FestiveSpirit
Well-Known Member
I'm sure the charity your greyhounds came from would not be too pleased knowing that they are supposed to be retired yet still used for catching rabbits.
You are obviously upset that i stated 2x15 minute walks instead of 2x 20 minute walks and for that i apologise. Reallty quite petty dont you think.
I dont know if you realise that the greyhounds are actually trained to chase and kill, yes it is in their breeding but the actual training plays a huge part. So to make out its ok for them to be going round killing rabbits because its in their breeding is rubbish, I have been un learning what my greyhound has learned and it is going very well, we have a pet rabbit which she went beserk about when she first saw it but now she doesnt bat an eyelid at it while it is out in its run.
On a different note i would love to know how you taught your dogs recall mid chase? And how you taught them you find it ok for them to kill rabbits but not dogs and cats?
Some people just enjoy seeing things run for their life then die
Please read my original post properly. I clearly stated that my greyhounds sometimes come across rabbits during the course of their daily walks, and occasionally have been known to chase and kill them. This does not mean that I use my greyhounds for catching rabbits, it means they sometimes do - shock horror - if THEY wish to do so!!!!! I am extremely friendly with the rescue organisation where my dogs have all come from, and I am quite happy for you to contact them and tell them this happens if you like - PM me and I will give you their details
As for greyhounds having to be trained to chase and kill - rather than doing it by instinct - I am absolutely PMSL sitting at my desk here! I have had two show-bred whippets which had never seen a rabbit in their lives until they chased their first one through pure instinct... also my second greyhound has never been trained or raced as she did not grow large enough, so she was dumped in Ireland and was rescued as a starvation case. Yet strangely she still chases rabbits without any prompting from me/any other human/any other dog.
In addition I am not remotely "upset" by your responses, I merely pointed out that exercise OFF the lead is infinitely preferable for a greyhound, which is a sprinting dog and likes short bursts of intense activity rather than hours (or minutes) of plodding along on a lead.
I have not taught my dogs to return to me "mid-chase" as you suggest, I simply do not allow them to get into a position whereby they might chase little fluffies when I dont want them to. I have had sighthounds for the past 20 years now and have NEVER had an instance where they have chased a pet cat or dog, I ensure that I keep a watchful eye to prevent this situation happening.
As for some people enjoying "seeing things run for their life then die" then I will have to take your word on that, you obviously know far more than I on that matter