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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Arrow

5 years old

Meet Arrow, this handsome boy is looking for his forever home. His loving nature and affection, he’s sure to bring joy and companionship to his family. Arrow thrives on attention and interaction, and hell reward his family with loyalty. Arrow is best suited to a household where he can be by himself, allowing him to settle in and become the beloved companion he is meant to be. He may be okay with another large or medium canine buddy. He might do well with kids 10+ who understand his boundaries and is respectful. If you are looking for a friendly, loving and confident doggo to join your family, Arrow is the perfect fit. Arrow has previously had a break in his right hand foot. This isn't causing him any trouble in his day-to-day life though!
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Hulk Smash

4 years old

Hulk is a smashing lad who is as soft on the inside as a marshmallow, we promise! The only thing he wants to crush, is your hesitation around welcoming him or one of his fellow hound heroes into your life! Hulk gets a little over exuberant at times, and needs to work on his lead skills, but this is an easy habit to overcome! If you are prepared to be patient and work with him, Hulk promises to protect and defend your heart until his last breath and beyond. He is friendly, puppyish, confident, and needs a yard to do his zoomies in and body slam those squeaky toys. He may suit living with children 10+, full time workers, and may do well on his own or with a medium or larger canine friend to take on the world with. He is a leaner, but is also independent, the perfect balance. So what are you waiting for? Come and meet him today, your love story might just be a knockout!
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Sam Iam

4 years old

Sam Iam the super sweet and social boy that just wants to please you and give you all loving that he has to give. Sam is good to walk on the lead and we think he may suit households that love to get out and about. We think he would be better in a home with a yard and no elderly or frail family members (incl. other dogs). We also think they might suit living with children 10 and above or another medium or larger dog as company. Sam has some Osteoarthritis which does affect his day-to-day life
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Bruiser

2 years old

Bruiser is a big puppy in an adult body! In new environments and with new people Bruiser can be a bit unsure and seems shy, but after some reassuring pats and some tasty treats, Bruiser will be an outgoing pup and your best friend in no time! Bruiser may suit living with or without another playful pup of similar size and children aged 15 years and older. We think Bruiser will do best in a home with a backyard so he can run and play in. Bruiser has successfully completed our onsite Behavioural Rehabilitation Program and is now ready for adoption! Bruiser has an old hock fracture, which doesn't affect his day-to-day life.
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Tremendous

5 years old

Meet Tremendous, the friendly and outgoing greyhound gentleman who's ready to bring joy and companionship into his new home! This charming boy has a big personality and loves to make new friends, both human and canine. Tremendous is a social and affectionate companion who will thrive in a family environment with plenty of love and attention. Tremendous is best suited to a home with kids aged 10+, who will appreciate his friendly nature and energetic spirit. He's looking for a household where he's the only dog or with a medium to large canine companion. Tremendous requires a home without small dogs or cats. With a loving family and a stable environment, Tremendous is sure to become a loyal and loving companion - if you're looking for a friendly and outgoing greyhound friend, Tremendous might be the perfect fit!
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Chevy Impala

4 years old

Meet Chevy Impala, the charming and unique greyhound gentleman who's looking for a home that appreciates his individuality. This boy is a bit aloof and independent, with a quirky personality that's sure to bring laughter and joy into his new home. Chevy is a loyal companion to those he trusts, and he'll reward them with affection and devotion. Chevy is best suited to a home with kids aged 15+, who will understand and respect his need for space and time to adjust. He's looking for a household where he's the only dog or with a calm and compatible medium to large canine companion. Chevy requires a home without small dogs. With a patient and loving family in a house with a yard, Chevy is sure to thrive and become a beloved member of the family - if you're looking for a loyal and affectionate greyhound friend with a bit of character, Chevy might be the perfect fit. Chevy has an autoimmune disease called Pannus, which is controlled with daily eye drops.
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Shifty

7 years old

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Meet Shifty, a 7-year-old boy who defies his age with his youthful energy and playful spirit. Don't let his mature years fool you - this lively lad is still a puppy at heart, always ready to burst into a zoomy or play with a toy. With his boundless enthusiasm and love for playtime, Shifty is the perfect companion for those who crave an active and entertaining furry friend. Despite his advancing years, Shifty shows no signs of slowing down. His tail still wags with excitement, and his eyes sparkle with mischief as he chases after toys or embarks on a high-speed zoom around the room. With his ageless personality and playful nature, Shifty is sure to bring joy and laughter into the life of his forever family. If you're looking for a fun-loving companion to keep you on your toes, Shifty is the perfect match! He may do best living as an only dog and a home with no children. He would prefer a backyard for his zoomies. He has successfully completed further training in our behavioural rehabilitation program and is now ready for adoption.
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