Team Greyhound Team Information

ADOPTION FEES AND REQUIREMENTS

All greyhounds adopted through Team Greyhound Adoption of Ohio, Inc. are spayed or neutered and are current on their yearly shots, including rabies, if needed. Each dog has been tested for heartworm and is currently on heartworm medication. Prophylactic worming is done on all dogs coming from the track or farm. You are required to continue the dog on heartworm preventative. They have been tested for other worms and parasites, and medicated as necessary. The dental work, cleaning teeth and/or extractions, has also been done when the dogs arrive at our kennel.

Your newly adopted greyhound will come with a specially made Martingale style collar and leash. At the adoption, you will have your choice of colors available. A greyhound muzzle will also be provided if needed.

The adoption fee is $225.00. The fee for “senior” greyhounds 8 and over is $150.00. In some special cases, the fee may be slightly more or less. It is non-refundable.

A fenced yard is not required, unless you have small children 2 years old or under. However, the greyhound is required to be kept in an enclosed area or leash walked at all times. Leash walking a dog is a HUGE commitment. If you do not have a fenced area for the greyhound to relieve himself, then he MUST be leash walked about 4-5 times a day. This means that Rain or Shine, Sleet or Hail, Better or Worse, Sickness and Health, you must be out there walking that dog!! Please carefully assess your ability to adhere to this before considering adoption.

To test your ability to leash walk a dog for the next ~9+ years, I recommend the following trial before applying to adopt! Determine the times that you will be taking your dog out. Most likely it will be first thing in the morning, mid morning or upon returning home from work, early evening and before bed. At those pre-determined times go stand outside and walk in small circles (as if waiting for the dog to do his business). Stay out there for at least 20 minutes. Once a day, take a nice walk for exercise. Do this every day for 2 weeks. And don’t miss a time because your dog won’t let you!! (Unless you want to clean up a mess!!) Oh yeah, set your alarm clock for 2 or 3 AM and go outside a couple of times during this initial 2 week trial. Hopefully, your greyhound won’t want to do this too often once he has adjusted to his new life!! If you ARE NOT screaming UUGGHHH I CAN’T DO THIS – then you are a good candidate to adopt without a fence! By the way, you might want to inform your neighbors what you are doing so they don’t call the men in white suits to come get you!

ADOPTION PROCESS

We require both personal and vet (if you have one) references. After the references have been approved, you will be contacted to arrange a home visit with your dog of choice or one that matches your lifestyle. Although you may see a picture of a beautiful dog and want to adopt it, it may not be the right dog for your home. Sometimes we have multiple applications for the same dog so please remember that all dogs are placed at the discretion of Team Greyhound. We usually will bring several dogs on a home visit to see which might work best in your household. The purpose of the home visit is to introduce the greyhound to your home, family and other pets. We also check for any home related safety issues. After the home visit is completed, a recommendation is then made for adoption. If approved you will be notified and the adoption day will be arranged. The length of time between receiving your application and adopting your dog will depend on a variety of factors. Generally, the process takes about 2-3 weeks. Please be patient as we are all volunteers working hard on our spare time to place these dogs in a timely manner. If you want to know the status of your application, please feel free to contact your area representative at any time. Note: Home visits, with the opportunity to bring available dogs, is done only if you live local to an area representative and dogs are being fostered in the area. If no dogs are currently in your area, a home visit may still be done, however, you may need to come to Northwest Ohio to get your dog. If a dog is located at a correctional facility near you, we can often make arrangements for you to meet us there to pick up the dog.

FOSTER HOMES ALWAYS NEEDED!!!

Would you like to help us get these special greyt hounds ready for their permanent home? We are always in need of Foster Homes. An easy and fun way to help is by fostering a greyhound. Placing a greyhound into a foster home before going into it’s permanent home will help both the greyhound and it’s new family. For more information, please contact us at president@teamgreyhound.com or call 1-877-TGA-OHIO or you can fill out the foster agreement.

