[New greyhound settling in]

37 minutes ago, Time4ANap said:

Sounds like she saw her reflection in the tv or maybe the shadow of her movement and it startled her. Make sure to leave a radio or the TV on for her so that there is some noise to block out other strange noises from outside as well as to break up the silence. 

Thank you, I did wonder if she saw herself in the reflection but wasn't sure. I left her in the kitchen for 30 minutes as I had to go out again and she was fine. 

I did leave the radio on when she was in the kitchen, so maybe you're right and this helped! Thank you for the tip. 

 

We will just have to keep helping her to feel secure and safe in her new home. 

[New greyhound settling in]

Thank you 

[New greyhound settling in]

We rescued our 5 year old greyhound a week and a half ago and she was settling in really well at first. She seems very relaxed and content and was left short periods of time and was fine. Shes had a few toilet accidents over night despite us getting up early to let her out but I'm not worried by this as it has been a handful of times.

The last two days when I have left for 1-2 hours max! She has shredded a cushion, torn up a birthday card and jumped at our TV which is on the wall on a bracket and has slightly scratched the corner. We don't fuss when leaving or returning and ive tried To peek through the window after leaving and all she does it stretch and lie down, she is happy when we return but not over the top excited - just her usual chilled self. She is fine overnight, goes to her bed and doesn't cry. 

I just cant work out why she would jump at a tv? It seems very odd and she doesn't seem to be showing separation anxiety. 

[How long home alone?]

12 hours ago, HeyRunDog said:

Greyhounds have as many different personalities as people do as you probably realise looking through these forums so there should be one to suit you as long as you are honest with the adoption agencies and are prepared to wait. Dogs are returned for many reasons perhaps like my Guinness they turn out not to be cat safe but otherwise is a lovely bomb proof dog.

Also consider the costs involved. Are you going to take it on holiday with you or put it in kennels/get it looked after by friends or relatives? And to give you an idea of the basic ongoing monthly costs of owning a greyhound in the UK. Food £20+, insurance £30 to £40+ depending on the age of the hound, vet plan to include annual vaccinations, worm and flea treatments and a 3 monthly check-up £18. Plus the cost of collars, leads, crate, bedding, toys, raised food and water bowls etc.

Non of us here are trying to put you off and we would love to welcome another greyhound owner to our world and yes I believe you would be able to give a greyhound a loving home. Just be prepared to welcome an adolescent into your life who needs a bit of guidance.

Thank you, I appreciate all the comments and honesty. Its best to know everything beforehand and the information about cost is really helpful too so thank you. 

[How long home alone?]

43 minutes ago, greysmom said:

As said, most healthy, adult dogs would be fine.  Just make sure you talk honestly about your schedule with your adoption group so they can match you with a dog who will be OK at home by himself that long.  Separation Anxiety is a HUGE issue for dogs that have always lived with a large number of companions for their entire lives.  It's probably the number one behavioral issue we deal with here on the Forum.  And the number one reason dogs are returned in the first year.

My question for you would be, given your young family and busy schedule, why you feel you want a dog at all??? 

How much time could you realistically devote to being a good owner every day?  Both you and your husband AND your children are away from your house for 9 hours every day.  Come home - dinner and home work - another 3.  That's leaves precious little time before bed - every day - to spend any quality time with your dog.  And can you spend more time every morning - before work and school - for feeding, exercise, toileting walks??

What happens if your dog gets sick or injured or has behavioral issues?  Are you willing to give up kid soccer or club ball on the weekends for training classes or activities?  Or commit to taking your dog with you on errands?  How is your dog going to get exercise every weekday?  How is your dog going to get exercise on the weekends?  Are your kids old enough and committed enough to take routine responsibility for the dog's daily care - because otherwise you're going to be doing it all.

In my opinion, getting a dog as a companion animal and then leaving them home alone isn't a good life.

And yes, I am deliberately emphasizing this.  Many families have schedules and dogs just like yours and manage to make it work.  But you really do need to think about the purpose of a dog in your household, not just the fact that you love them.

I appreciate the points raised.

However, I am not out the house every day. I am part time and only 1 long day out the home. And as I mentioned I am aiming to reduce my working hours even more so that I am off when the schools are closed and giving me shorter days when I do work. 

We don't have a very busy schedule of clubs and groups so this also isn't an issue for us. We prefer to have flexible time to choose what we do rather than have fixed schedules for clubs etc. We enjoy country parks and walks weekly and live in a rural area so very much enjoy being outdoors which I hope would be a good fit for dog life? We are aware that there would be adjustments and compromises and are certainly weighing up this with the idea. I do feel we can give a greyhound a good home and would love to but I appreciate that family life is busy too.

[How long home alone?]

Thank you for your reply thats really helpful.

We are in the UK. Have made contact with a local greyhound rehoming charity so we are looking forward to hearing back from them.

We did go to a meet and greet event run by another charity to meet a few of the breed and ask general questions and I fell in love with the dogs! 

[How long home alone?]

Weve been exploring rehoming a retired greyhound. 

We have children aged 9 and 6. My husband works full time in the week and is out of the house all day (long hours). 

I'm working 3 days a week. Two of these days family pick up my children and bring them home, so dog would be alone for approx. 7 hours but could arrange for this to be 6 if family come to the home first to let the dog out before school pick up.

Theres currently 1 day a week though where I would be out the house for 9 hours (that includes my travel) and i wonder if a dog would be okay with this?

* im currently trying to get a change of work hours to term time only and to be shorter days. It might mean I'm out the house 3-4 days a week for 7 hours. 

 

I'm just looking for advice on our current set up and how compatible it would be for a greyhound?