I have the chronic illness ME and after being on the waiting list of an assistence dog charity for 18 months was partnered with a Standard Poodle. To my severe disappointment I found the residential training and then the ongoing training and exercise needs of this dog were too much for me and the partnership had to end early on. I had very quickly come to love the Poodle who was affectionate and a real character so am now incredibly sad at loosing him. I feel I have also lost a dream that over the past few years of this horrid illness kept me going.
Can Dogs Today readers give me any hope that there is a suitable dog for someone like me with chronic fatigue? The Poodle was chosen because I also get asthma sometimes with animal hair. However my experience with a Poodle suggests that their exercise and training needs are likely to always be more than I can manage. Would a Greyhound be a better choice as I understand their exercise needs are moderate in comparison? I very much want an affectionate dog that will join me on gentle daily walks, either on lead or off lead but with good recall.
Yours
Alexandra Muir-Mackenzie, by email
a greyhound sounds like it could be a good choice for you however they do have that chase drive that can make some of them not the best at recall if they are off their lead and see a squirrel! I am sure there are some out there who's chase instinct isnt as strong though! I have a lurcher who is greyhoundxcollie (we think!) who is a VERY lazy girl but also super smart (has good recall!) and affectionate! so maybe a lazy lurcher might be good too! good luck on your hunt for the perfect dog, they are out there waiting for you!
ReplyDeleteI am told that Greyhounds are very easy going and only need gentle walks, and that they're happy to lounge about at other times, however being off lead might be a problem because of their chase instinct. Perhaps a dog Behaviourist might be able to help you, and I do hope you find the right sort of dog. One last point; it may be worth considering an older dog who is happy is little exercise, perhaps 10 + age. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteHello Alexandra, I have had 3 retired racing greyhounds and they are wonderful low maintenance dogs - they sleep about 18 hours a day! Could I suggest you contact the Retired Greyhound Trust who will advise and guide you. I wish you well and very good luck with finding the right companion x x x
ReplyDeleteHi Alexandra
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to read that it didn't work out with the Standard Poodle.
I have 3 greyhounds and they are very gentle and affectionate dogs. From an exercise perspective and generally speaking, they only need moderate exercise like 2 x 20 minute walks a day.
My greyhounds are ex-racers and despite what some people may say, you can teach a greyhound recall. However, it does depend on the individual dog. 2 of mine have excellent recall and the 3rd dog's recall is improving all the time but being a sighthound, he can still be easily distracted. All my hounds are very food motivated so it does make training easier.
Also, they don't tend to shed too much. My husband suffers from asthma and we chose greyhounds due to their short coats and relatively low shedding.
There are lots of greyhounds looking for homes across the UK and you will be able to find out more from the Retired Greyhound Trust - www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk Your local branch would be able to advise you on a suitable dog that will fit with your lifestyle.
I really hope you find a dog to keep you company and be warned...if it's a greyhound they're highly addictive! I started with one and now have 3!
Have you considered an older dog?
ReplyDeleteHave a look at Oldies Club, they have lots of dogs of various shapes & sizes, all are over 7 so in most cases wouldn't need either the training, or as much, exercise.
Not sure if the link will work on here.
http://www.oldies.org.uk/
Hi, I have to totally agree with everything that's been said above I used to volunteer with a greyhound adoption charity when I was living in the states and have had many foster greyhounds through my home as well as owning two! My recommendation would be to go for a slightly older male dog, the younger dogs, in my experience can still be quite puppylike (which can be part of their charm). I think a 5-6 year old would be ideal but all are individuals so contact your local group to see what they have! Good luck in your search!
ReplyDeleteHi, have you tried the Dogs Trust they have a lot of dogs and would know which personality would suit you.
ReplyDeleteI would agree that a greyhound would be an ideal companion. They only go for walks when YOU want them to! They are lazy and undemanding and incredibly loyal (and they make great hot water bottles!). My two are both upside down and fast asleep. An older one would be ideal (5 or more) as they are puppy- like for a while. Good luck
ReplyDelete