Hey i have been thinking about adopting a greyhound through the GAP program. Thought id see if anyone has done so before and to see whats involved including costs etc.

If anyone can help me please reply.

Thanks

Are you ready to adopt?

What follows are the realities of adding a new member to your family.

When you adopt a greyhound, you are making a commitment to care for that dog for the rest of its life. Adoption means to permanently accept the new pet into one's life which includes sickness and in health, good times and bad, and through all the changes of life. The Greyhound Adoption Program will take back any dog it has placed for any reason; having said this, please consider a few things before you adopt.

If you are thinking of adopting a retired racer realize that you are considering a dog that has had nothing asked of it except to run fast. GAP fosters the greyhounds to help prepare them for life in a domestic environment. We housebreak, introduce the dog to children and small animals, teach the dog to navigate stairs and generally assist the dog with its adjustment into normal household life.

Training should not end at adoption. New adopters are encouraged to and should take their dogs to a basic canine obedience class. Doing so helps owner-dog communication, builds confidence and aids bonding. Behaviour problems are often cited as reasons for returning the dog to GAP. In most cases simple training techniques can be employed to alter most troublesome behaviours. Most people give up on a good dog too soon because they are not willing to make an effort to work through a trying situation. Living with a dog can be difficult from time to time.

A dog is capable of doing things, usually the wrong things, when you least expect it. A growl, snap or bite can occur with any dog and one incident should not be grounds for divorce. In many situations, there can be extenuating circumstances that provoked the dog to react the way it did; it does not mean the dog is aggressive. Likewise, an occasional housebreaking incident should be expected. Like you, your dogs body is subject to fluctuations that may mean an isolated instance of house soiling. In the case of any strange or different behaviour by your dog, we ask that you call us. We can help get you and your dog back on track.

It's going to take some time for your dog to learn your routine. Bonding does not happen overnight. As you introduce your dog to your family routines and he becomes comfortable, he will learn to trust you. Relationships take time to develop, so you will have to be patient.

Vet visits are something else to keep in mind. Besides the yearly vaccinations, your dog may experience sickness and injury which can require a visit to your Emergency Vet Clinic. How are your finances? Are you going to be able to get your dog to a vet when your dog needs to go?

Long term plans need to be examined. Are you planning on getting married? Are there children (or more children) in your future? Are you planning on moving? Dogs have been returned for all of these reasons. Your canine member of the family IS a member of the family, however, unfortunately, the most disposable member of the family.

If it doesn’t seem like the right time, WAIT! There will always be a dog available for you. Wait for that time when the dog can be a loved and cherished member of your family.

Please think about what you’ve just read. You are now ready to take the first step in making the decision on adopting or not adopting a greyhound.

Why do greyhounds make good pets?
Greyhounds are quiet, well mannered, and very easy to live with. They are friendly, affectionate, lazy, calm, clean, loving, trusting and good-natured.

Do retired racing greyhounds adjust quickly to life as a pet?
Yes. Greyhounds are fostered by GAP for around two months to expose them to as many new things as possible, and the dogs are quite settled in a family environment well before the foster time is through. Greyhounds thrive on human companionship and bond very quickly. Bonding usually only takes a matter of days, and becoming accustomed to a new routine and environment generally only takes a few weeks. The older greyhounds tend to be better mannered from the start while the younger dogs are generally more curious and active.

Do retired greyhounds require a lot of exercise?
No. Greyhounds are sprinters and as such, tire very quickly. They enjoy, but are not dependent on , moderate exercise. In most homes, the shared experience of a short brisk walk once a day, or every second day, is enough to keep both the adopter and the adoptee in good physical health. They can make good jogging companions, but only after they are properly conditioned for long distances.

Do greyhounds have to be muzzled in public?
It is ONLY those greyhounds adopted as pets from GAP, and wearing the green GAP identification collar, that are exempt from being muzzled in public. ALL other greyhounds, whether they are current or retired racing greyhounds or greyhounds adopted as pets privately or from a shelter or rescue group, MUST by law be muzzled in public.

