FAQs
You should find the answer to most of your questions about having a greyhound as a member of your family. But if there are any other questions please email: kennels@yarmouthgreyhoundhomefinders.co.uk or ring the Kennels on 01603 710388/07507883891.
A: No. They are naturally calm and rather self possessed. As a breed they have been around for a very long time. They are genuine thoroughbreds.
A: Yes, they are naturally clean dogs and prefer to do their business outside. The first thing to do when taking a greyhound home is to show the exit to the garden and give lots of praise and a treat if it goes to the toilet. Repeat this a few times and your dog will soon understand what is required. Initial accidents in the house are usually due to the anxiety of being in a new place.
A: As good as any dog and better than most, because of their characteristic gentleness. However, as with any dog, caution is necessary especially with very young children who should never be left alone with a dog. It is wise, when visiting our kennels, to bring the children along to meet and get used to our greyhounds.
There is no lower age limit for children and all family circumstances are taken into account in matching the right greyhound to the right family.
A: In general terms the dogs are a bit more “laid back” than the bitches who tend to be more curious and dominant. However both dogs and bitches have the same characteristics of gentleness, laziness and loyalty.
A: Toilet considerations apart, very little indeed. We suggest a minimum of twenty minutes, twice a day. This is usually more than enough. Greyhounds are sprinters and their energy gets used up in short bursts. But all greyhounds are different and many enjoy longer walks. We strongly recommend that a retractable lead is not used. These leads can be dangerous to the dog, the walker and third parties who are near to the dog.
A: No. But, initially, while you are getting used to your dog and its reactions it is a sensible precaution. If you feel you need to let your dog off the lead, a confined space and the wearing of a muzzle is recommended.
A: No. An old quilt folded in two is perfect. But they are used to sleeping off the ground and will need no encouragement to take over your bed as well as your settee. They do like to stretch out.
A: We do not recommend that greyhounds are let off lead. Greyhounds are sighthounds and have been trained to chase fast moving objects. But if you do decide you want to let your dogs off its lead recall training is necessary. You must be 100% sure that your dog will come to you when called. Repetition and consistency is very important, but it needs patience and understanding. Train in a confined area but remember that greyhounds have selective hearing once they have focused on something. Like any dog, a greyhound loves to please and tasty rewards for doing the right thing are highly appreciated.
A: We recommend that greyhounds are fed the best you can for your budget. Ideally wheat /grain free diets, especially as greyhounds have sensitive digestive systems. The kennel staff will advise on the appropriate diet and regime.
A: Greyhounds do not generally meet other breeds of dogs when in racing kennels so it is sensible to socialise them as much as possible. Greyhounds can and do live quite happily with other dogs once they feel secure with them. If you make an appointment to see a greyhound in kennels we suggest that bring along any dog with which the greyhound will live. But please discuss this with the kennels staff when making an appointment.
A: Yes they can, and many do, however getting on with cats can demand a lot of patience, care and sensible handling from the owner. We cannot “cat test” so we cannot guarantee that a dog will be cat friendly. What we can do is to advise on available greyhounds with a lower prey drive.
There is no age cut off for being considered in the adoption process. We would advise that you consider if you are able to handle a large dog, for instance if they attempt to run after a cat or squirrel. We ask all potential adopters to walk the greyhound twice daily and consider who would care for the dog if they became unwell. All potential adopters are subject to the same home check process.
- I live in a flat, can I still adopt a greyhound?
We would consider this if you lived in a ground or first floor flat. There would have to be consideration about the type of stairs and if the greyhound could manage these when elderly, injured or unwell. All adoptions are subject to a home check visit.
Yes, if you obtain written permission from the landlord. We would need to see this during our home check process.
For further advice on these or other matters please contact the Kennels
The Kennels are open daily between 10 and 2. Please contact us to make an appointment before visiting.
Email:-kennels@yarmouthgreyhoundhomefinders.co.uk
Just ring:-01603 710388 or 07507883891
