Hersham Hounds

ADOPTING a greyhound is just the first step in a long and rewardng journey for both of you but how to survive that initial 'getting to know you' phase?

Janie has written this useful  Greyhound Guide to help during those early days. However, if you still have any concerns please call the kennels for advice.

We love Eddie and my daughter, Katina and I really look forward to our Saturday walks with him.

Eddie may seem rather eager and strong when he leaves the confines of his kennel but really does seem to look forward to being taken out in the car and for a long walk. He readily jumps into the car and insists on facing forwards so he can see where he is going and normally all you can see in the mirror is an eager face but he knows not to come too far forward. I have never seen a greyhound wag it's tail so much with excitement and anticipation.

For the first 10-15  minutes he can appear a bit scatty and tries to rub his head on the ground to get rid of his muzzle but he soon settles down, walking easily to heel and having a brief run (well I am running and running out of breathe whilst Eddie is sauntering along!). He takes a great interest in his surroundings, standing to watch rowers on the river or the lock changing and is not adverse to a quick paddle. He has been to Hampton Court and Bushey Park, behaving impeccably around hoards  of pedestrians, bikes, deer and crossing roads.

Around other dogs he is now so good that at times you forget that he wasn't always like this. He will walk past all types of dogs with no problem although he does want praise afterwards. If you forget to tell him well done he will walk in front of you to stop you and wait for his praise. Dogs have now raced past him, frisbees have landed near him with dogs following and he has not reacted. However, Eddie does like to know you are in control and to understand the boundaries. If he is uncertain of a situation he tends to walk on my left but if he is confident will walk on my right and at times a short lead ensures he understands that you are looking out for him.

Whilst we don't want to dwell on negatives it may be worthwhile showing the great journey of progression Eddie has made over a relatively short time. He let you know vocally that new, large spaces were not to his liking, only very reluctantly going for a short walk and getting very worried around any dog, near or far.

Now he takes all new challenges on in his stride, helps his female hounds if he goes out in a pair and has learnt that we now stop for a coffee break at Molesey Cricket club so you cannot get him past the entrance without going in.  Well he does get a dog treat from the staff there!

Eddie wants to be loved and in return he will be very loving and loyal. He has shown that he is quick to learn and whilst I will sorely miss taking him for a walk he really does deserve that loving home.
Jayne Nason

Female, 5 years

Riva is such an affectionate and responsive young lady, very happy and outgoing, and always enthusiastic for a walk. She still ‘chugs-along’ at a fair old pace if given the opportunity, but Ann, one of our regular walkers, assures me that she’s very biddable and that her love of food means that she can easily be distracted and brought back under control. Thanks Ann for taking Riva under your wing and for putting in that extra time to help bring her along. She’s going to make someone a fantastic family pet.

Born 2002

One of our famous five, who all lost their home when their owner died and his daughter no longer wanted to keep them.

She’s had her teeth done, and is at the moment having a corn on her hind leg treated. She does carry this leg, but our vet wants to wait and see how she goes once the bandages are off. It could be an old injury and we will be guided by our vet as to whether further treatment would be beneficial.

Despite everything she’s been through Tally is an absolute sweetheart and she thrives on any extra attention she is given.

We have yet to assess her with other breeds of dog as her trips out have been delayed because of her bandaged foot.

Born 2004

Patrick is a gentle lad, and a delight to care for in the kennels. He’s a typical boy, quite sensitive, but easily won round with some cuddles. His reaction to non-greyhounds was initially very vocal, but he’s been taken out on a regular basis and now he’s realized that there is nothing to worry about, he has improved in leaps and bounds. Dawn, who has been helping Patrick has written a report which you can read below. Thanks Dawn.

Patrick would benefit from an experienced ‘doggy home’ with people who could continue his socialization with non-greyhounds in a manner which would do him justice. He’s come such a long way, and is such a fantastic lad, that he truly deserves the chance of a home.Mild, Obedient, Good as he!

Patrick’s progress report.

I had the pleasure of meeting Patrick in October as there were some concerns over his behavior in public.  Diving into the unknown, we jumped in the car and off we went to the woods.  Patrick immediately took the role of leader and in his attempt to lead me through the woods, protecting me from everything with four legs; he became increasingly stressed and screamed every time we met something.

