Retired Racing Greyhounds For Dummies E-Book

Lee Livingood

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 416

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2011

Beschreibung

“The next best thing to having an experienced Greyhound owner living with you.”
—Joan Belle Isle, President, Greyhound Project

“Anyone who reads this book and follows its guidance will have a happier, healthier dog and be a happier, more relaxed dog owner.”
—Hal and Karen Hawley, Greyhound Friends Northwest

The Greyhound has been celebrated in song and legend for thousands of years. Nowadays, Greyhounds are bred almost exclusively for racing. In the bad old days, prior to the 1980s, dogs that didn’t make the grade at the track, and those past their primes, were destroyed. According to official estimates, 60,000 of these noble, mild-mannered dogs were destroyed each year! Fortunately, a number of organizations now exist devoted to rescuing these unwanted dogs and placing them in good homes.

Thinking about adopting a retired racing Greyhound? Or maybe you’re already sharing your life with one of these charming animals. Either way, this friendly guide tells you everything you need to know to:

• Understand the Greyhound personality
• Find a retired racing Greyhound to adopt
• Choose the right ex-racer for you and your family
• Educate yourself and your retired racer
• Give your new pal the diet and exercise it needs
• Keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come

With plenty of good humor and straight-talk, Lee Livingood drawing on her forty-years of experience training adult rescue dogs to cover all the pros and cons of being a retired racing Greyhound owner, and she fills you in on:

• The amazing 8000-year history of the Greyhound
• Deciding whether an ex-racer is the right do for you and your family
• Physical and behavioral characteristics
• How to get a retired racer used to living in a home and be a companion
• Dealing with common behavioral and health problems
• Feeding, grooming, and exercising a Greyhound
• Fun things to do with your hound

Bursting with expert advice on all aspects of living with an ex-racer, Retired Racing Greyhounds For Dummies is must reading for anyone considering adoption or who’s already taken the leap.

Leseprobe

Retired Racing Greyhounds For Dummies®

by Lee Livingood

Retired Racing Greyhounds For Dummies®

Published byWiley Publishing, Inc.111 River St.Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774www.wiley.com

Copyright © 2002 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana

Published by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana

Published simultaneously in Canada

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data:

Library of Congress Control Number: 00-104217

ISBN: 978-0-7645-5276-2

Manufactured in the United States of America

15 14 13 12

About the Author

Like most dog lovers, Lee Livingood has been owned by a dog since the day she was born. Lee has been training dogs since she borrowed a book on dog training from the library more than forty years ago. Rescuing and training adult companion dogs became a hobby and a passion for her.

A number of years ago, Lee and her husband met their first retired racer, and it was love at first sight. She was immediately taken with the Greyhound’s quiet elegance and gentle disposition. A new passion was born.

Several years ago, Lee was able to combine her commitment to rescue dogs and her childhood dreams of being a writer and working with animals into a successful second career. In addition to running a companion animal training and behavioral modification business, Lee writes on dog and cat behavior and training for a variety of publications. Her work has appeared nationally in Celebrating Greyhounds; in Forward, the publication of the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors; and online at A Breed Apart (a Greyhound magazine) and Bengaland (a Web site devoted to Bengal cats). She is a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. She has a B.A. from Franklin and Marshall College.

Lee and her husband volunteer with a local Greyhound adoption group and were named volunteers of the year by Personalized Greyhounds, Inc. She also donates her time and behavioral expertise to local rescue and shelter groups. Her Web page, www.retiredracinggreyhounds.com is devoted to issues and resources related to training and living with retired racers.

Retired Racing Greyhounds For Dummies is Lee’s third book and her second book on retired racing Greyhounds. Her first Greyhound book, Running with the Big Dogs, was self-published and is acclaimed by adoption groups in the U.S. and Canada. She has donated a significant portion of her profits to further the cause of Greyhound adoption. Lee is currently writing a guide to training and retraining adult dogs, Lassie Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.

She shares her home with her very tolerant husband, Ben. Their family consists of two retired racers, Chaco and Cheyenne; a beagle/sheltie mix, Clancy; and a Bengal kitten, Kokopelli.

Dedication

For Penny (RC Ottabea Peney, February 20, 1994–September 25, 1999), who raced into our lives and filled our world with joy. She may have been last place on the track, but she was first place in our hearts.

