Retired Racing Greyhound Around A Bichon Maltese?
Filed under Care & Training Q&As
I found the cutest puppy- a bichon maltese mix that I would love to get. The problem is that my sister is getting a retired racing greyhound who just turned 3, and they are trained to kill small animals. They say no cats, rabbits, etc.. What about a white little dog? Her dog will occassionally be at my house, and me there. But not to often as we live 4 hours apart. I’m not sure yet the temperment of her new dog, but they think it may be cat safe. Can the greyhound be trained to accept my little white dog, or should i forget it???
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Please only considered the informed answers here. Greys (and ANY dog) should be evaluated on a case by case basis. If the grey is cot tollerant, chances are things will be fine. I would introduce them with extreme care on neutral territory, (ask the adoption group and they might offer some specific tips.. if not come back here) and NEVER leave them alone. use lures. I have two greys + one fluffy white cat who sleep together. But they did have to “earn” that trust.
Greys are not trained to kill. They have a prey drive. In some it is practically non-existent. Others want to hunt everything small that moves. It is 6000 years of breeding /instinct. Individual greys are either small animal safe or not. No amount of training will change that.
The white and fluffy has no merit. It is taboo in the industry to use live bait so they
I think if you guys live 4 hours apart, you should get whatever dog you want. I don’t know how often you’ll be seeing each other but I’m sure it won’t be that often so why should you not get the dog you want becuase of it. I don’t really think that greyhounds are actually trained to kill are they? Also I think if you don’t see your sister that often, it won’t matter what dog you get, you’re dogs won’t really get a chance to know each other anyway and you guys will have to work it out. Get the dog!!!!!
Greyhounds aren’t trained to kill small animals. They are trained to chase an inanimate “lure” at the racetrack. Some ex-racers will still be interested in chasing small critters that run away from them (cats, small dogs). But most greyhounds that have been put up for adoption have been tested to see if they are safe in this kind of situation. Your sister should know ahead of time if her dog is cat/small animal safe.
If she doesn’t know, there are ways of introducing the greyhound to the small dog, using a muzzle.
Greyhounds are funny this way: Some do, and some don’t.
There are some greys that will do fine with cats … pretty much anything except rabbits (I’ve yet to meet one that could handle that!)
The only way to know is to make a tentative introduction.
I’ve heard of people trying to de-train “keen”ness from greys for small animals. I’ve never heard of a wholly satisfactory solution.
So … the only way to know is to tentatively do an introduction. You’ll know in 30 seconds.
If the grey sits down, wags and salivates like you are about to give him a dog treat … best to not go this route.
It could Is there any way you can keep them separated when they are over?
My daughter has a part greyhound and would kill my cats if given the chance. I keep her dog separated (all in different rooms, rotating after a few hours so all gets attention) It’s hard at first but you just adjust. Her dog is a sweetie but not to be trusted around fuzzy little animals.
As long as you constantly supervise the two together and watch for any attempt to attack you should be fine. Once the greyhound discovers that the Bichon is a playmate they should be fine, but supervision is good! One question about the greyhound, how much socialization with other dogs has he had?
I would be very hesitant to have the two together. Small white dogs tend to be targeted more than any other dogs because they look (and even sometimes sound) like prey, such as rabbits. You can work with a trainer to help the greyhound accept the pup, if that is needed. However, this would be predatory aggression, which isn’t anything you can really “train out” of a dog. It can be managed, but not extinguished. Unless the greyhound has been tested around a bunch of cats and small dogs, I wouldn’t have them together.
I wouldn’t risk it- the lures they use are typically pieces of white rabbit fur. Small white dogs are known to trigger prey reactions in many hunting dogs. I think it’d be asking for trouble.
FIRST OF ALL, they are NOT trained to kill small animals!!! They are sighthounds, and that is the “prey” instinct. IF your sister gets a grey from a reputable adoption agency, they will have “cat tested” it and “small dog tested” it as well. Find that info out first. Greyhounds are wonderful pets and often do perfectly fine with smaller dogs. Your home is yours and if you wish to get a puppy, that is your choice in your home. Your sister can purchase a muzzle for her grey to wear when they first meet just in case.
Greyhounds are usually good with other dogs, and should recognise a dog regardless of its breed. It will probably be fine.
Most rescues also test their dogs before rehoming them to see if they are safe with other dogs, cats etc. Your sister may be able to find out this info.
Just to be on the safe side you should introduce them safely, e.g. both on a leash – maybe with the greyhound muzzled.
If it doesn’t behave, then just train it hard battle style.
Give it a few whacks with a knotted rope or a chain every day until it becomes more submissive.