Do greyhounds make good guard dogs?
No. Greyhounds are placid, friendly animals who are not protective about their property or people. They tend not to bark, and rarely alert owners to the arrival of strangers at their home.

Can greyhounds be let off lead?
In public places, abolutely not. It is both illegal and extremely unsafe to allow your dog to run off lead. This includes off leash dog parks. Greyhounds are one of the fastest land mammals, with speeds reaching 67 kmp. Horses, by comparison, have been known to reach 70 kmp. If you think that you will simply run and catch your greyhound if he bolts, consider this: a sprinting man can run only 44 kph. Therefore, catching a running greyhound is only slightly less difficult than catching a running horse - impossible. Greyhounds have been bred for thousands of years for one thing: speed. In the case of retired racers, the situation is more acute because they have had the speed and chase mentality reinforced in them from the moment they were born. Once a greyhound spots something in the distance, they will be off to investigate and more times than not they won't come back. Greyhounds also have no road sense and can easily run out on the road and get hit by a car. Due to the speed at which they run, greyhounds can quickly get lost or seriously injured or killed should they step in a pot hole, hit a stick or fence or slip on uneven ground.

There are safe, fully fenced areas in Victoria where it is legal to allow a greyhound off lead. Please contact GAP for more information.

Are the greyhounds for adoption house-trained?
Most of our dogs are house-trained before being adopted. Greyhounds are intelligent, clean animals who learn very quickly. As they are already kennel trained, house-training is usually quickly learnt. You should, however, expect some accidents until a routine has been established.

What ages are available, and how long do greyhounds live for?
Our dogs are generally around two years of age, but it is standard for GAP to have a range from eighteen months right up to eight years at any given time. The adapatable, stable and loving nature of the greyhound predisposes an easy transition to companion dog regardless of age. Generally, younger dogs will be more active, while the older dogs will be more quiet and well-mannered. The expected lifespan of a greyhound is twelve to fifteen years.

What is the average size of a greyhound?
Male greyhounds are taller than females, weighing from 30 to 45kg and standing from 65 to 75cm at the shoulder. The females can weigh from 25 to 35kg and stand from 60 to 70cm at the shoulder.

What colour are greyhounds?
The most common colours are black, brindle and fawn. Other colours include blue and white, and a combination of these colours (e.g. black and white). It is important to note that GAP does not select dogs by colour.

Do females make better pets than males?
No. There is little difference between males and females, except that the males are larger. Female greyhounds tend to be more independent and stubborn, while males are generally more affectionate and easy going.

Are greyhounds good with children?
Retired racing greyhounds are very tolerant with children. If a child becomes overbearing, the dog will usually walk away rather than snap or growl. Male greyhounds can be better with children than female greyhounds - females can sometimes regard children as puppies. It is in their nature to discipline their own puppies when they get too boisterous, and some do the same with human children. This is usually evidenced by growling or barking when their patience has been pushed to the limit. Males, however, tend to see children as siblings, and are more likely to enjoy playing with them. As with all breeds of dogs, small children should never be left unsupervised with your greyhound.

Are greyhounds good with other dogs?
Greyhounds have been well socialized and are friendly by nature. They get along well with other dogs, althouth they may not play with them. Common sense should be exercised during the introductory period and supervised feeding is always recommended in a multi-pet household.

Are greyhounds good with other animals?
It depends on the dog. While some greyhounds are not suitable for homes with small animals such as cats and rabbits, a lot are. At GAP we test our dogs very thoroughly to ensure that a correct match between greyhound and adopter is achieved. Care should be taken when introducing your new greyhound to your cat and they should never be left alone together until you are sure there are no problems.

What happens if things don't work out?
All adoptions should be undertaken with the expectation that your new pet will be with you for life. However, GAP will always reclaim greyhounds should your situation change or in the unlikely event that you are unhappy with the dog.

