepted the cat, get along quite well in time. A greyhound that accepts a cat indoors may not apply the same rules of behavior outdoors. Do not allow the cat and greyhound outside at the same time. Greyhounds are sighthounds. Outside, that may take over, and they will give chase to the cat. Most cats can outrun dogs, but greyhounds being the fastest dogs, are fast enough to catch them. The cat may not know the dog is after it until it is too late. And always keep in mind that though your greyhound may totally accept your cat, acceptance may not apply to your neighbor’s cats.
Introduction of a greyhound to a caged bird follows the basic procedures detailed above. A severe jerk on the collar accompanied by a low bellowed “NO!” will do wonders. A flying bird will be a big temptation though. Have your greyhound muzzled and next to you if your bird is flying around
If you own horses, remember that greyhounds have absolutely no sense when it comes to behavior around horses. They may not understand how a horse moves. Around horses, the greyhound could be seriously injured by a kick.
Your Greyhound and Making Friends With Children
Children and dogs are a natural combination. And they
will become the best of buddies when they both learn how to play and interact
with each other. Greyhounds are a very tolerant, non-aggressive breed
and will allow children to handle them extensively. However, just because
they are one of the most easy – going dog breeds, they are also
vital, adult animals with all the accompanying instincts and needs. So
please follow these guidelines.
No dog should be disturbed when sleeping. If you are going to interrupt his sleep, call his name before startling him. A greyhound needs a place of his own to rest undisturbed.
Small children often want to express their affection for the pet greyhound by hugging or clinging to the dog. Though greyhounds will endure all sorts of treatment initially, in silence, their limits will be reached and they may growl, bark, or even snap. Greyhounds never intend to do harm, but if the child’s body is in the path of their snap, harm could unintentionally occur. They will also start avoiding your children and will cringe when they approach. You do not want this to happen. So teach your children the correct way to handle a dog by gently stroking the neck and shoulders or brushing, instead. Also, enforce that tails are private things, not play things.
Teach Your Dog
How To Act
It is important to reinforce the idea with your dog that children are
not littermates to the dog. Even though a child may be eye level, your
dog must understand that it is still a person and must respond appropriately,
not as if the child was another dog.
If you let the greyhound share your child’s bed it encourages the dog to think of the child as a brother or sister and respond accordingly. If one dog rolls on or kicks another as they sleep, the dog naturally responds with a growl or a disciplinary nip. The greyhound will do this to the child; not inflicting or intending harm, but it could scare the child.
Playing Outdoors
Outdoor games with your greyhound should be closely supervised, especially
initially and until both child and dog are fully introduced. No dog, and
especially no greyhound, can be expected not to chase after an excited,
squealing child. And sometimes the greyhound’s idea of fun is to
play “imaginary hunter” using the child as a lure. Most kids
would hardly classify being run down by a large dog as fun. Instead, encourage
your child to join you as you stand in place and happily encourage your
dog to come to you, with each person taking a turn. This provides exercise
for the dog and reminds him that all people are in control – large
or small.
The main rule to keep in mind concerning children and dogs is easy – safety first. This applies to both the dog and the kids. Never leave young children and dogs alone together. Although protection of the children is your first concern, you must also protect your dog. Your greyhound could be seriously injured as a youngster decides to “play horsy” on his back or tries painting his nose.
There is a book, ’Childproofing Your Dog’ that I recommend all adopters with children to purchase and read prior to adopting a greyhound. It is the definitive book on children and dog interactions.
Your Greyhound and
Making Friends With You
Setting Limits
You’ll probably go out of your way to make your new pet comfortable
in his new home. Of course you want him to like his new environment and
love you in return. Spoiling is OK, up to a certain point. Have you ever
met a spoiled child? Bratty, bossy and totally unpleasant to be around.
You do not want your
greyhounds to turn out like that.
Animals, just like children, need limits set for them. Consistency and clarity about what is acceptable behavior and what is not acceptable, and knowing that you are in charge, are key to a good transition for greyhound.
Throughout the dog’s life, he has relied on someone to set boundaries for him. First his mother laid down the law, and the puppy quickly learned that as long as he followed the rules, life was great.
The leadership role was transferred to humans as your greyhound left his litter and began his training. Although he was exposed to lots of new experiences and places, there was one constant factor he could rely on – there was always a human to tell him what was good and what was not. Every dog needs this reassurance.
Be
the Leader
A dog without a strong leader (alpha dog) quickly becomes a bratty, overbearing
animal that no one wants to live with, and therefore the dog suffers without
the one thing he needs most, acceptance and a place in the pack. You are
that leader, so act like one. Be firm and fair, and you’ll have
a dog you can take anywhere and be proud of.
Discipline
Greyhounds are very smart and react well with positive reinforcement.
This means praise and hugs when they do what is expected of them. They
will know you are happy, and they will continue to try to make you happy.
When you need to discipline, and it must be done while the ‘bad’ incident is occurring (like peeing in the house, chewing on something they shouldn’t, barking, etc.), use your voice, not your hand. Lower your voice to a growl, get his attention (I grab his muzzle and make him look me in the eye) and tell him “No” or “Bad”, and then leave him alone for a bit. He will be so chastised; he may never do it again. If he does, you escalate the level of your voice, and even more forceful that you mean it. It really is like dealing with kids, some of them will ignore you until they really think you mean it.
Occasionally new greyhound pet owners fear reprimanding their pet because they think the dog will not like them. Unfortunately, these are the adoptions that have problems several months later. After 2 to 4 weeks of no reprimands, he might not react well to you suddenly trying to get him to pay attention to what you want.
Plan to keep a balance from the beginning, being fair and consistent. These dogs do not want to be bad; they really want to please you. So get into their heads, understand why they are doing what they are doing, and do not cater to every whim, every time. In the long run, it is better for you and your pet. Remember that you have a new family member, not a houseguest!