Can Sighthounds be socilized enough to live on a farm?
Question by Jenn: Can Sighthounds be socilized enough to live on a farm?
I have goats, and love the sighthound dogs, like greyhounds and salukis, but everywhere i read it says these dogs are not good with other animals, seeing as they have a strong hunting influance. If i got a very young puppy and kept it around the goats alot would it be able to be socilized enough to be trusted around them?
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5 Responses to Can Sighthounds be socilized enough to live on a farm?
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Genetics rule, dear. The answer is no.
Launi pıdnʇs spǝǝɹq pıdnʇs
November 25, 2013 at 4:37 am
No, socializing will never overcome thousands of years of genetics.
Having said that, I once bred an afghan hound puppy who went to live on a farm when he was a year old – but this dog was an exception, not the norm. You can’t get a sighthound puppy in the hopes it’ll be ok because you’ll most likely end up having to get rid of the dog.
If you really want a sighthound, you’d have a really big fenced in yard for it to run around in, take it out on a leash around the goats right from the time you get it. If the goats are used to the dog and don’t run, most sighthounds won’t chase. If it doesn’t work, the dog has a fenced in yard and going for leash walks for exercise.
walking lady
November 25, 2013 at 4:57 am
They say sighthounds chase everthing but I had whippets for years and they cohabitated with cats without issue. Same with my sister – she adopted a greyhound who lived in her house with 2 cats as well. Sighthounds don’t really want to hunt as much as pursue.
I would think that goats are quite a large animal compared to the smaller rabbits and lures that sighthounds react to. What do you think the goats would do? My guess if the goats are used to dogs and don’t run, the dog will not chase them.
If you contact a greyhound rescue group, they may be able to place an adult animal with you that has a lower prey drive. It is worth a shot!
JAG
November 25, 2013 at 4:57 am
I have been around long enough to know there are no absolutes. Generally speaking as a breed not the best choice. I like the idea of talking to some local rescues and seeing what they may have to offer with a dog that is a a little older and a proven track record. I don’t think it is hopeless.
I live in a more rural area as well. I have not adopted a Grey Hound as of yet. I love the breed and personality. The thing for me that was more of a deterrent, was I have large open fields with lots of animals and neat things to explore. Grey Hounds and breeds similar are none to fixate on that and run. It becomes sometimes a overwhelming task to break that from the genetic make up.
As I said in the beginning there really is no absolutes. For every person that tells you its impossible you will find one that has success. I highly recommend you talk to a local rescue many rescue former race dogs. They will be better able to talk with you about the dogs. They also love these dogs as well and can be a unlimited resource.
Sky Blue
November 25, 2013 at 5:24 am
Decades ago a top breeder of Shetland Sheepdogs I knew got a Borzoi. Long story short, when she was out in her country yard with the dog it saw the neighbor’s goats in the next field…took off, through the field fence and hit one of the goats with such force it broke the goats neck.
She realized the Borzoi was not for her where she lived and had to rehome it.
Rather than try to change gentics/instinct, it makes way more sense to wisely choose those that will fit than try to fight against them.
Marna O
November 25, 2013 at 6:03 am