GREYHOUND CARE: Dog Park Dangers
The long days of summer are just a few days away. Time to get the greys up off the couch and outdoors for some fresh air and exercise. But where? I am sure that every greyhound person has heard “The Warning” repeatedly. “Greyhounds can only be off lead when they are in an entirely enclosed area.” This limits possible recreation areas substantially.
The obvious choice for many is one of the local dog parks: Laguna, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, just to name a few. At first glance this may seem like the perfect solution. Yet, in actuality, dog parks may prove problematic for several reasons.
First, Disease! Veterinarians all over the county agree that dog parks are a breeding ground for illness, especially kennel cough. Sharing water and toys with so many strange dogs as well as the high concentration of dogs in a limited area greatly increases the chance of spreading disease.
Another area of concern is the aggression problem one faces at dog parks, especially at peak hours, i.e. weekend afternoons. I have visited most of the dog parks in the Orange County area at least once, many several times, and there is always at least one “schoolyard bully” who gets his jollies by picking on the other dogs. This is a hard situation to avoid since the dogs are not on lead. One does not have the luxury of turning the dog away from the troublemaker to avoid an altercation.
To make matters worse, these canine troublemakers are often times the property of some muscle bound bonehead who thinks it’s cool to watch his dog beat up the other dogs in attendance. Anyone who has spent any time around greyhounds knows that greyhound flesh rips amazingly easily. It would not take much of a struggle with another large breed to create also serious situation...
More surprising, and indeed frightening, is the pack dynamics that develop when a group (three or more) of greys show up at the same time. I have seen very docile, seemingly low prey greys, turn into very determined hunters in the presence of fellow ex-racers. Greyhounds are very gregarious and love to interact with each other, which is great until another dog’s life is at risk. Letting greyhounds get together for a group run is a great idea and beautiful to watch, but safety precautions must be enforced.
1) The area must be fenced.
2) The area must be free of anything that could be considered game, including small children.
3) Ideally, all dogs participating in the run are muzzled for the safety of all concerned. Many a mild, sweet-natured grey has turned into a snapping maniac when the adrenaline starts racing and the competitive spirit of track life floods his memory bank.
A final warning about the Laguna Beach dog park in particular, is that it is only fenced on three sides...This open area can lead to some really scary situations as Carole and I personally found out several years ago...an incident we don’t wish to relive any time soon!
In summary, running your grey is a fun thing to do for both of you to enjoy. Just remember to keep certain safety precautions in mind, and if you must use a dog park (a fenced-in baseball field or schoolyard is probably also better choice), do not go at peak hours. Try a weeknight or early morning. Have fun with your dog, just do it safely.
Dog Parks Revisited*
by Mike Gallas
*Reprinted by permission from Needle Nose Notes, June 1999.
The obvious choice for many is one of the local dog parks: Laguna, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, just to name a few. At first glance this may seem like the perfect solution. Yet, in actuality, dog parks may prove problematic for several reasons.
First, Disease! Veterinarians all over the county agree that dog parks are a breeding ground for illness, especially kennel cough. Sharing water and toys with so many strange dogs as well as the high concentration of dogs in a limited area greatly increases the chance of spreading disease.
Another area of concern is the aggression problem one faces at dog parks, especially at peak hours, i.e. weekend afternoons. I have visited most of the dog parks in the Orange County area at least once, many several times, and there is always at least one “schoolyard bully” who gets his jollies by picking on the other dogs. This is a hard situation to avoid since the dogs are not on lead. One does not have the luxury of turning the dog away from the troublemaker to avoid an altercation.
To make matters worse, these canine troublemakers are often times the property of some muscle bound bonehead who thinks it’s cool to watch his dog beat up the other dogs in attendance. Anyone who has spent any time around greyhounds knows that greyhound flesh rips amazingly easily. It would not take much of a struggle with another large breed to create also serious situation...
More surprising, and indeed frightening, is the pack dynamics that develop when a group (three or more) of greys show up at the same time. I have seen very docile, seemingly low prey greys, turn into very determined hunters in the presence of fellow ex-racers. Greyhounds are very gregarious and love to interact with each other, which is great until another dog’s life is at risk. Letting greyhounds get together for a group run is a great idea and beautiful to watch, but safety precautions must be enforced.
1) The area must be fenced.
2) The area must be free of anything that could be considered game, including small children.
3) Ideally, all dogs participating in the run are muzzled for the safety of all concerned. Many a mild, sweet-natured grey has turned into a snapping maniac when the adrenaline starts racing and the competitive spirit of track life floods his memory bank.
A final warning about the Laguna Beach dog park in particular, is that it is only fenced on three sides...This open area can lead to some really scary situations as Carole and I personally found out several years ago...an incident we don’t wish to relive any time soon!
In summary, running your grey is a fun thing to do for both of you to enjoy. Just remember to keep certain safety precautions in mind, and if you must use a dog park (a fenced-in baseball field or schoolyard is probably also better choice), do not go at peak hours. Try a weeknight or early morning. Have fun with your dog, just do it safely.
Dog Parks Revisited*
by Mike Gallas
*Reprinted by permission from Needle Nose Notes, June 1999.
This section includes short articles on topics on how to care for your greyhound. Many of the articles came from prior newsletters or were written to address problems or as answer specific questions as they arose. This section will be added to over time as issues come up and/or if new information becomes available. If you have a topic you would like addressed in this section contact us.
Basic Care Tips
Loud Noises
Disaster Preparedness
When to Say Goodbye
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Vaccinations
Nail Trimming
Traveling with Greys
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Hot Weather Danger
Fleas, Ticks & Worms
The Multi Dog Family
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First Aid Kit
Many uses of muzzles
Gardens & Greys
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