Retired Racing Greyhounds and Children

Training & Behaviour
Retired Racing Greyhounds and Children

Australia has one of the highest pet-ownership rates in the world, with over 63% of households having a pet.

The relationship between children and pets can provide wonderful benefits including introducing the child to having responsibility, and developing the important skills that come with interacting and caring for another being.  Pets are such a part of our culture, that over 83% of people have had an animal companion during their childhood years so it is not surprising that many parents feel their family will not be complete until they have a pet.

Owning a pet dog can be a fantastic experience for the entire family, but parents need to be fully aware of the responsibilities of bringing a dog into the household, especially one with young children, and need to work actively to ensure that the experience of both the children and the dog are good ones.

‘..the biggest risk factor in dog bites is lack of parental supervision.’

Dog bite statistics tell us that young children are especially at risk from serious dog bites due to their size and behaviour. No parent wants to witness a bite on their child.  Unfortunately, the biggest risk factor in dog bites is lack of parental supervision. The media is full of horror stories where parents left their young child unattended with the family dog, often for extended periods, then were shocked when things went wrong.

Although retired racing greyhounds can make fantastic family pets, it is important to remember that they probably have not had a lot of exposure to children during their life as a race dog and as a result may find some things children do a little frightening.

1 Statistics from the Petcare Information and Advisory Service 2009

Aim to make the children and dog safe

If we better understand dog behaviour and body language, and then educate and teach our children how to behave around the dog, and we SUPERVISE them both, most of these accidents can be avoided. As a parent it is your responsibility to ensure your children are safe, visiting children are safe, and that your adopted greyhound is safe so you will have plenty to do!

Watch your dog’s body language constantly for signs of stress or arousal.  Most dogs give subtle signals about how they are feeling, and it is up to us to see them and deal with the situation accordingly. Things like licking the lips, panting, dilated pupils, shaking, or even a ‘worried face’ can indicate the dog is no longer relaxed and calm.  If you see any of these signs, it is time to step in before things escalate. In most cases, moving the dog to another area, or giving it a ‘time out’ in a safe place away from the children will allow him to settle down and return to a relaxed state.

Teach your children how to interact safely with your adopted greyhound

You will have to supervise your children interacting with your adopted greyhound.  They should be taught the right way to approach, pat and play with a dog, and will also need lessons on interacting with strange dogs as well.  This is because they may automatically assume all dogs are like theirs, when in fact many dogs are not well socialised to children, or may be fearful of the way they approach and interact.

A good behaviour to encourage is that the children should always ask the owner first if they can approach and pat the dog.  If they cannot see an owner, they are not allowed to approach the dog.

All dogs may find ‘human’ greetings frightening – children often want to ‘hug’ a dog when they say hello, but this is very foreign behaviour when viewed from the dog’s point of view.  No other dog would ever hold them with intense contact with their face close and not let go! For this reason, it is very important that children learn the correct way to greet a dog and are discouraged from behaviours that will potentially put them at risk.

Avoid hugging, kissing, or putting faces close to the dog’s face.

Staring or intense direct eye contact should also be avoided as this is very threatening behaviour, and something dogs would only do to each other if they wanted to start a fight.

The kids are having their friends over….

It won’t be long before your children ask to have some friends over to play, or you may just have relatives or neighbours call in with their children. Don’t assume anyone else has taken the time to train their children like you have. Other people’s children may be rough, or even cruel to dogs, or may be scared or frightened as they do not have a dog themselves.

This is a time to pay extra attention to what is happening. When you have multiple children games get crazier and there is usually lots of running and squealing. This may not be an ideal place for your dog as it might get frightened or even highly excited itself.  Once a dog is aroused, they are more likely to behave impulsively and this can lead to problems. Maybe the dog is best confined to a quieter area when there is a lot of activity in the yard or house.

Having separate ‘zones’

It is important that your adopted greyhound has a quiet place where it can relax, away from the kids. By having the dog and children in separate areas at certain times, it is possible to manage them both.  Having set times for play and quiet can help your greyhound adjust to its new life, and help the children understand the dog is not a toy that is available for them whenever they want.

There are other times you may want to separate your greyhound and the kids. Any time you cannot be there to supervise – the greyhound and children should be in separate areas.  When the greyhound is sleeping and at meal times (both dog and human) are other times where the greyhound should be ‘away from the action’.

Greyhounds are used to being left on their own in their kennel with no other dogs or people around when they eat their meals, so they are not used to having children  or even adults near their food bowls. As a result, they may react when people approach them whilst eating. Some greyhounds may even guard their food, which means they might growl or snarl if someone appears to be coming to ‘steal’ their dinner.

Greyhounds tend to sleep very soundly and can startle if woken. They are not used to sharing their bed, and may just need to get away from it all and have a rest.

It is important that the children are taught to leave the greyhound alone both when it is sleep and when it is eating or chewing on a bone.

Wash your Hands...

Children also need to be educated in good hygiene around dogs. Teach them to wash their hands when they are finished playing with or patting the dog, and encourage them to help you ‘pick up the poo’ so that there are not dog faeces all over the yard. Children are most at risk from catch any zoonoses (disease that can be transmitted from the pet to humans) but washing their hands after playing with the dog, picking up the faeces, and regular worming of the dog will go a long way to prevent any problems.

Remember:  It is up to you to SUPERVISE all interactions between your adopted greyhound and children.

