Can my greyhound go off-lead on walks?

Many people anticipate that when they get a dog, they will be able to let them off to run around and have fun with their doggy friends in the local park. In fact, some people I've talked to that has been an essential part of dog ownership. However, if you adopt a greyhound that may not be an option. In this video we take a look at the reasons why not all greyhounds can safely be exercised off-lead, and what you might do instead. If you need 1:1 help with your dog, please visit my website to find out how I might help, at www.jillwoodmancaninecare.co.uk

[@Goibniu001]

You brought up points I had not before considered, especially the notion that this extremely fast animal might not see a thinly-wired fence before hitting it. I shudder to think of it! Thank you.

[@jwcaninecare]

You're welcome! It really does need thinking about in a different way to letting other (non-sighthound) breeds off

[@davidquerry8869]

It is so tempting to want to let them run free, but on the other hand, I want to keep my buddy safe.

[@jwcaninecare]

I agree, it can be a real dilemma

[@philliparnison]

Dogs need to run and be free

[@cmhanson]

@davidquerry8869 BRAVO! Finally someone commenting here who uses common sense. Safety of the dog is paramount. That is if your priority is safety of the dog & not the need to satisfy some human ego trip.

[@stephenanderson4603]

Very early mornings on the beach especially when it’s not warm and a pocket full of treats.😊

[@jwcaninecare]

yes thats a great option! I have done that while on holiday :-) they love the feel of sand under their feet!

[@joellekenyon6258]

I have had my greyhound for 2 years and I work every single day at least three times a day on her recall with her (every walk we do) and I just recently became confident enough to let her off leash on certain situations. I'm a big camper, and I love bringing my dog with. I would hate to have her always on leash 24/7 for multiple days straight while camping, which is the main reason ive been working towards letting her be off leash. Ive come to the conclusion that camping is a great safer way to have your grey off leash (still with strong recall). The campgrounds and trails are usually encircled with dense trees and undergrowth, and my greyhound is a dainty princess as well as a born and raised trail follower, so she does not go beyond the plant line. Campgrounds are small enough that they dont get running full speed. Trails are usually winding paths with slightly uneven ground, which also discourages her from ever reaching full speed. And the trails are nice because (if your greyhoud doesnt like to go off trail), you only have to look out ahead of and behind you for potential distractions, and its much easier to keep track of your dog because the sides are closed off. Greyhounds also have such low endurance, my greyhound is so tired after just a couple miles, she is too tired to keep up with me, let alone chase after things. I'm very conscious and attentive of if anyone is approaching us on the trail and always always always leash out of respect when another person is passing us, especially if they have a dog. Between working consistently on recall, lined trails, smaller campsites, camping usually being very far from roads/cars, and tiring my dog out while hiking, she is able to be happily off leash with no problems. When i let her sprint, she almost 100% gets an injury, with a torn paw pad at the very least. Hiking/camping has kept her at a slow pace and injury free every time :) Also something that has been really really helpful is having an emergency recall. Greyhounds can go so far so fast, if they get away from you, they might not even be able to hear you shout! I have a dog whistle I use if she ever gets far away, or if she is being particularly stubborn with her recall. Have higher value treats than when doing normal recall, and every time you give your dog something special, blow the whistle first. She gets the whistle for pup cups, licky mats, pig ears/tracheas/any big edible chews that she adores. I also train her to come for it by going to the other side of the house and blowing it. The adrenaline of running to find you/getting a really special treat works so well for their recall. My grey instantly jumps to me when she hears that whistle, even of there's another dog or a prey animal. Super helpful, and she can hear it much further than just my voice can carry

[@jwcaninecare]

Sounds perfect, your hard work has paid off :-)

[@josephmccullough3031]

I have had my Gray on his lead since adoption. He walks beside me with no issues and loves his sniffs in the hedgerow. No pray instinct as we often come across rabbits and hares crossing the country lanes. BUT when he sees or hears a car he gets so excited and wants to chase to run after the car or tractor. His recall at home is excellent but I would not trust him to come back if he chased a car or tractor. but it so tempting to let him off the lead for run. Great video as usual and great advice. 👍👍

[@jwcaninecare]

You're welcome :-) I hear that temptation...been there myself!

[@cmhanson]

@josephmccullough3031 EVERY grey has "prey instinct". It is the nature of the beast! The issue is, to what degree is the instinct & how has the dog been trained? Good luck trying to catch up with a dog running 45 MPH after the never before chased rabbit.

[@andyridley2236]

Everything you said is absolutely right I can never let my greyhound off the lead for the reasons you have said I learned this from experience, always keep greyhounds on the lead or injuries are more common.

[@jwcaninecare]

Thank you - I hope your experience was not too bad!

[@cmhanson]

@andyridley2236 Yes, injuries & even death if the off lead grey has a run in with a car. Simply NOT worth the risk. Thank you for putting the safety of your grey first. You truly are a greyhound lover!