And for all the retired racers out there waiting to race into our hearts and homes.

Author’s Acknowledgments

I didn’t write this book. Well, at least I didn’t write it alone. Many people played important roles in bringing this book to life and I thank each and every one of them.

With very special thanks to Ben, my husband and best friend, who supports me in everything I do. Thanks to my own needlenose crew plus two, who have waited patiently while my time and attention have been directed at completing these pages.

For nearly two decades, Dr. Calvin Clements has kept our canine and feline family happy and healthy and has comforted us when that was no longer possible. He graciously gave his time to review the health care sections of this book and share his knowledge. For that I am most grateful.

Not only does Dr. Suzanne Stack treat hundreds of racing Greyhounds in her veterinary practice, she lives with retired racers and volunteers her time and expertise freely to adoption groups. She contributed generously of her extensive knowledge of racing Greyhounds as well.

Bonnie Stoner, a Harrisburg pet photographer volunteered her time and talents to take many of the photographs that appear in these pages.

Many Greyhound owners jumped in to help me assemble photographs of retired racers and other Greyhounds for this project. Thanks especially to Peggy Levin, Laurel Drew, Rob and Elaine Summerhill, Nancy Beach, Kathy Johnson, Bruce Skinner, M.J. Barkley, Dee Dee Colella, Close Encounters of the Furry Kind, Rick Dodd, and The Greyhound Hall of Fame for the use of photos from their collections. Thanks also to Marcia Herman for the use of her photo for the book’s cover.

Colleen Dauphine at the Greyhound Hall of Fame responded quickly and cheerfully to every request I made of her. Tim Horan with the National Greyhound Association offered excellent technical assistance.

Brent Burns, President of Country Roads Kennel, contributed to the information on puppyhood and racing. He and his family and the staff at Country Roads are committed to finding good homes for their racers at the ends of their careers.

Thanks also to Dani Weinberg for her friendship and counsel and encouragement.

My deep appreciation to Dr. Ian Dunbar for his confidence in me and for the doors he opened. A whole generation of dog trainers owes him a debt of thanks for what he has done to make dog training a gentle art.

Thanks also to my technical editor, Peggy F. Levin, president and founder of Personalized Greyhounds, Inc. Her commitment to the welfare of retired racers is unceasing and her activities on their behalf is inspiring.

Thanks to Dominique De Vito, Publisher at Wiley Publishing, Inc., for encouraging me and helping me to bring this special project to life; Scott Prentzas, Senior Editor, for jumping in and guiding me through; and the Production team, who took care of the details.

Thanks especially to Elizabeth Kuball, my Project Editor, who kept everything on track — including me — and held my hand through the process.

Barbara Frake added her talents to produce the illustrations and did so with amazing efficiency.

And to all my animal companions who, for more than half a century, have so enriched my soul and brightened my days and contributed greatly to my education. But especially to Murphy and Penny who are waiting at the Bridge.

About Howell Book House

Thank you for choosing a book brought to you by the pet experts at Howell Book House, a division of Wiley Publishing, Inc. And welcome to the family of pet owners who’ve put their trust in Howell books for nearly 40 years!

Pet ownership is about relationships — the bonds people form with their dogs, cats, horses, birds, fish, small mammals, reptiles, and other animals. Howell Book House/Wiley understands that these are some of the most important relationships in life, and that it’s vital to nurture them through enjoyment and education. The happiest pet owners are those who know they’re taking the best care of their pets — and with Howell books owners have this satisfaction. They’re happy, educated owners, and as a result, they have happy pets, and that enriches the bond they share.

Howell Book House was established in 1961 by Mr. Elsworth S. Howell, an active and proactive dog fancier who showed English Setters and judged at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club show in New York. Mr. Howell based his publishing program on strength of content, and his passion for books written by experienced and knowledgeable owners defined Howell Book House and has remained true over the years. Howell’s reputation as the premier pet book publisher is supported by the distinction of having won more awards from the Dog Writers Association of America than any other publisher. Howell Book House/Wiley has over 400 titles in publication, including such classics as The American Kennel Club’s Complete Dog Book, the Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook, Blessed Are the Brood Mares, and Mother Knows Best: The Natural Way to Train Your Dog.