What does it cost to adopt a greyhound?
GAP is a non-profit department of Greyhound Racing Victoria. An adoption fee of $200 (including GST) per dog is a donation which only partially defrays the following pre-adoption services:

* Vaccination
* Sterilization
* Microchipping
* Heartworm testing
* Worming
* Teeth cleaning
* Nail trimming
* Health exam
* Grooming
* Temperament testing
* Telephone information
* Printed materials
* Post adoption support
* Basic obedience training
* Obedience lesson in your home

In addition to the above, your greyhound will also be supplied with a coat to keep him warm and a special collar that identifies him as a GAP dog, allowing him to be walked in public without a muzzle.

From GAP Greyhound Racing Victoria : Tel: (03) 5799 2909 Address: PO Box 785, Seymour, VIC 3661 Email: gap@grv.org.au

__________________
Team Bundy Syndicates - team-bundy.com
Since 2006 : 50+ Syndicates, Members Worldwide : Greyhounds across Australia!
2009 Tally - (100) 13-14-11
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Thanks bundy.

Still not sure if i will or not as i might be buying my own racing dog in which i will keep as a pet after it has retired.

Thanks for the info though.

Hi

A family member of mine adopated a x racer. The dog didnt go through the gap program it went straight to her from a trainer ( the trainer use to let the dog go in side so it was house broken). She says it the best thing she did the greyhound has fitted into the family really well it has full use of the house and she has 3 children and a cat. She kept the muzzle on for first few days. She was going to send the dog to gap but has found out there was no need to. The dog sleeps with the cat and there has been no problems. I think like any animal it has to have the right personality. I do know one thing greyhounds make wicked pets and we look forward to our racer joining our family once it retires.

Yeah i have heard that they are great pets although if i do adopt i will be getting one through the GAP program as they do a lot of work training it so that they are people friendly and are use to home living.

Yes it is the best way to go and it is a great way to save a life ;o)

My boy Harry didnt go thru GAP but I have trained him just as they would. Gee he is one of the best things I have ever done, bringing him home as a pet.

__________________
Team Bundy Syndicates - team-bundy.com
Since 2006 : 50+ Syndicates, Members Worldwide : Greyhounds across Australia!
2009 Tally - (100) 13-14-11
Home of Jamella Ad - Beaten Akka Boy, Beejays Delight, First Innings, Wattle Weary and more!

He is soo cute bundy
Crazy eyes in the last picture though.

What do they cost per week to keep?
Also how much excercise should they receive.

Think the eyes are just from the flash...

They are rather cheap to look after as pets, a bag of 20kg kibble will last you a few months and you can get elcheapo stuff for approx $20 a bag.

Although Ive kept Harry on a full racing diet and still run him with the race dogs, you dont have too, buy them Pal if you want too. One thing though with Greyhounds is to worm them often, this can be costly but also quite necessary.

Exercise, well, they will either spend all day sleeping, pinching your bed or couch (I used to have to carry him upstairs with me each night to sleep on my bed when in Adelaide) a few quick walks every week will be sufficent. People think as they are racing greyhounds that they need a lot of exercise but no - remembering in a race or trial its all over in under a minute.

Anyone out there who does end up taking one as a pet, both Jaime and myself would be more than happy to assist you with questions and help you along the way. Feel free to ask us at any time.

Regards
Bundy


Being Cute as always....


Gotta have my Maccas!!!


Watching SKY Channel, box draws, nervous moment!


Boo!


Food PLEASE!!

__________________
Team Bundy Syndicates - team-bundy.com
Since 2006 : 50+ Syndicates, Members Worldwide : Greyhounds across Australia!
2009 Tally - (100) 13-14-11
Home of Jamella Ad - Beaten Akka Boy, Beejays Delight, First Innings, Wattle Weary and more!

This is my best buddie Jade - she is an ex racer of mine, dual city winner and the one who got me hooked for life.



Life would be boring as hell without, and it was heart breaking when i almost lost her 5 weeks ago.

This is her when Brad (Bundy) and i took her for a free gallop. She loves watching others run and having a bark.

YouTube - Fat Jade is Fat Fat Fat and Fat

Theyre a friend for life and so lovable. Characters and life of the party.