Greyhounds Physical Structure:

Male greyhounds are generally larger than females. The average male is about 26 to 30 inches at the shoulder and weighs about 65-85 lbs. Females average 23-26 inches at the shoulder and weigh about 50-65 lbs. However, some are bigger and some are smaller!

They come in many colors including black, white, fawn, red, brindle (in a variety of shades), blue, and white with blue, red, fawn, black or brindle patches

The greyhounds are usually between 2 and 5 years of age. Sometime there will be some “seniors” over 8 years old looking for a home as well.

Greyhounds as Racers

At 2 months of age - Greyhounds romp and chase in runs 250-300 ft. long, at 6 months training begins by pulling an object on a rope for the pup to chase, then advances to being pulled quicker by a moving vehicle, then to a whirlygig, then on to schooling, then their first maiden race.

The racing greyhound:

Is accustomed to rising early (So prepare for a little adjustment period to your schedule if your not an earlier riser too!)

Is used to a strict routine - Very helpful to keep him on a routine to help him adjust.

Races approximately every 4-7 days

Lives in a crate and is turned out 4 times a day

Is used to being handled and being around people

Often have bald back sides due to “crate rub” or stress.

Prison Hounds

We are currently working with several correctional facilities in the state of Ohio. The dogs are housed at the facility for short periods. Some facilities act as a foster home where the dog is socialized and taught general manners. Other facilities have more involved training and the greyhound will learn basic commands as well as advanced commands. The amount of training depends on the facility, the trainer and of course the dog! You may want to consider a "prison dog" for your family. Contact us with questions on a particular facility.

You and Your Greyhound’s New Life-

What to Expect:

When you first bring your greyhound home, there is an initial adjustment period. Some greyhounds adjust very quickly while others may need a little extra TLC. As a comparison to the changes in your greyhounds life, imagine if you were placed in the middle of the Amazon Jungle and told this is your new life. How would you react? How would you know what to do? Your greyhound relies on you to show him his way and teach him what you expect of him. He needs your patience and understanding. To your greyhound you are the all-knowing, all-mighty leader. Be sure to take that role!

The greyhound has ALWAYS been around other hounds and NEVER left alone. Imagine how frightening this could be for the first time. (See information on Separation Anxiety) Your new hound may be very quiet and depressed at first. It may take weeks before he seems happy and ready to accept his new surroundings. Give him the time he needs to become a happy household member.

Your greyhound may not want to eat when he first comes to your home. Give him a day or two before you become too concerned. If possible, keep his food available to him at all times at first until he decides to eat. Then put him on your feeding schedule.

He may also experience diarrhea. The many changes in lifestyle, food and water can cause some upset within his system. Be sure fresh water is available at all times. If the diarrhea persists, then you may want to consult us as well as a veterinarian.

Greyhounds as Pets

The Pet Greyhound:

Is loving and affectionate

Is easy to teach (things like housebreaking, stairs, glass doors, etc.)

Is usually adopted around the age of 2-5 years old and can live for 12-14 years.

Is used to being around other greyhounds and usually adapt quickly to other dogs and can often share a home with other pets such as cats.

Like to be with you. They like to do what you do. If you lay around, they will. If you romp and play, they will. If you go for a walk, they will. They are easy to please.

MUST be kept on a leash or fenced area. They can not be tied out. They will literally break their necks.

Is low maintenance. They require very little grooming, have very little “doggy odor”, they eat usually between 3-6 cups a day of a good quality dry dog food.

Is chemical sensitive. Precautions must be taken for use of pesticides for flea/tick prevention and for lawn and garden care.

MUST live indoors. They have low body fat and are not tolerant of extreme temperatures.

Make greyt traveling companions.

They enjoy running, but require much less than most people think. They do not require a huge yard for running. A walk or romp in an enclosed area is really all they require.

Although most greyhounds adapt quickly, some may require extra tender loving care. Some may experience separation anxiety, be very shy, or take a little longer to housebreak. Owners must be aware that each dog has his/her own individual personality and must be tolerant and willing to help the greyhound adjust to his/her new environment.