Eight weeks later and after several trips to the woods for some intense training, Patrick has made a huge improvement.  We’ve spent this time together building a relationship based on trust and obedience, allowing Patrick to relax.  With no need to panic as much anymore, he’s started to enjoy working walks where we climb over fallen trees and cross streams.  Slowly learning to relax and enjoy his time out of the kennels, Patrick is eating well and often stops me for a cheeky sausage treat, rewarding me when he rolls in the snow on his back with his legs in the air!

We’re seeing less and less of stressed Patrick and more of his affectionate, cheeky nature.  So easy to care for in the kennels and with his huge thirst to please, this is merely the beginning for Patrick on our long winding journey to social etiquette (!) and obedience.

Thank you Hershams for giving me the opportunity to work with Patrick,  he really is mild, obedient, good as he!

By Dawn O’Brien.

April 23rd in now known as St Patrick’s Day (sorry St George!!)

Six months had passed since Patrick and I started working together and on April 23rd I finally saw all our hard work in action!  Off we went to the woods as usual where we first passed a Retriever (without any reaction from Patrick), we continued through the woods where we met two dog walkers with a pack of 6 dogs all off lead; A Chihuahua, Bichon Frise, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, 2 retrievers and a Labrador.  Instantly Patrick was aware of them but as we passed, he didn’t react.  I asked the Dog walkers would they mind just hanging around whilst we passed them again.  As we walked back towards the pack, the 6 dogs approached us; the Labrador barking but Patrick merely wagged his tail!!

Imagine my surprise when Patrick greeted the dogs with his tail wagging with no barking or lunging!!  Patrick allowed all of the dogs to greet him and we continued our walk in the woods with the other 6 dogs.  The dog walkers looked at me confused and asked why on earth was I crying?  I felt like my little boy had finally grown up, he had finally realized that other dogs were not a threat anymore!  We finally socialized in public with other dogs without any bad behavior (or runny number 2’s!!!)

Not wanting to put all my eggs in one basket, the following Saturday I asked Maureen if Patrick and I could meet and walk with Charlie her Boxer!  Waiting in the lane, we met Charlie where Patrick instantly began to bark but after correcting the bad behavior and walking away we managed to return where we met Charlie in a calm manner and continued on our walk up the lane.  Charlie spent most of the walk licking Patrick’s face which I think he quite liked, especially as Charlie is a Lady!

I’ve secretly had a few doubts over the last 6 months whether Patrick would ever be able to fully socialize with other breeds, especially small fluffy ones but I have reaped my rewards!  I’ve had the pleasure to walk in public amongst other breeds with a beautiful, calm greyhound called Patrick.

Over the summer Patrick and I have been to the beach, socialized with other breeds and conquered the basic level of dog obedience.  There is still a small issue when first meeting other dogs but this is merely a vocal reaction, especially if he has an audience!  With his huge thirst to please and ever growing appetite for all things pork, we’ve used the kennel paddocks to master off lead heel work.  This little man melts my heart as I watch him roll in the wet grass and playing ‘catch me’ with Angie when it’s time to come in.  Patrick is enjoying life as a greyhound should.

Born 2006

Another of our hounds who needs a special home. Anyone who has had a shy/timid greyhound before will know just how rewarding it can be.

Hannah hasn’t been with us for very long, but has coped so well with all the changes in her life - including joining in the fun at Reach the Beach where she really enjoyed her day at the sea-side.

She’s one little girl who’s going to blossom when given the chance.  

Born 2005

One of our shy hounds who need a special home.

Anyone who has had a shy/timid greyhound before will know just how rewarding it can be

Female, born 2007

Sometimes she’s Sissie, but most of the time she’s Sassie, and I’m talking about her temperament here. She certainly knows her own mind, and gives her boys a real talking to when she first meets them. Once she’s established the ground rules, which normally mean “I’m in charge, so don’t argue,” she’s fine, and enjoys a game – as long as they play by her rules.

Yet for all this bravado I’ve seen another side of her which is far less confident, and usually occurs when meeting new people. Not sure what to expect, her little tail tucks up under her legs, and it’s sad to see.

