I adopted my first geryhound in 1990 or 1991? I knew nothing about them and was sure darn lucky as I never feared bringing in a kitten and a hamster to the home. All got along great. I spent hours training my dog (again no knowledge - he was not from a group - but from a shelter - longer back story there) and he was even off leash!! Of course now I know NOT to do that. After he passed I had another greyhound --again who lived with cats indoors and in our backyard as well - and I even on and off from 1992 - 2006ish volunteered for Grehound Adoption groups. That brings me to this question which I am not sure if any of you can answer. I have spoken with a wonderful woman who trains Greyhounds as service dogs. There is a small chance I may even adopt one that tests as cat tolerant (Yes that does not mean it is a sure thing.)
I long for the closeness and uniqueness of a greyhound. Have not had one in years. I do believe the right one can be trained as a service dog. What I am more concerned with is that until I returned to this forum all the years later, I see so many people saying their cat loving greys are fine inside but may terrorize the same cat outside. It is something I did not even consider since my Dad;s Greyhound, My sister's greyhound, my ex-boyfriend's and even an old roommates grey all lived with cats indoors and out (the outdoors however was usually a small concrete type or small grass area with a fence.)
Does anyone have experience otherwise? Or does anyone know of someone who has a Greyhound Service dog I could connect with? A service dog in my understadning should be able to (for the most part) be alert to the human and not distracted by other people/things. So for example if I had my service dog with me at a hotel and we are checking in - and someone had a small fluffy thing running around the service dog should be able to stay focused on me.
I have done quite a bit of training - even with dog reactive, fearful dog. Many years ago long-term foster a HIGH prey greyhound - he could never have been around small dogs or cats. So I get it is instinct vs, (or and) prey drive. Just trying to assess if offering my home to an adopted greyhound that hopefully can be trained into a service dog is right for our family and right for the dog. Thank you!