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and can make extremely gentle and loving companions. There are specialist rescue organizations for the breed, which not only rehome ex-racers but actually go to the race tracks in Spain (where greyhounds are frequently ill treated) and buy them back. These dogs are then re-homed in Britain or in Europe.
National charities
There are national charities that never put down any dog unless he is very old and infirm and, no matter what is done to help him, can never have any quality of life. Both Battersea Dogs’ Home and the National Canine Defence League (NCDL) give dogs of all breeds, including abandoned mongrels, a chance by re-training them, treating their ailments and matching them very carefully with potential owners. Owners are at liberty to return any dog that fails to fit into the new home, and further efforts will be made to re-home the dog, no matter how long it takes.
Choosing a rescue dog
The problem when looking for a rescue dog is their beguiling eyes. Every one will touch the heart but you must be practical. You will have decided on the most suitable size and how much time you are prepared to spend on grooming the coat. It is in the interests of the rescue centre to match you with a suitable dog so listen carefully to their advice, speak to the person who normally walks the dog you are interested in, and ask them questions.
A surplus of greyhounds bred for the circuit means that many are abandoned by their owners – but they can make wonderful, gentle pets. (© Jean-Michel Labat)
The dog may be suspicious at the start but don’t worry, this is natural. He should come to you after about five minutes. However, if he shows any aggression, then beware. If he lies on his back urinating slightly, he is being submissive, which is acceptable in puppies but not in adult dogs. There is always a gamble with a rescue dog because his history is usually unknown, and great patience from all the family will be needed.
• Sit quietly without making direct eye contact with the dog but keep observing him and his reactions to you.
• Offer him a small treat or piece of food and watch his reaction. Does he snatch it or refuse it?
• Ask the staff whether you can observe the dog’s behaviour when he is placed with other dogs.
• Put a lead on the dog and take him for a short walk. Note how he reacts to you. Then put him back in the kennel and invite him out again.
There is no magic formula for selecting the right dog from either a rescue centre or from a litter of puppies at the breeder’s kennels. It is best that the entire family go together to make a choice, as everybody, including the children, should be there to express their opinion.
Dogs From Rescue Centres
Staff at rescue centres are deeply concerned that the right dog goes to the right family, and they will ask you about your house and garden, whether there will be anybody at home during the day to look after the dog and also whether you have any other pets. You will be shown dogs that have been carefully assessed and will be told candidly if, in the opinion of the kennel staff, there are likely to be any problems.
Before the dog is allowed to leave the kennels there will almost certainly be a home visit as the centre staff will wish to satisfy themselves that your home is suitable for the dog. For instance, they have to ensure that your garden is escape-proof if you want a terrier-type dog and that there are no steep stairs if you wish to adopt a big, elderly dog.
One of the most difficult tasks facing any dog lover is to walk along a corridor that is lined with kennels, each containing one or more dogs – their eyes will touch all hearts and in fact it is often better to let the dog make the choice. Families looking for a pet will be allowed to stay in a room with the dog and this is the moment to find out if he likes the family. Re-homing staff often report how a dog, may be indifferent to one family and yet go for another in a big way.
There are disadvantages to getting a dog from one of the charities, the main one being that the dog is likely to have been a stray, either lost or abandoned by the previous owners, and nobody will have any idea of his previous life, how much training he has received, any illness he may have suffered or whether he has been abused or ill treated in any way. The staff will have gone to considerable trouble to find and correct any behaviour problems but in the privacy of a home the dog may lack confidence and be troubled by the alien atmosphere. New owners will require a lot of patience until the dog understands his place and what is expected of him. It is, however, quite remarkable how quickly a rescue dog will attach himself to a new family if he is shown kindness.
The agency should supply you with the dog’s veterinary record so that in the event of illness or accident your vet will know what treatment has been administered. There will also be a record of your pet’s vaccinations, which you will want to keep up to date. A dog’s digestive system cannot cope with sudden changes of diet, and you should receive a small quantity of his regular food. If you want to change his food, you should do it gradually over several days by increasing the amount of new food each day while reducing the old food.
Settling into a new home
When you collect your rescue dog or puppy, there is a possibility that he may be travel sick as he might never have travelled in a car before. Although this can often be controlled, it is always advisable to consult your vet on the subject. Do not be tempted to try out home remedies; you must be sure that any medicine used contains nothing that will harm the dog. In his new home the dog must not be pressurized; he should be allowed to find his own level. Put a basket or bed in a draught-free corner with something soft and comfortable for him to lie on. This bed must be inviolable and once he goes to it for a rest he must not be disturbed.
Let your children handle the new dog under your supervision. They will soon accept him. (Vanessa Nel)
The children must not smother him with love to start with – a tickle under the chin, a pat on the head and a few soothing words will be sufficient. He will let you know when he wants more. Be patient, take your time and before you know it the dog will be your faithful companion.
Dogs like routine. Your dog will like to know that he is fed at the same time each day and taken out at the same time. He will have preferences for food but he should not be spoilt; otherwise you may train him only to eat chicken! Try to persuade the children not to feed him titbits at meal times as some dogs tend to get fat.
The dog may have had some training or he may never have experienced it at all so it would be an excellent idea to take him to a local training class. It can be a fun evening for your children, especially if your dog is to be trained into the Kennel Club’s Good Citizens Scheme, which, when he passes simple tests, will award the children a certificate.
Pedigree Puppies
You may opt to start from scratch and buy a pedigree puppy. If you have done your research you will have probably got down to a shortlist of two or three breeds you like. You should now try to find a suitable breeder. You can do this by contacting them at a dog show, but bear in mind that many of the minority breeds have only a few breeders in the country and you may have to go on a waiting list for a puppy. The choice of the breeder is really important so if you don’t like him or her do not buy a puppy from them. The ideal breeder has a policy of breeding sound dogs, both mentally and physically, will take advantage of all the modern veterinary technology as far as genetic tests are concerned, and will be interested in the puppy’s future life. In fact, the purchase of a puppy can often be the start of a lifelong friendship.
You must be prepared for some searching questions about your lifestyle, and, in return, the good breeder will not be offended if you ask leading questions about their breeding history.
Which Sex?
The choice between a dog and bitch is not easy. Bitches are presumed