Greyhounds are renowned for their grace, speed, and gentle demeanor. However, despite their calm nature, letting your pet greyhound off leash can pose significant risks. Here’s why:
They’re made to chase!
Many greyhounds have a strong prey drive due to their history; they’ve been trained to chase and bred to enhance their chase ability for hundreds of years. When they catch sight of something moving quickly, their instinct to chase kicks in. Once they start running, they can reach speeds of up to 70km per hour, making it nearly impossible to catch them if they decide to take off. They also hyperfocus on what they are chasing and will quickly become lost, and can get themselves into dangerous situations when they’re not aware of their surroundings.
Recall is not their strong suit
While Greyhounds are intelligent, their recall abilities might not match their other skills. They are known to be independent thinkers and may not always respond to recall cues when they are in pursuit of something that interests them. Recall is a skill that many can learn, but it requires specific and extensive effort to teach them.
Danger to wildlife and other animals
When a greyhound chases wildlife or other dogs, it not only puts the animal at risk but also endangers itself. Wildlife can lead them into unfamiliar territory, roads, or even altercations with larger animals. Of course, chasing other dogs can lead to confrontations and potential injury.
Road safety
Greyhounds are sprinters, not distance runners. If they get loose near roads, they might not be able to judge traffic well or maintain a safe distance from cars, increasing the risk of accidents.
Legal consequences
Most places have leash laws for a reason. If your greyhound causes harm to another animal or person while off leash, you could be held liable for any damages. It’s important to follow local regulations to avoid legal troubles, in NSW for example, greyhounds are required to wear a muzzle in off-leash areas.
While it’s tempting to give greyhounds the freedom to run, it’s crucial to weigh the risks against the benefits. If you want to let your greyhound stretch its legs, consider fenced areas or long leads to give them some freedom while maintaining control. Keeping your greyhound on a leash not only protects them but also ensures the safety of others and wildlife in the area.