Greyhounds with other pets

--When introducing your new greyhound to small dogs, cats or other small household pets, common sense and caution should rule.   ALWAYS use a muzzle and leash for introductions.

--Don't let your current pet feel threatened or become jealous over the attention the new greyhound is getting.

--Never assume your greyhound will be fine around all cats and/or small dogs just because there is no problem with your current cat or small dog.

--Outdoors, all small animals including your own, must always be considered fair game to a greyhound.   

--A greyhound, being a sight-hound hunter, will chase anything that runs.  The greyhound may unintentionally harm a small fleeing animal.

--If you live in a neighborhood with free-roaming pets, particularly cats, you may want to forewarn your neighbors.  It is too much to ask of any animal to not chase a strange animal that enters their fenced yard unannounced.

Dog Introductions

--If your current pet is a dog, it is wise to introduce him/her to the new greyhound on neutral territory with both animals on lead and muzzled.

--Don’t be concerned if your greyhound seems confused or wary with another breed of dog.  Many greyhounds have spent their lives only with other greyhounds so they may not immediately understand what this other creature is that is greeting them.

--Be sure to direct your dog during the introductions.  Dogs meeting face to face is considered assertive behavior in dog language.  Avoid allowing them to stare at one another for an extended period of time since this will be seen as a challenge.  Head to butt is a non-assertive way for dogs to meet and greet one another.  Give them plenty of time to say hello and sniff.

--Talk to your dog and keep a firm grip their leash.  You want to be able to keep control of your dog to prevent injury.  You cannot do this on a very loose lead.

--You should not let multiple dogs out in the yard together without supervision.

--Do not leave your new greyhound loose and unattended with another dog.  Make sure your new greyhound is crated or muzzled if you are not around.

--Feed each dog in a separate area to prevent food aggression; at least until all the animals in the house are settled and comfortable with one another.

--Never assume a greyhound that is cat safe is small dog safe and vice versa.  Small dogs move, sound and behave differently than cats. 

Cat Introductions

--Although we cat test all our greyhounds, you should still be very cautious when introducing your greyhound to a new cat. The greyhound should always be muzzled, on leash and under your control during introductions with a cat.

--Introducing the greyhound and the cat shortly after entering the house works best.

--Bring the dog and cat into a room with your hound on leash and with a muzzle on. Let the hound investigate while your cat has freedom to leave.

--You want to get the point across that the cat is a member of the family and it is not fun to chase or otherwise harass this member of the family.   Immediately correct chasing or harassing behavior.   A squirt gun is one option to correct unwanted behavior.

--If the cat runs, the chase instinct will kick in and your new greyhound will probably chase the cat. This is where the "lap trick" seems to work well.  With the cat sitting on a lap, the cat can be kept relatively stationary for the initial introduction.

--Be sure to praise the greyhound for nicely sniffing and investigating the cat and then turning or walking away.  Any inappropriate behavior must be quickly and firmly discouraged.  Again, give a sharp "NO" to the dog while continuing to pet the cat.

--Be extra careful the first few weeks after your new greyhound arrives.  It is good to keep the dog muzzled around the cat at all times for the first several days.  Don't leave the cat and dog loose together in the house unsupervised.  Crate your greyhound when you leave home so he can't hurt the cat even by accident and they can get acquainted through the crate door, with no threat to either.

--Do not let children tease your greyhound with your cat or let them hold your cat over the dog's head.

--Keep all cat food and the litter box away from your dog.

--De-clawed cats, frightened or skittish animals must be closely monitored.  Always use a muzzle when in doubt.