Retired Greyhound..?

Question

Im interested in adopting a retired greyhound, but on some occasions there will be nobody home from around 8.30-5.30

is this to long to a leave a retired greyhound be itself?

if not would you leave the dog in a sheltered kennel outside and the garden to run in or indoors, like a kitchen e.t.c

Answer 1

Hello

It is best to speak to a cent re or greyhound trust who will advise you accordingly.

However I am sure they will say all is okay between 8.30-5.30 as long as mid day someone comes in and takes the dog for a walk etc..

Maybe leave some toys for the dog to play with and a crate, indoors, is also a good idea.

8.30 - 5.30 is regular work hours for some and i know of many people that manage with their greyhound, just with a little planning.

Answer 2

Greyhounds used for racing are kenneled, they do not live in homes.  I think it will be much better to leave the dog outside and slowly get her used to living indoors.  FYI the dog will need to be house broken and trained

Answer 3

I'm afraid I feel that's too long to leave any dog on it's own, even occasionally.  And although a doggie flap sounds like a great idea (it would have to be a rather big one mind you), personally I'd not do that either.  These days far too many dogs are being stolen from an enclosed garden (this is the UK) and I'd not want to risk that happening.  Also a Greyhound alone just might find his way out of the most secured of gardens.  Another thing, some Greyhounds are not reliable with cats.  So if a passing cat should come into the garden when you are not there and G'hound is out there, you could come home to a whole lot of trouble!

However I admire you for looking to rescue one of these gentle dogs.  So please contact one of the many Centres, and speak to them about your intentions.  They may well be able to match you up with your ideal companion.  Hope so.

PS  Thinking about this overnight - frankly that length of time is way too long to leave a dog for, as I've said.  Quite apart from being alone, he simply cannot hang on for that number of hours so you either need to get somebody to go in lunchtime say (or yourself), to let him out, or do what a lady down our road did with her retired 3-legged greyhound - took him to a local kennel for the days she needed to be out all day. Or yes, get a sitter which would be even better!!!

Answer 4

Greyhounds are actually a lot more relaxed and don't need as much excersice as a lot of people think. He would likely just sleep and relax while you're gone, then need a walk when you return. If you let your greyhound go in and out as he pleases, he could easily jump the fence (even if he is older and retired), if he's bored. It's best to keep a retired greyhound indoors. He would probably prefer to stay inside his cozy home instead of in a kennel, no matter how nice it is. Hope this helps!

Answer 5

That is great that your are adopting one of these guys.  The good thing about having greyhounds is that they sleep most the day.  They only really need some good run about once a day.  But a potty break before you leave or after you get home would be a good idea.

They are great dogs and I have worked with a lot of them.  You might be surprised.  :o)

Answer 6

just give it a long walk when you get back.but i think the dog will be fine.

Answer 7

Well, Greyhounds are of course known for their high energy and love of exercise. If they are left for long periods of time, they become anxious and stressed, because they DESIRE human contact. I wouldn't get a dog to be honest if you're going to be gone 9 hours a day sometimes. A cat wouldn't care though.

edit: I have no idea why I'm thumbed down. Its all true and factual of a general purebred Greyhound.

Answer 8

I know this breed needs lots of exercise, but if you have a kennel outside and walk it twice wen ur workin it should be fine!(as long as it doesn't bark)

Answer 9

It's a myth that greyhounds require a great deal of exercise. They're bred for speed, not stamina and cannot handle long walks - the best exercise for a greyhound is fetch as they are bred for short bursts of speed and cannot handle walks much over a mile or so - any more and it's torture.

The other thing you must remember about greyhounds is that they have no protective undercoat so, if they do get wet you need to towel them down immediately or they will get very cold very quickly; but it is this lack of undercoat that makes them an excellent choice for people with allergies as they do not shed.  

Answer 10

No, that is not too long to *occasionally* leave a dog home alone.  And by occasionally I mean at most once a week.  If possible, get a friend to come over and let the dog out.

I would look into crate training.

If not, definately don't leave the dog outdoors.  It needs to be left indoors.

ADD

Wow, I can't believe how wrong people are about greyhounds!

They are actually very calm , low energy dogs.  They also do best in a crate when left alone because they are not used to being left to roam free.  They are used to being in a crate, to them, that is their safe zone.

Answer 11

you should hire a dog sitter!!!!

Answer 12

I love the look of a greyhound. They are so cute.

Answer 13

my mum and myself adopted a retired greyhound, penny

she was very nice and quiet a great pet but when we went out, she would panic and run through the house, nightmare at times.

i suggest u dont leave it for a few weeks if you get one

Answer 14

You are soooo lucky to be getting a retired greyhound - BUT the dog you are about to rescue is even luckier!!

Is there any way you could install a doggy door?  They make them for sliding glass doors, storm doors, just about every door imaginable nowadays.

Good luck and rich blessings for your selfless act of mercy.