When you need answers to questions you have about any aspect of raising or training your companion animals, trust that Howell Book House/Wiley has the answers. We welcome your comments and suggestions, and we look forward to helping you maximize your relationships with your pets throughout the years.

The Howell Book House Staff

Publisher’s Acknowledgments

We’re proud of this book; please send us your comments through our online registration form located at www.dummies.com/register.

Some of the people who helped bring this book to market include the following:

Acquisitions, Editorial, and Media Development

Project Editor: Elizabeth Netedu Kuball

Acquisitions Editor: Scott Prentzas

Technical Editor: Peggy F. Levin

Editorial Director: Kristin A. Cocks

Editorial Manager: Pamela Mourouzis

Cover Photo: Marcia Herman, Celebrity Greyhounds Magazine

Composition Services

Project Coordinator: Maridee Ennis

Layout and Graphics: Jason Guy, Tracy K. Oliver, Jill Piscitelli, Rashell Smith, Jeremey Unger, Erin Zeltner

Proofreaders: Vickie Broyles, John Greenough, Carl Pierce, Marianne Santy, Charles Spencer, Nancy Reinhardt

Indexer: Becky Hornyak

Illustrator: Barbara Frake

Publishing and Editorial for Consumer Dummies

Diane Graves Steele, Vice President and Publisher, Consumer Dummies

Joyce Pepple, Acquisitions Director, Consumer Dummies

Kristin A. Cocks, Product Development Director, Consumer Dummies

Michael Spring, Vice President and Publisher, Travel

Kelly Regan, Editorial Director, Travel

Publishing for Technology Dummies

Andy Cummings, Vice President and Publisher, Dummies Technology/General User

Composition Services

Gerry Fahey, Vice President of Production Services

Debbie Stailey, Director of Composition Services

Contents

Title

Introduction

About This Book

Why You Need This Book

How This Book Is Organized

Icons Used in This Book

Part I : Getting to Know Greyhounds

Chapter 1: The History of Greyhounds

Of Coursers and Kings

On to the New World

The Racing Greyhound

Chapter 2: Retired Racing Greyhounds 101: The Basics of the Breed

Understanding What Sets Greyhounds Apart

Growing Up in the Fast Lane: The Puppyhood of Future Racers

Sizing Up the Greyhound’s Physical Needs

Answering Some Common Questions about Retired Racers

Part II : Finding Your Soul Mate

Chapter 3: Determining Whether a Retired Racing Greyhound Is Right for You

Dispelling the Myth of the “Perfect Dog”

Getting Serious about Adopting a Greyhound

Chapter 4: Getting Ready to Adopt a Retired Racer

Determining What You Want in a Retired Racer

Deciding Whether to Go Factory Direct or through a Dealer

Picking the Perfect Hound

Chapter 5: Welcoming a Retired Racer into Your Family

Looking around Your Home for Potential Dog Hazards

Getting Your Hands on the Equipment You Need

Taking Advantage of the Calm before the Storm

Knowing What to Expect on the Big Day

Helping Your Retired Racer Adjust to His New Family

Part III : Training Your Greyhound for Life after the Racetrack

Chapter 6: Living with a Retired Racing Greyhound

Helping Your Retired Racer Get to Know You

House-Training 101

Helping Your Hound Stay Home Alone

Making Friends

Facing Challenges with Your Greyhound

Chapter 7: Learning to Speak Dog

Aren’t Dogs Just Wolves with Manicures?

Einstein or Idiot?

Getting Past the Alpha Theory: Looking at Training in a New Light

Working within the Training Triangle

Getting the Behavior You Want from Your Greyhound

Avoiding Punishment

Chapter 8: Elbows off the Table!: Teaching Your Greyhound Basic Household Etiquette