Sassie hasn’t been with us for very long, so she’s still learning to associate our people with nice things like walks and treats. We’re confident that in no time at all she’ll just be a cheeky little madam – like the majority of our girls.

Read the Foster Report on Sassie

An Update on Sassie

I have had the pleasure of spending time getting to know Sassie. She is such a special girl, and I spend my weeks at work looking forward to seeing her at the weekend.

Outside of kennels, Sassie is an absolute gem. She is so sweet and affectionate. When she stays with me at weekends, after returning from her walk, she will insist that you accompany her to her duvet and make a fuss of her. She starts off sitting, then gradually lies down: but don't even think of stopping the fuss when she does lie down, or she will edge herself forwards as if to say 'more fuss, please!' She will then eventually drift off to sleep as you are still stroking her - she is very sweet!

She once went exploring another room in the house on her own - a welcome sign of her growing confidence. She had clearly cheekily been investigating the contents of the wastepaper basket as, when I went in to see what she was doing, she was standing there with a piece of sticky lint paper attached to her mouth, licking madly to remove the fluff! Sassie can definitely make you laugh!

She is always so obliging on her walks. She never makes a fuss about going out, she willingly allows you to put on her muzzle, and she walks contentedly by your side. Unlike some, she never 'puts on the brakes' or gets stubborn. She has been clean in the house, never makes a noise, and now leaps into the car unassisted! She loves to watch the world go by from the car window, and attracts many admiring looks. Sassie is a very pretty girl, as people have commented. For those of you who haven't met Sassie yet, she is a lovely size, with a pretty face, lovely dainty paws and a lovely soft coat - irresistible!

Sassie is now getting out and about to the park more, and is extremely well behaved. She does not bother the ducks or geese at the lake. In fact, she ignores them, as she has ignored any cats that we have seen on our travels. She is very easily pleased, and loves attention, a cuddle and some cocktail sausages!

Sassie is still young, and has so much to offer. She would love to be involved in home life, with nice people to call her own. If my own situation were different, and I was able to offer her what she deserves, I would adopt her in a heartbeat! She is so fantastic, and yet her full qualities can only be fully appreciated once she is out of the kennel environment. If you are looking to adopt a little girl greyhound, please consider spending some time with Sassie out of kennels and seeing for yourself what a wonderful companion she makes.

Born 2007

Bionic Belle in the paddock - This young lady is a real powerhouse, and just loves her walks.

She's strong, so we've found that a harness is the safest way to walk her. She's gradually learning about the outside world so we'll keep you updated on her progress.

Female, born 2008

Ellie has really blossomed and is now definitely one cheeky madam! She can still get anxious in certain situations, but is well and truly ready to move on and go home.

A quiet home with another dog already in residence to show her the ropes would be ideal.

Brenda and Bryan, experienced greyhound owners who foster for us to help assess our hounds and to give them a taste of home life, have had her at home for a while - read their HOME REPORT.

We have an updated Home Report.

Male, born 2001

Jack’s behaviour belies his years. He’s a big, bouncy lad with a real enthusiasm for life, and a happy greeting for everyone.

Once he gets over his initial excitement he’s a real pussy-cat at heart, and he loves nothing more than a cuddle and some special one-to-one attention.

He’s good with other breeds, so it’s high time he found his forever home.

Read Jacks Home Report

Female, born 2005

Mouse is another recent arrival who is just making herself at home here at the kennels. She’s a delightful young lady, with the silliest of ears which just make you smile when you look at her.

Mouse is quite a cheeky madam, bright as a button, and very inquisitive about everything that’s going on.

UPDATE ON MOUSE!

Mouse has been going out each week to the park with Sam, one of our regular supporters, and he is pleased to tell us that she is improving every time she goes out amongst non-greyhounds.

Sam’s hard work and commitment to Mouse is paying off, and the smile when he brings her back into our yard says it all. Thanks Sam.

Sam has a home report here.

Female, born 2003

One of our more mature ladies, Jennifer is delightful. She’s mischievous enough to keep you on your toes, yet loving and very affectionate.

Jennifer has improved immensely with regard to her behaviour around other breeds, and now needs to be out and about regularly to continue her progress.

Jennifer would make a lovely family pet because of her lovely temperament.