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GretchenEvelyn

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    Any young families with greys?

    in Training and Behavior discussion

    Posted

    1 hour ago, greysmom said:

    You seem to have found an adoption group that will consider you and your family, but I have to tell you that many would not.  The group we work with does not adopt dogs to families with kids younger than 5 years old.  This is for the safety of all involved, and was put in place after a family sued the group after the greyhound they adopted bit their child in response to roughhousing.  Even many all breed rescues, shelters, and humane societies have restrictions on adopting to homes with young kids, so it's not just greyhounds.

    So it's not just a matter of the dog fitting in with the kids.  The kids have to be taught how to interact safely with the dog - don't approach the dog when it's laying on it's bed; don't bother the dog when it's eating; no roughhousing or crawling on or pulling on various appendages; never leave dogs and young kids without adult supervison *ever*; and the (already addressed) responsible dog management of keeping doors and gates closed.

    So you as the parent need to first objectively evaluate your kids - are they mature enough to follow instructions and be compassionate with a canine companion (of any breed).  And you also need to decide if *you* are willing to do the work of monitoring both dogs and kids.  Patricia McConnell is a trainer who I recommend here frequently.  You should get her books "Family Friendly Dog Training," "How to be Leader of the Pack," and "Play Together Stay Together."  See what a professional trainer recommends as far as training basics, and if you feel up to the task.

    You haven't mentioned if your husband will be involved in all this.  How tolerant is he of the noise and mess a dog will add to his environment?  Is he willing to be your partner in monitoring your kids safely interact with a dog?  Is his WFH situation very formal?  What happens if a dog or kid burst in unexpectedly on a zoom meeting?  Is he fully on board with bringing a dog into the house?

    Finally, there are many, many families out there who have dogs and kids.  It can be done and it can be done safely.  If we here on GT seem to be steering you away from dog ownerswhip at this time, it's really not anything personal.  Our perspective will (almost) always be for the safety of the dog, not the humans involved.  Only you can really evaluate and determine whenther your family is ready for a canine companion.  It can be tough to separate out your own desire for a dog and if that's the best move for everyone involved.

    Excellent points. Very telling to know that other groups don’t adopt out to the <5 yo crowd. Thank you!

    Any young families with greys?

    in Training and Behavior discussion

    Posted

    2 minutes ago, BatterseaBrindl said:

    I am going to say that your home may not be ideal for a Greyhound  - or any other dog - a this time.  You have already expressed concerns about your 5 year old leaving the door open!

    I'd wait until the kids are old enough to take part in the care & training of the dog. 

    Right, I did. But I think the self-closing hinge might solve the problem.
    I’m mostly just looking to hear others’ stories about greyhound temperaments. On one of the boards here, someone said “They won’t let kids do whatever to them —they’re not golden retrievers!” That scared me. I’m working with an adoption agency and have spoken to 5 individuals from the group and they’ve all been supportive of a greyhound joining a family with small children. I wanted to do my due diligence and ask a wider internet audience since we’re afraid the agency is in “sales mode.” Hope that makes sense. Thanks!

    Any young families with greys?

    in Training and Behavior discussion

    Posted

    14 minutes ago, GreytMom2020 said:

    Hi Gretchen,

    I recently adopted a 4 year old male greyhound. I have a very rambunctious one year old who regularly visits me and will often stay for a week at a time. My greyt does really well with her and has never jumped on her. I allow her to give him treats (she throws it but has let him take it out of her hand) and pet him. He loves to sniff and lick her. I'd also like to mention that he has moderate energy levels and will jump when he gets overly excited but has never done it to the baby. When he first met her he seemed to get really stressed when she cried and would always go to make sure she is ok but now he just ignores her crying lol. If he was showing too much interest in her (intently staring, etc.) I would say no baby and instruct him to lie down. There was a couple of times where I felt he wanted attention when she was around and he would take something that belong to her (shoes, toys, etc.). I would just say drop it and he immediately did and I would reward him. He's been around kids at the park and did really well. There was one time he was overly excited and a 7 year old kid ran up to him and he kind of bumped the kid a little. All dogs are different but I'm sure you could find one that will be great with your children.

    Thanks for sharing this. :)

    Any young families with greys?

    in Training and Behavior discussion

    Posted

    We have a 5yo boy and 16mo daughter and are considering adopting. No other animals in the house. As with most families right now we are mostly homebound and feel like it would be a good time for a dog. Husband WFH now (and always), I stay home with the kids. I’d love for the kids to grow up with a dog. Anyone have a good or bad experience to share? Thanks!!

    Considering adopting but worried about open doors

    in Training and Behavior discussion

    Posted

    Hi all -
    We are considering adopting a 6yo brood mom. However we have a 5yo son and 16mo daughter. My son always leaves the front door open. Are greyhounds not for us? We have a fully fenced backyard and live on a fairly quiet culdesac. Everything except this flight risk issue seems to fit our lifestyle (husband WFH, goes for a lot of walks by himself). And we know that greys are great with kids. Thoughts? 
    Thanks in advance. 

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