Home

About

Greyhound Care

Jack

George

Jerry

Tegan

Buttons

Jet

Mouse

Links

Guestbook

Send e-mail to Fiona

Aggression Towards Other Dogs

Occasionally greyhounds that are perfectly friendly with other greyhounds, will show aggression towards other breeds of dog. This is usually due to a lack of exposure and socialisation with anything except their litter and then later kennel mates. This can be overcome by giving your dog time to work out that dogs come in different shapes and sizes. Rather than avoiding areas popular with other dogs and their owners, it is important to take your dog to these places as often as possible (this works on the same principle that children who are never allowed to watch the television are consequently far more excited and absorbed by it, than their peers who have had greater exposure).

To begin with your dog should always be kept on a lead until you have had the opportunity to observe how he reacts in a variety of situations. If you know that there will be lots of other dogs around, and you are worried that they may approach your dog, then it is best to keep a muzzle on him, again until you know how he will react. It is not law to have a greyhound muzzled in public once his racing career is finished, but initially it can prevent problems, and make you more confident when handling your dog.

Attending dog training classes is another good way to expose your dog to lots of others in a controlled situation, with the added back up of experienced people on hand to assist and advise. If after providing many opportunities for you dog to come into contact with other dogs he is still showing aggression, the same method as outlined above for cats and squirrels can be used. Do try to remember though that other dog owners will not always understand why you are throwing things near their dog! However if it was their dog that was off the lead and approaching yours then they should have checked that this was OK before allowing their dog to approach. Most people are pretty reasonable if you take the time to explain the situation, as many are well aware of the plight facing ex-racing greyhounds.Above all please bear in mind that like people, every dog is different, and will react in different ways to the experiences that life has dealt them so far. They will take time to adjust to their new lifestyle, and many ‘problems’

Back to Greyhound Care Page