Teaching Your Retired Racer His Name

Getting Your Retired Racer to Pay Attention

Mastering Simple Stationary Behaviors

Teaching Your Greyhound to Share

Training Your Dog to Behave Like He’s One of the Family

Chapter 9: More Training: Adding Multitask Behaviors

Keeping in Mind the Degree of Difficulty

Wait

Steady

Settle

Close

Chapter 10: Dealing with Behavioral Problems

Overcoming the Habit of Leash-Pulling

Keeping Your Greyhound from Jumping Up

Stopping Your Hound from Counter-Surfing

Putting an End to Trash Raids

Preventing Your Greyhound from Digging Himself into a Hole

House-Soiling Troubles

Overcoming Sibling Rivalry among Greyhounds

Chapter 11: Helping the Fearful Dog Stand on His Own Four Feet

Avoiding Fear

Helping Your Retired Racer Overcome His Fears

Working through Separation Anxiety

Part IV : Keeping Your Retired Racing Greyhound Healthy

Chapter 12: Feeding Your Greyhound

Understanding How Greyhounds Differ from Other Breeds

Taking a Look at the Building Blocks of Good Nutrition

Remembering the Other Elements of a Healthy Diet

Making Sense of Your Feeding Choices

Knowing How to Feed Your Retired Racer

Looking at Some Common Feeding Issues

Chapter 13: Grooming Your Dog

Caring for Your Retired Racer’s Coat and Skin

Taking Care of Your Dog’s Ears

Trimming Your Retired Racer’s Nails

Brushing Your Greyhound’s Teeth

Chapter 14: Preventing Health Problems

Avoiding Health Problems Before They Come Up

Taking a Look at Special Health Concerns

Knowing What to Watch for in Your Retired Racer

Chapter 15: Avoiding Emergencies

Knowing What Constitutes an Emergency

Responding to a Dog in Distress

Keeping Your Retired Racer Safe and Happy

Close Encounters of the Canine Kind

If You Go Away

If Disaster Strikes

Chapter 16: Knowing What to Do When Your Retired Racer Gets Sick

Giving Your Hound the Medicine He Needs

Knowing How to Treat Common Ailments

Caring for Your Recovering Hound

Helping the Aging Greyhound

Part V : The Part of Tens

Chapter 17: Ten Reasons to Adopt a Retired Racer

You Know What You’re Getting When You Adopt an Adult Dog

Adult Dogs Involve Less Work Than Puppies Do

Retired Racers Are Great Housemates

Retired Racers Adapt to a Variety of Lifestyles

Greyhounds Are Gentle and Quiet

Greyhounds Don’t Need Much Exercise

Greyhounds Are Very Clean

Retired Racers Are Healthy

You Can Find the Racer Right for You

Greyhounds Are Fun

Chapter 18: Ten Things to Do Before You Bring Home a Retired Racer

Do Your Homework

Evaluate Your Lifestyle

Decide What You Need and Want

Train Your Other Pets Before Your Greyhound Arrives

Teach Your Children How to Behave around Your New Dog

Find the Right Retired Racer for You

Dog-Proof Your Home

Plan to Keep Your Small Pets Safe When Your Greyhound Arrives

Purchase the Essentials in Advance

Prepare Your Mind for the Arrival

Chapter 19: Ten Rules for Training a Retired Racer

Know How to Speak Greyhound

Remember That You’re Teaching Your Greyhound Even When You Don’t Realize It

Build a Winning Relationship

Set Him Up to Win

Catch Him Doing Something Right

Know That There Are No Magic Wands in Training

Make It Fun

Keep It Simple

Keep It Short

Keep It Sweet

Chapter 20: Ten Fun Things to Do with Your Hound

Train Your Retired Racer

Go Lure Coursing

Work on Agility

Attend Meet-and-Greets

Teach Your Dog Tricks

Give Your Greyhound a Job

Take Your Hound on the Road

Sample Other Canine Sports

Get Some Therapy

Get Your Dog a Buddy

Appendix A: The NGA Pet Certificate

Appendix B: Resources

Greyhound Information and Supplies

Training and Behavior

Health

Activities

Introduction

So you’re thinking about adopting a retired racing Greyhound? Or maybe you already own one and are looking for some information to guide you through the coming months? You’ve turned to the right place! Retired Racing Greyhounds For Dummies is a reference for anyone wanting all the basics on these fantastic dogs — all in one place. Whether you’re looking for information on how to adopt a retired racer, what to do to prepare for the homecoming of your new best friend, or how to train him after he arrives, this book has it all. Most of all, you’ll find great suggestions for ways to build a strong relationship with your retired racing Greyhound — and having that kind of bond with one of these gentle creatures is the greatest reward in the world. So get comfortable and dive right in. Whether you read from cover to cover or skip around to the chapters you need most right away, I’ve got you covered.