Frequently Asked Questions

 

• Do Greyhounds  need a lot of exercise?

Greyhounds usually do well with a brisk 10 minute walk everyday.  Many people think that due to their careers as runners, they need constant exercise... the truth is they sleep about 20 hours a day!!!  That's why we call them "45 MPH Couch Potatoes!"

 

• How tall does my fence have to be to contain them?

Ideally we like to see fences that are at least 4 feet high.  However, greyhounds tend to not challenge their barriers, and are usually very respectful of fences and gates.

 

• How can I make a donation?

Donations are always welcomed, and very much needed!

Donations are always needed to help care for retired greyhounds before they are adopted. Adoption fees are used to cover some expenses, however, many dogs need additional care before placement, which in many cases, can be quite costly.

If you would like to help Forever Home Greyhound Adoption by making a donation, please make checks payable to Forever Home Greyhound Adoptions. Contributions are tax-deductible and may be sent to our Treasurer at:

Roberta Brooks
Forever Home Greyhound Adoptions
213 West Fulton Road
Middleburg, NY 12122

 

We are now accepting donations via paypal

 

Through your donations, we are able to care for these wonderful dogs, as well as be able to get more from the track!

 

 

• What is your adoption fee, and what is it used for?

The adoption fee is $285.  

The adoption fee is used to cover a portion of the expenses for each dog.  These include the following:

Vaccinations including rabies, Spay/neuter, heartworm and fecal testing for parasites, a physical exam and teeth cleaning.

Additional costs may include: X-rays, ultrasounds, antibiotics, surgery, training or behavioral evaluations. We do our best to ensure that each dog is sound physically, and emotionally before placement.

 

• Are you looking for volunteers?

YES, YES, YES!!!  As a non for profit organization, volunteers are the backbone of our group.  We are always looking for kind, caring people to help us  with the daily functions and requirements that are involved with an adoption group.  Volunteers can do anything from help us transport dogs, and sometimes materials, to opening their homes to foster these GREYT dogs as they come from the tracks, and are getting ready to be placed in a forever home.  This is not only a great way for you to help our group, and these wonderful dogs, but it is incredibly rewarding as well! 

If you are interested in volunteering your time, please contact Paula LaPorte at 518-261-7025.  

 

• What colors do Greyhounds come in?

Greyhounds come in a variety of different colors and sizes.  Females usually weigh between 50-65 lbs., and males between 65-85 lbs..  As far as color, you can find them in black, white, brindle, blue (grey), red, fawn etc..  

 

• I was told to purchase a crate for my new Greyhound, can you suggest a certain size?

 

• Can a greyhound live outside?

Greyhounds are strictly indoor  dogs; greyhounds do not have the undercoat of fur that other breeds have, and feels heat and cold much as humans do.   Not only is it  not a breed that can survive living outdoors, but they WANT and NEED to be with their humans.  A greyhound left outdoors will quickly become depressed, and will NOT serve it's purpose of being a pet!  In conclusion, if you are looking for an outdoor dog,  A GREYHOUND IS NOT FOR YOU.

 

• What kind of pets do ex-greyhounds make?

Greyhounds are affectionate, friendly dogs, that thrive on attention and human companionship. They make terrific companion animals. Raised with their littermates and many other Greyhounds, where they competed for affection, Greyhounds love being the center of attention as companion animals.

 

• What should I expect if I adopt a greyhound?

Expect a gentle, loving companion who, with a little time and patience, will be a great addition to your family. Because everything is new to a Greyhound, expect him/her to be a bit confused and very curious. House manners have to be learned, but Greyhounds are very intelligent and learn quickly. A firm "no" is usually all that is required to correct undesired behavior in a Greyhound.

 

• Are they good with children?

Many books on dog breeds describe Greyhounds as too "high-strung" for children, which is entirely false. Most Greyhounds have a very quiet, calm disposition and are good with well-mannered children. However, any dog of any breed that has not been raised around children must be watched carefully. All interactions between dogs and children — no matter how trustworthy the dog, the dog breed or the children — should be supervised by adults. Remember — never leave a Greyhound or any dog, alone with a child. Most Greyhounds have never seen children before leaving the track, and because very young children can behave unpredictably and in ways that are frightening or threatening to dogs, we reccomend supervision at all times with chhildren under 7 years of age.

 

• What has the life of a racing greyhound been like?

Greyhounds spend most of their lives in the company of other Greyhounds. When they are born, the average litter is about eight pups. Young Greyhounds are given a lot of attention and handled as much as possible. As they approach their first birthday, their training begins and they are taught to chase a lure, eventually progressing to a racetrack. Track life is very routine — feeding in the morning, turnouts in the exercise yards to relieve themselves and retiring between races in individual kennel crates.