[@Dagrdottir]

Thank you - I've had two lurchers and I agree with everything said here. Brilliant channel.

[@jwcaninecare]

Great to hear!

[@Anne-kf2jj]

I let her off with her suluki friends only when the beach is quiet and big. They tend to stay together and come back together. I keep well away from any rocks as she might slip. I have chicken in my pocket and a football whistle to call her back. I always put her muzzle on when she is loose as she has a tendency to barge her friends when playing and as a general precaution. After 5 - 10 mins she's done and sits in a puddle with a very happy face. The muzzle comes off when she is back on the lead.

[@jwcaninecare]

they don't need long , do they! it sounds like she has a great time too :-)

[@davidquerry8869]

Informative video.

[@jwcaninecare]

Glad you liked it

[@Dontstopbelievingman]

My boy seems very content just trotting along beside me, and given the risk of injuries or of taking off after a cat, I don't feel as if I'm depriving him. I thought I would, but then I've only ever had very active dogs before with very good recalls, and for them, leash walks would have been cruel. This one seems very happy. He has his zoomies in the yard, which isn't huge, and I do worry about him injuring himself when he does that. I'd love to see him run unobstructed, the stride is incredible. But probably not worth the injuries. Sad as it is, he doesn't seem miserable for it, and that's what matters to me most.

[@jwcaninecare]

It can be a tricky one to weigh up, and as you say, watching them run free is truly incredible. They do seem happy to just trot along on walks :-)

[@julieswinburne1270]

I've had my greyhound for about a year and have been letting her off lead from the first few weeks. She always comes back. We have a strong bond, which helps. She doesn't always run when she's off lead. It's not unusual for her to just walk next to me or a couple of paces behind. I keep a close eye, not least so I can make sure to pick up after her! There are only 3 places near me where I'm confident she'll be safe off lead - no roads and sometimes the added bonus of another dog to play with, which is fun for both me and the other dog owner. She has had some minor injuries, but so far nothing serious. Thank you once again for a very interesting and helpful video. It's so good to get reliable information about greyhounds.

[@jwcaninecare]

you are very lucky :-) I've come across a few like that, and owned several I could let off in parks etc, but never owned one I have felt was totally trustworthy

[@imogenwiles9515]

I have let my greyhound off lead just 3 times since I adopted her last August - first in an enclosed field, and twice on a remote expanse of beach. In the field, she managed to skin her front right pads quite badly, so had to spend some time recuperating. And the 2nd time I let her off on sand, even though she only ever seems to want to do a couple of figures of eight, she managed to fracture a front right toe on the second loop ,which she's still recovering from. So I'm beginning to conclude that she's destined to remain on lead! But my question is, do greyhounds mind being on lead? Are we only satisfying our own pleasure in seeing them run so beautifully when we let them off lead? At the moment, with her nursing a broken toe and a pressure sore from the bandaging, I feel that the short burst of pleasure may not be worth the risk... What do you think?

[@elaineclark7508]

If your dog is injured it needs time to heal regardless of whether it likes to zoom around or not. Please don't let your dog run loose in an open area unless you have mastered full recall.

[@jwcaninecare]

It is amazing to watch them run, and they clearly enjoy it, but i in your girl's case I personally would be cautious about letting her off in such a large space, given what has happened. you might try looking for somewhere where you can hire an exercise paddock for her, which will be much smaller but still big enough to have fun in if your garden is unsuitable.

[@geraldinegranath9024]

Thank you this is really helpful. Ko likes to be by my side, however I don't think I would get her recalled if her prey drive is triggered esp by rabbits which she loves chasing. You have reassured me about keeping her on her lead apart from our garden and secure fields.

[@jwcaninecare]

Thank you :-) prey drive is really hard to deal with

[@Steve200300]

I’m lucky I’m only 10 mins away from a boarding kennels that has a huge secure enclosure plenty big enough for a full sprint if they want to. You can rent for the hour it’s separate from there exercise area. My Greyhound and my friends Greyhound love it , they don’t alway sprint, it over looks fields and they stand at the fence scanning for prey, then off they go exploring. And if your lucky you watch them go for a sprint and it’s like wow from standing start to full sprint is breathtaking. And like you say within a few strides there the other end of the enclosure. ❤

[@jwcaninecare]

that sounds perfect, and much safer :-)

[@abigray8585]

It’s also not a bad thing if they don’t go off leash, some dogs cannot go off. It can be safer too, depending on the environment.

