Can I have a reality check/dog people thoughts please!

Pearlsasinger said:
The brown Lab that we took on at 5 months has separation anxiety, even though we have 2 older dogs to keep her company, a relatively mild case but still. She doesn't like her people to go out without her, even singly and does like to follow us round the house.
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Mine was like this, she used to literally nearly cry when Mr AP went out without us it was awful. We did get there but I'm aware it's not possible for all dogs though.

I'm loving the anecdotes about mostly men who didn't want dogs, my dad told me not to get a dog even though it was nothing to do with him and now it's 'will i scramble her an egg?' 'when is she coming to visit again?'
 
As much as it’s a lovely idea to get a rescue, I would caution that approach given your lukewarm approach to dogs. Most come with a bit of baggage and I think the idea is more wonderful than what can end up the reality, it would be awful if the dog didn’t quite fit in with the dream and you started to resent it.

IMO, in this situation specifically, optimise your chances of it fitting the dream and go for a reputable bred puppy.

Perhaps you should have a significant say on the breed given you will be the primary care giver!

And agree, whippet might be a good shout
 
ihatework said:
As much as it’s a lovely idea to get a rescue, I would caution that approach given your lukewarm approach to dogs. Most come with a bit of baggage and I think the idea is more wonderful than what can end up the reality, it would be awful if the dog didn’t quite fit in with the dream and you started to resent it.
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Yes, I do agree with you here. In someways it feels like we ought to get a rescue because we do have the time and space, but I don’t want to make my life difficult. OH is keen on going down the retired greyhound route but this needs a bit more research from my side as I have very limited experience of them.

Cloball said:
That said I don't have a dog for many of the reasons you have suggested I have a cat and a pony and with the pony being on livery I can still travel and have company in the house. Plus my cat does go for evening walks. Have you considered a cat? 😜
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Unfortunately OH is deathly allergic or we’d have several!

As expected, the heartwarming tales of not people not wanting dogs and becoming besotted are not helping my case!! I’m off to investigate whippet breeders and will talk to a friend who I know had been involved in fostering in the past…
 
VictoriaSponge said:
Yes, I do agree with you here. In someways it feels like we ought to get a rescue because we do have the time and space, but I don’t want to make my life difficult. OH is keen on going down the retired greyhound route but this needs a bit more research from my side as I have very limited experience of them.


Unfortunately OH is deathly allergic or we’d have several!

As expected, the heartwarming tales of not people not wanting dogs and becoming besotted are not helping my case!! I’m off to investigate whippet breeders and will talk to a friend who I know had been involved in fostering in the past…
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Ooh yes! I was literally just about to fly the rescue greyhound flag. Doooo it!! 😃😃
 
We have had two retired greyhounds. They are usually very easy, quiet dogs but they can be a liability when not on a lead and can become totally deaf even after extensive recall training if triggered to chase. If you decided a greyhound was the dog for you and are within a reasonable distance from Surrey I could recommend a rescue who do an outstanding job of getting ex racers ready to rehome and of matching dogs and prospective owners.
 
My sister has 2 at the moment, a boy and a girl. The boy is huge. She got the girl first, who was very nervous and didn't want to go in the house and the boy a couple of days later. The boy is outgoing and has helped the girl a lot. These are her fourth greys. She always goes to the greyhound rescues for them. She has a large house and land and always walks them on a lead.
 
planete said:
We have had two retired greyhounds. They are usually very easy, quiet dogs but they can be a liability when not on a lead and can become totally deaf even after extensive recall training if triggered to chase. If you decided a greyhound was the dog for you and are within a reasonable distance from Surrey I could recommend a rescue who do an outstanding job of getting ex racers ready to rehome and of matching dogs and prospective owners.
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Thank you, I’m a bit far north but I’m off to do some research as they do sound like a strong possibility
 
planete said:
We have had two retired greyhounds. They are usually very easy, quiet dogs but they can be a liability when not on a lead and can become totally deaf even after extensive recall training if triggered to chase. If you decided a greyhound was the dog for you and are within a reasonable distance from Surrey I could recommend a rescue who do an outstanding job of getting ex racers ready to rehome and of matching dogs and prospective owners.
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Husband dreams of long walks, does he want a dog that can go off lead, possibly a greyhound wouldn’t be ideal?
 
Cinnamontoast said:
Husband dreams of long walks, does he want a dog that can go off lead, possibly a greyhound wouldn’t be ideal?
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I agree but my husband has adapted. He goes off with our greyhound for half a day at the weekend regularly. Husband is botanising while dog roams around him doing doggy things attached to OH's dog walking belt by a 10 m. lead fastened to a harness. We used to take him to a fenced exercise field for a run but he was not very interested, he much prefers the endless sniffing opportunities of their long walks. He raced for several years then was in kennels in various rescues until seven years old before we got him. He now seems to love being a gentleman of leisure exploring the world quietly.
 
planete said:
I agree but my husband has adapted. He goes off with our greyhound for half a day at the weekend regularly. Husband is botanising while dog roams around him doing doggy things attached to OH's dog walking belt by a 10 m. lead fastened to a harness. We used to take him to a fenced exercise field for a run but he was not very interested, he much prefers the endless sniffing opportunities of their long walks. He raced for several years then was in kennels in various rescues until seven years old before we got him. He now seems to love being a gentleman of leisure exploring the world quietly.
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Bless him! My best friend is on her second ex-racer and to be fair, they have both been angels on the lead. I’ve rarely seen them at full pelt, but I watched one with my mouth hanging open in the park one day, absolutely incredible.
 
I have had four ex racing greyhounds, got through The Greyhound Trust (branches all over the UK). They are adaptable to your lifestyle. All have been house trained within two days. They are both muzzle and crate trained, neither of which have been needed for long after arriving here, but very useful at times over the years. Very good on lead, although the current one can become airborne with excitement, he never pulls.

I was brought up with terriers - fox and border, went onto border collies followed by GSD. Greyhounds are easier than all of the others.
 
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