Darmowa dostawa już od 99 złWhy are greyhounds raised a little differently?
Sighthounds are dogs with a unique temperament and character. Their slender build, impressive speed, and natural elegance make them particularly appealing to dog lovers. However, raising them can be a challenge due to their specific needs and personality traits. In this article, you will learn about the most important aspects of raising a sighthound.
Understanding the nature of the greyhound
Sighthounds are dogs that were originally bred for hunting, mainly fast-moving game. Their natural hunting instincts are highly developed, which means they may be inclined to chase fast-moving objects – whether animals, vehicles, or playing children. This is why understanding these instincts is crucial in the training process.
Socialisation from puppyhood
Socialisation is one of the most important aspects of raising any dog, and in the case of a sighthound, it becomes especially significant. Introducing a puppy early on to different environments, situations, as well as contact with other animals and people, will help it grow into a confident and well-balanced dog. Sighthounds are naturally gentle and friendly, but they can be a little shy around strangers. Proper socialisation will help prevent issues with excessive fearfulness.
Positive reinforcement training
Sighthounds are intelligent but also independent dogs. Training them using positive reinforcement methods – such as treats, praise, or chasing a toy – brings the best results. Punishing a sighthound for unwanted behaviour can lead to trust issues and damage the relationship with the owner, so it’s better to focus on rewarding desirable behaviours.
Teaching basic commands
Although greyhounds are very intelligent, their independent nature means that learning basic commands may require more patience than with other breeds. Due to their strong prey drive, recall training should be a top priority. This will give the owner better control in situations where the dog spots a potential “prey”. However, it’s important to be aware that instinct can always take over, so letting a greyhound off the lead is only 100% safe in a secure, enclosed area.
Exercise Requirements
Although greyhounds are calm at home, they require a significant amount of physical activity. These dogs need regular opportunities to run in order to meet their physical needs. A lack of exercise can lead to behavioural problems, so it’s important to provide daily physical stimulation. Greyhounds are sprinters, so short, intense running sessions are ideal—preferably in a safe, enclosed area. Playtime with other dogs is also beneficial (note: greyhounds usually get on best with other greyhounds, as they may be too energetic for dogs of other breeds), as well as lure coursing sessions. Gentle, regular walks at a moderate pace are also important, allowing the dog to explore its surroundings.
Summary
Raising a greyhound is a demanding but deeply rewarding task. With the right approach, an understanding of the dog’s needs, and plenty of patience, a greyhound will become a loyal, calm, and well-balanced companion. Investing time in socialisation, basic training, and sufficient exercise is key to enjoying a fulfilling relationship with this unique breed.