Greyhounds and Children

Most greyhounds are gentle and tolerant towards children. Young children should never be left unsupervised with ANY dog. Remember it’s your responsibility to see that your children are taught to respect animals and to supervise them at all times.

Questions to ask yourself before adopting a greyhound - Do I have the time and attention needed to devote to the dog or is my lifestyle too busy to permit me the time needed to care and love a pet? Am I planning on starting a family in the future and how will that impact our lifestyle and ability to care for a pet? Am I willing to make this commitment for the rest of the dog’s life?

Families should wait until they are sure the children are able to:

Respect the dog’s space

Stay out of the dog’s crate

Stay off the dogs bed

Not pull ears, tail, or poke eyes

Be careful not to fall on the dog

Let the dog rest

Using the expression “Let sleeping dogs lie” - Sleeping dogs should never be approached without calling the dog first. The greyhound is accustomed to having it’s own area to rest and may become startled when approached too quickly while sleeping.

Greyhound Language:

Remember, a dog’s language is different than ours. A growl is the dog’s way of saying he doesn’t like something. If the greyhound growls at you or your child, determine what just occurred. Just as we have our likes and dislikes, so will your dog. If practicable, respect his reason for growling and make sure to use precautions in similar situations in the future.

If his behavior is not justifiable , then reprimand the dog and work with him to help him learn that it is not appropriate. You may want to consider obedience training for difficult behavior. It is good for the dog to learn his limits and will help lead to a happy structured family life. Plus, it is an excellent way to bond with your greyhound.

Sometimes the greyhound will whine to try to tell you something. Try to key in on what he is telling you. Does he need to go out? Does he have water? Does he want your company? Does he want to play? Is he feeling OK? Hmmm, just what does he want????

Generally, most greyhounds are very quiet and don’t bark much. However, there are always exceptions to the rule. I have one who I swear just likes to hear herself. Either that or she exerts the "Napoleon Syndrome" since she is so tiny.

Rooing – greyhounds like to sing. If you get a group of greyhounds together you can often get them to roo and sing. They can be a very entertaining pet.

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety: Because the greyhound has NEVER been left alone, sometimes they may have difficulty adjusting to this new lifestyle. Assessing for separation anxiety is very difficult for us since when they come to us they are either in a kennel with other dogs or in a foster home with other dogs. Occasionally, the dog will be "people focused", meaning even other dogs won’t alleviate their anxiety. They will need a home where someone is available most the time. We have found that obedience training has considerably helped these dogs, allowing them to be left alone for short periods without much problem.

Housebreaking

Retired racing greyhounds are usually "crate trained" which means that they generally do not soil their living quarters. It is relatively easy to housetrain such dogs. They need to get the message that the house they are now in is their "crate".

Keeping the dog within your sight for the first several days is extremely important.

This allows you to be able to correct the greyhound with a firm NO if there is an accident and abundant praise when they go outside.

REMEMBER - Consistency is most important!! It will keep your greyhound from becoming confused and help teach him what you expect of him.

Secure Fenced Area and Never off Lead ! !

Remember those gates – Keep Locks on Gates at all times!! Gates left open often result in lost or dead dogs!!

When visiting a strange area, do not let your dog off lead until you have walked the perimeter to make sure all fencing and gates are secure and there are no outlets for escape. A secure fence for one breed may not be secure to the greyhound – as I learned when visiting my mother who lives 600 miles away. She had a dog and a fenced yard – safe secure yard right?? So, after the long drive, I put the dogs from the van into the back yard. I walked into the house and no sooner heard tags jingling out front! What a shock when I saw all 8 greyhounds walking down the street!!! The fencing was chain link and had the normal gate. But one of the hounds flipped the latch with their muzzle and they all walked out! Fortunately, they love to drive and all ran back into the van. But my heart had sunk to my feet and I couldn’t stop shaking!!!

I read once where TRUST can be a deadly disease. You may think you have a well trained dog that will stay by your side. However, it only takes one time to learn the hard way. DON'T LET YOUR GREYHOUND OFF LEAD – EVER!!!