[@jwcaninecare]

yes totally agree. none of my current lot go off lead on walks, they let of energy in the garden when they need to. I have had previous greyhounds that I let off lead, it depends so much on the individual dog

[@tonyroche8058]

First time I disagree with you. I would never use a long line or expendable lead on a greyhound incase of ripping there legs or easy snapping. Love your videos

[@jwcaninecare]

I would never personally recommend an extending lead, but i know some use them successfully. A long line can be effective for training if used correctly in a suitable location, and with an understanding of your dogs potential behaviour. For example, a dog with no recall training could perhaps be on a long line in a secure enclosed field. Sometimes they need more freedom so they can choose to stay close

[@coppertone711]

Off leash is a hard no. The need to please me would include doing her job of running. In her prime I could not catch her at a slow pace and cannot imagine how I could catch her if she were to really run. The garage door seems to be a big race box door and she is crouched and ready to leap into speed, digging at the door, hurting a paw. In the yard fence she jumps hurdles and makes laps. Her racing injuries also would be a reason I would not let her risk a real run. I know she was injured running several times and would never want to have that happen.

[@jwcaninecare]

It's really not worth the risk! i know how tempting it can be but it would be hard to forgive yourself if anything happened

[@philliparnison]

My 1 year old grey hound gets a hour walk off lead every day, through fields and woods, shes fit a fire, loves chasing rabbits , hare and deer. Its all about letting a dog be a dog.

[@jwcaninecare]

It's unusual to get an ex racer so young! Was she rehomed before she started training?

[@philliparnison]

@@jwcaninecare she was an unwanted puppy, got her 11 weeks old. She's very clever

[@kenbateman8361]

We used to take ours to a local secure field, we would drive onto the field close gates open door of car and stand back 0 to 40 in three paces 2 circuit's of the field a quick poop jump back into car and be fast asleep within half a minute lol. £6 for 30 mins or in our case 5 mins.

[@jwcaninecare]

yes, 5 mins is usually plenty!

[@siimplyblxxm6550]

we can’t let either of our dogs off lead one will just run home and the other knows recall but has no concept of going a normal speed and tries to race anything 😅

[@susiemorris2334]

My grey's recall is superb .. until it isn't! 9 times out of 10 he will come straight back (when in an enclosed safe field) BUT if there is something more interesting to chase (such as a rabbit of a pheasant nesting in the longer grass) and he's gone.. utterly deaf to me. Someone I know who has 10 greyhounds, and has had hounds for 30+ years had an old girl grey, who he would let off the lead every evening in the local golf course/park for a potter round. He did this for 5 years. One day she just didn't return to him. He called and called and searched and searched. She'd ran all the way to the dual carriageway and been hit by a truck. Trust is fine; mistrust is safer.

[@jwcaninecare]

That is so sad :-( once that drive takes over, or they are frightened by something, they can go an awful long way and get into a load of trouble much more quickly than many other breeds

[@susiemorris2334]

@@jwcaninecare very true. and this was an extremely experienced greyhound owner who rescues and fosters them for other rehoming groups. Don't chance it.

[@jwcaninecare]

@@susiemorris2334 so sad! 😢

[@christinehand5028]

@@susiemorris2334 on

[@waynejorgensen4433]

You should see greyhound behaviour when they spot a kangaroo! Even their scent will lock dogs on. Roos can go as fast as a hound with more endurance. You can imagine scenarios even when on lead. Naturally a good lead and aware owners help and I always try to avoid bush where Roos are likely but they can be very still and cryptic.

[@jwcaninecare]

OMG that would be a handful! I thought squirrels were bad 🤣

[@waynejorgensen4433]

Yes my old girl was so excited that she was doing 2m jumps on the end of the lead.@@jwcaninecare

[@elaineclark7508]

My hound loves the beach & I'd love to let her free but when she sees an excited dog or something of interest (a sea lion), I know she would be off like a shotgun & it wouldn't matter how far it was, she'd get there long before I could say 'come!'

[@jwcaninecare]

Better safe than sorry!

[@cmhanson]

Off lead or on lead, if you truly CARE about your greyhound you will NOT "chance" the possibility that you could lose your grey. The worst scenario being the "off lead" grey could get hit by a car before you finally catch up with him. The dog may even run a great distance before they finally realize how far they have run away from their owner. They don't think...they just run...and run FAST! They are trained to run at top speed in the "confined" area of the race track. Greys do not require free range of a large area to run in as some people might think. Take your dog to a secure enclosed area to let them off lead. You won't be sorry!

[@jwcaninecare]

People new to the breed are not always aware of the risks.... They might not have been told by the rescue, or perhaps the info got lost in all the other things they were told

[@cmhanson]

Merely providing information why greys must be kept on leash. Don't understand the need for that reply? Didn't ask for an excuse for someone's obvious lack of common sense.@@jwcaninecare

[@jwcaninecare]

@@cmhanson I'm just explaining people might not realise... Which is why I made the video to explain the risks

[@cmhanson]

That was clearly stated with my reply! Don't understand all the unneeded replies?@@jwcaninecare

[@jwcaninecare]

@@cmhanson I do my best to reply to all the comments on my channel 😊