Need to learn more?

Visit the ‘We are Family’ website – A guide to nurturing the child and pet relationship from pregnancy to preschool. http://dpipets.milura.com.au/

Meet our dogs ready for adoption

All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.

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Remy

6 years old

Meet the lovely Remy! Remy may be mature in age, but she acts like a puppy at times! Remy has a beautiful sleek black coat with only a tiny bit of white markings- on one of her feet and the tip of her tail. She is super sweet, affectionate and her happiness is infectious! She may suit living with or without a canine brother of medium/large size and children aged 5 years and older.
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Baby

2 years old

Meet Baby, a bundle of joy and energy! This social and affectionate girl is a puppyish sweetheart who loves to play and cuddle. With her playful nature, Baby's always up for a good time, whether it's chasing toys or snuggling on the couch. Baby's looking for a household with or without kids aged 5+, where she can be the centre of attention or share the spotlight with a medium to large dog. Having completed behavioural rehabilitation, Baby's ready for a forever home - but she's not suitable for small dogs or cats. If you're looking for a fun-loving and loving companion to spoil rotten, Baby might be the perfect little bundle of joy for you!
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Lilo

6 years old

Meet Lilo, the one and only! This affectionate and puppyish greyhound is a bundle of energy, always ready to burst into zoomies and bring the noise! Like her namesake from the classic Disney duo, Lilo's a boisterous and extroverted girl who'll keep you on your toes. With her playful and mischievous personality, she's looking for a household that's ready for the adventure! Lilo's best suited to a home with kids aged 15+ who can keep up with her energetic antics. She needs a household with a spacious backyard where she can run around and burn off energy. An active home with experienced owners who can provide structure and exercise is a must for this lively girl. She's looking for a household with either no other dogs or a medium to large dog that's compatible with her playful vibe. If you're ready to take on the ohana and provide a loving home for Lilo, she'll bring joy and excitement to your life!
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Pickles

5 years old

Meet Pickles with his big floppy ears that makes him look like a cross breed! In new situations and environments, he can be a little unsure but doesn't take him long for his true colours to shine through and is super friendly and affectionate and if you're lucky he may even jump up for a cuddle! Pickles may suit living with or without a canine pal of similar size and children aged 10 years and older. This big playful boy will likely do best in a home with a backyard.
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Sophie

4 years old

Meet Sophie, a stunning and sweet greyhound who's sure to capture your heart! This pretty and outgoing girl is a social butterfly who loves meeting new people and making friends. With her affectionate nature, Sophie's always looking for someone to shower with love and attention. Sophie's looking for a household with or without kids aged 10+, where she can thrive as the only dog or live harmoniously with a medium to large dog. Having completed behavioural rehabilitation, Sophie's gained valuable skills and confidence, but she's not suited to homes with small dogs or cats. If you're looking for a beautiful and loving companion to bring joy to your life, Sophie might be the perfect fit! Sophie has an old Hock fracture with some arthritis in it. This doesnt affect her day-to-day life.
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Winnie

2 years old

Meet Winnie, this pretty girl is looking for her forever home. Winnie is sweet, confident and fun-loving. She has a playful, excitable and enthusiastic side, because of her nature she may suit a family with older kids (10+) and would love a backyard where she can burn off some energy. She may also suit living with robust medium and large dogs who can keep up with her lively spirt.

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Hondo

6 years old

Handsome Hondo can't wait to find his forever home - is it with you? He's a confident and outgoing boy who can still get a bit excited when he meets new dogs, so he'd prefer a home with an experienced greyhound or sighthound owner. He would likely be ok with children aged ten or older, and should be fine with full time workers. Hondo has a heart murmur and comes with an approval for a follow up appointment for an echo, paid for by GAP.
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Gaston LaGume

4 years old

No one's slick as Gaston, no one's quick as Gaston, and certainly, no one's as sweet and affectionate as this handsome boy. With his puppyish enthusiasm and playful nature, Gaston is sure to capture your heart. He loves people, attention, and snuggles, making him a perfect companion for families with children aged 10+. His love for adventure and excitement knows no bounds! Gaston needs a little help adjusting to home life, so would do best with a confident, medium or large female canine companion to show him the ropes. With his lively personality and affectionate heart, Gaston promises to bring joy, laughter, and loyalty into your life. So, don't let this opportunity pass you by, adopt Gaston today and discover the magic of sharing your life with this lovable greyhound.
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Dwight

4 years old

Dorky Dwight is in the search for his forever family! This boy is incredibly affectionate and has nothing higher on his wish list than someone who can provide bum scratches. When he isn't requesting affection, he is showing off his goofy and puppy-like side that is sure to make you laugh! Due to his playful ways, he may suit a home with children 10+ who can play with him! He may enjoy a medium or large canine sibling but may also like being the star of the show as a solo pooch! His playful nature means he wouldn't do best in a home with small dogs or cats, and will need some space to run, therefore wouldn't suit apartment life.
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Shelby

6 years old

Meet adorable Shelby, who has the best ears going around. Sweet Shelby is a fun and confident girl who loves water and cuddles; she is incredibly affectionate and outgoing and is sure to become your best buddy! Shelby may enjoy having a medium or large canine sibling but may also enjoy being the centre of attention as an only dog! Due to her energetic ways Shelby may do best with a home with children 10+ who can keep up with her and wouldn't suit a home with a small dog or cats.
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