Greyhounds in the Yard

Greyhounds love to run. Your yard will become their new race track, no matter how large or small. Make sure your yard is a safe place. Avoid wounds by picking up anything, including sticks and branches that could pierce his feet when running. Place lawn ornaments where the dog will not run into them. Use caution with garden fencing and tomato cages. The running greyhound may not see them and become tangled and result in serious injury. If there are pipes or spikes sticking up that can not be moved, place something over it – like a large bucket. Take caution with plants and shrubs – thorns can easily rip the thin skin of your greyhound.

In ground pools can be a challenge. Greyhounds do not make good swimmers!! Your greyhound will need to learn his boundaries. Be prepared to have to retrieve him at least once until he learns!

Greyhounds, Doors and Their Bolting Instinct

Show your Greyhound you love him by protecting him from his natural instinct to run! Your greyhound’s training has taught him that when the starting box door goes up, he is expected to bolt out and run and run and run. Therefore, it will be EXTREMELY IMPORTANT for you to always know where your greyhound is, and secure him, before opening a door whether it be your front door, garage door or car door. If possible, use baby gates to keep the dog from having access to a door that does not lead into a fenced area. If young children are present, keep a lock on the door, high enough that the child can not reach it. Placing a sign on the door – FAST DOG LIVES HERE CAUTION WHEN OPENING ! – may help serve as a reminder to all family members or to frequent guests who may not be familiar with the greyhound. If possible, use only one entrance/exit that would be most secure.

Feeding

Feeding: Most greyhounds eat about 4-6 cups of dry kibble a day. They are used to being fed twice a day, morning and evening. It is best to use a good quality dry dog food that does not contain soy, preservatives, or a lot of corn. Normally the dog food found in your grocery store is not recommended. Go to your local pet store and read the lists of ingredients. There are many good brands available.

Treats should be limited. Dog biscuits should not be colored with artificial coloring. Remember the greyhound is an athlete. You don’t want to let him get FAT. Their life expectancy is reduced by as much as 30% if they are fat. They should be lean but not ribby!

Greyhounds and: Cats

Amazingly, most greyhounds live peacefully with cats. Approximately 45% of the dogs adopted through Team Greyhound currently live with cats. We have several foster homes who have cats. We will recommend a dog that is cat safe. The home visit allows us to try the dog with your cat to see how they will do together. It will also help to demonstrate the proper introduction of cat and dog.

Greyhounds And: Other Dogs

Most greyhounds get along fine with other breeds. Many live with small dogs as well as larger dogs. Often it is the other dog that won't immediately accept the greyhound into its home. Usually it is just an initial adjustment for your dog to allow the greyhound into his/her territory. Again, introduction is very important and is best done on neutral territory. We recommend taking both dogs on leashes outside of the home. Let them meet and sniff. Walk them down the street and back. Then we try inside. We do this with you so you can see how they will get along.

Greyhounds and: Birds and Other Critters

Like your other pets, the greyhound needs to be introduced properly and learn that these critters are not his toys. Teaching the greyhound what you expect of him/her is very important. Keep the greyhound leashed, muzzled and by your side. Use a firm NO with any aggressive behavior. It may be best to keep the dog in a separate room from a flying bird since the temptation may be too great.

Greyhounds And: Leashes and Fenced Areas

All greyhounds adopted through Team Greyhound are required to be leash walked or kept in a completely enclosed area. The natural instinct of the sight hound is to chase a moving object. If your dog has sighted on any moving object, his instinct to chase will kick in and he will be gone at about 40 miles per hour. They can cover a large distance in a short period of time.

Most greyhounds are not fence jumpers. Your fence should be secure and high enough to keep the average dog from going over. Some greyhounds however, may jump. There are various approaches to keeping a jumper contained which we will discuss with you. During times such as the Fourth of July or New Years Eve, when folks like to celebrate with noisy fireworks, it is best to keep the greyhound in the house until the turmoil has ended. Sometimes dogs who have never jumped a fence may become “spooked” by the noise and possibly jump over.