Dogs race every three to seven days and racing kennels typically have around 60 dogs. Most Greyhounds have seen very little of the everyday world, so houses, stairs, mirrors, windows and glass doors, hardwood and tile floors, dogs that aren't Greyhounds and cats as well as riding in a car are new to them. The transition to living in a home requires some time and patience, but most Greyhounds adapt with amazing ease.

 

• How are they with other pets?

Greyhounds are friendly by nature and most socialize well as a result of encounters with other Greyhounds from puppyhood to racing kennel. However, cats and smaller dogs are new to a Greyhound, so a little extra time and care are required to make a happy home for all. We strongle reccomend using an ABUNDANCE of caution . Although Forever Home tests the Greyhounds for small animal compatibility there are NO guarantees so be watchful and alert when socializing your new Greyhound with existing family pets especially those SMALLER than your Greyhound.

In the beginning, Forever Home GH Adoption urges all new Greyhound adopters to keep their Greys muzzled and closely supervise all interaction with other family companion animals, especially small ones. Never leave a Greyhound unsupervised with small breed dogs or cats until the relationships are well established. Even then never turn your Greyhound out in the yard with a cat and use an abundance of caution with smaller breed dogs.

 

• Are ex-racing greyhounds already housebroken?

Racing Greyhounds are kennel-broken, which means they're trained to go outside and keep their kennels clean. We recommend that you reserve at least 2 or 3 days upon your new Greyhounds arrival to spend with the dog. Moniter him closely and take him out frequently to aquaint him with the route and area where you want him to go to relieve himself.House training is a simple matter of positive reinforcement consistancy and patience.

 

• Why do greyhounds need to be kept on a leash?

Outside of a fenced area or the house, a Greyhound must be leashed for its own safety. Born and bred to run and pursue, a Greyhound can run up to 44 mph with amazing acceleration, and see up to a mile away! If an unleashed Greyhound spots a squirrel, instinct takes over. Or if it's frightened or startled, a Greyhound will run until exhausted and be too confused and afraid to find its way home.

Add these qualities to Greyhounds'; lack of experience with hazards such as traffic, fences, swimming pools and rough terrain and the need to keep Greys on lead for their own welfare is clear.

 

• Do greyhounds make good watchdogs?

Greyhounds do not usually make good watchdogs. They are generally friendly and, rarely if ever, growl when someone new comes into their home. Also they're not big barkers.

 

• How big do they get?

Greyhound males on average stand 27-31 inches at the shoulder and weigh 65-90 pounds. Females on average stand 24-28 inches at the shoulder and weigh 50-75 pounds

 

• Choosing a Vet to Care for Your Retired Racer

Your choice of veterinarian is an important decision. Try to locate a vet who has worked with greyhounds. Greyhounds require only one fifth of the anesthesia that would be used on another dog of the same size. This is because they are lacking certain enzymes which break down anesthetic in their systems. It is very important that your vet knows this, as an overdose can be fatal. If you are unsure, ASK your Vet, or call Paula 518 261 7025 for a referral to a Greyhound safe Veterinarian ! For a list of Forever Home Approved Veterinarians, visit our Care Sheet.

Your greyhound should have a complete booster shot, heartworm test, rabies shot and physical once a year. Heartworm preventive medication should be used regularly.

 

What should I do when I have to leave my greyhound home alone? Forever Home GH Adoption adopts Greyhounds as indoor dogs only. They should never be left alone outdoors unattended. Until your Greyhound is completely comfortable in your home and you're confident of his housebreaking and other behavior, his crate is the best place for him while you're away. To some people, the crate seems cruel, but remember, at the kennel, except when racing or being turned out, Greyhounds live in their crates. It's a place of comfort and security for them. When you go out, turn on a light or two and switch on the radio or television for background noise. Leaving him with a safe chew toy can help occupy him until your return.

========================================= Before you place your Greyhound in his crate, be sure to remove his martingale collar. Greyhounds have been injured and even choked to death when their collars have become entangled in their crates.

Greyhound Resources and Answers Greyhound Resources and Answers is a site developed and created by Owen Johnson, an avid greyhound lover, who lives in Washington State. Owen brings together numerous sources of information for the person considering adoption of a retired racing greyhound and also answers questions you may have if you already own one or more of these wonderful dogs. The areas on Medical & Diet and Training & Behavior are particularly significant and important.

 

SUGGESTED READING
REQUIRED
Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies by Lee Livingood	Adopting the Racing Greyhound by Cynthia A. Branigan	Childproofing Your Dog by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson	The Dog Listener by Jan Fennell

Click here to see the official Greyhound color chart!