![[NSW] Greyhound Adoption $75 (Usually $250) @ Greyhound Adoption Program NSW](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/16/902616.jpg?h=027540b3)
Multiple locations across NSW on Saturday and Sunday:
26 April
Wagga Wagga, Kembla Grange
27 April
Moore Park, Tamworth, Bathurst, Speers Point
”The best chance to get to know your new best friend. Our dog adoption days let you meet all types of greyhounds with unique personalities. We promise that you’ll fall in love with at least one special friend following a session of patting, cuddling and scratching at a pet adoption day. Learn everything that you need to know about the adoption journey and get a feel for which pet might be the best fit for your family. We place greyhounds in homes based on their personality so everyone gets a perfect match. Feel free to ask away and our friendly team will answer all of your questions. A dog adoption day with Greyhounds As Pets is the first step towards bringing a four-legged friend into your life.”
In anticipation of the usual questions, and I'm happy to update if there are others:
If I adopt a greyhound am I supporting dog racing?
Indirectly, yes. Greyhound racing has a social licence predicated on rehousing unwanted animals. But these animals need homes, greyhounds are amazing pets, and you can campaign against dog racing with extra cred ("As the owner of a rescue greyhound…")
Do greyhounds need more care/attention/exercise than other dogs?
No, although every dog is different. Greyhounds are famously lazy, and sleep 16-20 hours a day. A good 30 minute walk each day is generally enough, and space for zoomies is appreciated. There are some common health issues, but less than most purebred dogs. They do not need regular teeth brushing, but should get regular bones/chews.
Do I need to muzzle a greyhound in public?
(NSW) Not unless they are off-lead. Greyhounds typically have terrible recall, and are not generally suited to being off-lead other than in enclosed spaces. If your greyhound has not been assessed and issued a Green Hound collar, they must be either on-lead or muzzled.
Can I train a greyhound for obedience?
Yes, despite having a reputation for low intelligence, greyhounds can be trained. As a sight-hound they may be less food-focused than other dogs, but they resppnd well to repetition, exposure, and positive attention. Despite training, a greyhound may not return when called (recall) if their prey drive is activated, and should be kept on leash in public. Greyhounds typically do not sit like other dogs due to their hip arrangement, but can be trained to squat down on the haunches or lower their chest only.
Do greyhounds bark?
Generally no, but depends on the dog. Greyhounds are more likely to whine than bark, although training helps minimise whining
Will greyhounds attack cats or other dogs?
With training and exposure, generally no, but this can be a long process (e.g. months) especially with dogs that raced. If you already have cats or dogs you should introduce them to the greyhound before adoption. Greys respond well to exposure and modelling. If you regularly walk your grey past triggers at a safe distance while modelling and encouraging non-reactive behaviour most can learn to be calm around most animals.
Is there anything else I should know?
- GAP NSW provide a lot of support materials covering all aspects of greyhound behaviour, adoption, health etc.
- It takes up to 3 months for a greyhound to fully trust you and be comfortable. Until then their personality will slowly reveal itself. Freezing/statuing is very common in new adoptees, and you can't hurry a frozen greyhound.
- Greyhounds can live indoors or outdoors depending on your climate, and even in apartments - GAP can help you find the right dog for your circumstances.
- Squeaky toys are often a winner with greys, and a new toy will make them light up with joy.
Beautiful lazy dogs but they're for life, not for the long weekend.