The Adoption Process
Fences are required if a child is under 2 years old.
Invisible/underground fencing is not an acceptable containment system for your Greyhound. Greyhounds can reach racing speed in just a few strides and they will go right through any invisible fencing. Also, tie-outs and clothesline type runs are also not acceptable and very dangerous for your Greyhound. When a Greyhound reaches the end of the line at 45 mph, they are likely to break their neck. Greyhounds are house companions and that is the only acceptable environment for your new Greyhound.
Are You Ready to Adopt? Consider the following:
They need an annual health check.
They need to be on heartworm preventative.
They need to be fed a premium dog food.
They sometimes need flea control.
You need to keep their area clean.
They can become sick or injured and need medical treatment.
The Application
The Home Visit
The home visit is a wonderful opportunity for you to see the Greyhound in your house and also ask questions. During the home visit, we will go over how to care for your Greyhound. We will also be looking for safety issues that may need to be addressed before you bring your new Greyhound home.
We will work closely with you to match the right greyhound with your family’s needs. The better we get to know you, the easier it will be to find the right match for you.
The Preparation to Bring Your Greyhound Home
Items You Will Need:
ID tag for your Greyhound. We suggest that you put on the tag the following: “I am Lost”, then your name, two phone numbers, and address. A North Coast Greyhound ID tag will also be given to you. Our Greyhounds are microchipped. Raised Dog Feeder Stand and Bowls. It is more comfortable for Greyhound to eat from 14 to 16 inches from the floor. There is less strain on his back and legs, especially as he/she gets older. You can also make your own feeder stand.
Soft Dog Bed. Greyhounds adore soft beds. You can purchase one beforehand or use a combination of sleeping bags, comforters and dog beds. Make sure you buy a size large enough for a Greyhound.
The Big Day! Bringing Your New Greyhound Home
Baby Gates and Crates. If you plan on crating your Greyhound in the beginning, make sure you have the appropriate size and type of crate. If you plan on babygating, we recommend metal baby gates. Wood ones are very tempting chews! Please ask if you have any questions about crates and gates.Groom Mitt. Greyhounds have sensitive skin. We recommend a rubber-nubbed mitt. If you desire, you may purchase a groom mitt on the day of the adoption from us. The cost is $5.00. Toys. Greyhounds love stuffed toys and will be happy with anything that squeaks, grunts or any combination thereof.
We supply a one-inch, plain martingale collar, tag, leash, and muzzle.
You will be required to sign an adoption agreement on the day of the adoption. The adoption fee is due at this time. Adoption fees help cover the Greyhound’s spay/neuter, vaccinations, heartworm check, physical exam, transportation, and care while the dog is fostered. You will also receive medical records and additional articles on how to care for your Greyhound.
After the Adoption
Dog License
Schedule a wellness visit with your vet so you can purchase Heartguard protection for your Greyhound.
Our Commitment to you and Your Commitment to your New Greyhound
We follow up with calls and visits, as needed, to ensure that your new greyhound's transition is smooth. Please call us if you have any questions or concerns about your Greyhound.
You are making a commitment for the life of the dog.
Any dog - at any time, for any reason - is welcomed back by CGC/NGC.
Greyhounds and Children
The Greyhound is an inherently gentle breed, which truly enjoys the company of people and most children. Indeed, the greatest concern might be for the Grey should the family include small children. Greyhounds are even- tempered and long-suffering. But like everything else, they do have a cut off point where enough is enough. As the newest member of your family your Grey will hold a special fascination for children in the home. They may be tempted to pull tails, bite ears, pounce on him or worse (the child----not the Grey). Though your Grey may endure such treatment in silence, his limit may eventually be exceeded and he may growl, bark or even snap. More than likely, he will come to fear the child and will withdraw from the child's presence. Either situation is undesirable and can be avoided by teaching the child the importance of being kind and gentle with all pets.
Never let kids crawl, jump or pounce on any sleeping dog. Never try to take a bone; treat or toy away and no one should put their hand between any dog and his food bowl. These precautions are not just for homes with Greyhounds, but also for homes with any breed of dog. It will probably take longer to teach the child than it will to teach the Grey. Many adults teach their children to pat a dog on the head. Most dogs really don't care for this. Most will tolerate it with dignity. Have someone beat you on the top your head for several minutes and see how annoying it can be.
Greys, like any other large breed, can be pretty formidable when frightened or harassed. Treated gently and with the respect he deserves, you should not have to worry about him in the company of children.
Remember – safety first – is the golden rule. Never leave your Greyhound – or any large dog - alone with a small child. Teach your child to be gentle with your Greyhound and make sure the child understands that the tail is not a play toy nor should the dog be ridden like a horse. Greyt harm could be done to the Greyhound.
Before you adopt your Greyhound, you might want to purchase a stuff toy that looks like a dog and teach your child how to “pet.” You can also buy a dog bed beforehand and teach your child that dog beds are off limits at all times. Never let your child sleep with a Greyhound – especially until you know your Greyhound. The Greyhound may regard the child as a “littermate” and treat him like one.