As you consider adopting a greyhound in Louisiana, Mississippi or Alabama here are a few of the most frequently asked questions we get from potential adopters:



1. How do I adopt a retired racing greyhound?

You have taken the first step by reading our web site. If you click on about adoption to the left, the online application can be filled out and sent in. Once received someone will call you within 24 hours and get the process started.



2. Are greyhounds hyper?

Greyhounds have the usual hyper moments like most dogs, when you come home or bring out food, but for the most part they are quiet, low key dogs. They are on the lazy side and enjoy lounging around with their new family. They do enjoy moderate exercise, however, they are not dependent upon it. A brisk walk once a day or a run in the back yard is more than enough to sustain good health.



3. Do you need a big yard to have a greyhound?

Since greyhounds are only inside dogs, the only time they will be outside is to play or take care of business, so a big yard is not necessary. In fact, greyhounds make wonderful apartment pets with the commitment to walk them as needed



4. What about greyhounds with other dogs or cats?

Better than half of retired racing greyhounds can be placed with cats. We cat test every greyhound that comes to IAGA. We use a live cat to gage their reaction, however, a greyhound that tests cat-safe may react differently once at home. Greyhounds are friendly by nature and are very social. Please let your adoption coordinator know if you have cats or dogs in your household, both on your application and during your home interview. We will instruct our adopters on the proper method to introduce their new greyhound to their cat or dog.



5. Are greyhound quirky?

Given that greyhounds don't get exposed to the outside world until they are adults, those things that are quirky are lots of times just part of the learning curve for them. They need to learn to share their space, as they have been kenneled alone for year. They have to learn to maneuver stairs. They can be thieves sometimes stealing things and bringing them to their beds or crates. Quirky maybe, but its usually quite rewarding to teach them retired life.



6. How old will my retired racing greyhound be and what is its life expectancy?

The average adopted greyhound is 2 to 5 years of age. They have an average life expectancy of 10 to 13 years. This will be a many year commitment to your new addition to your family. Please take your time deciding whether you are ready to adopt. This is not a decision that should be taken lightly.



7.How big are greyhounds and what colors are they?

A female greyhound stands between 23-26 inches at their shoulders and weighs between 50-65 pounds. A male is bigger, 26-30 inches at their shoulder and weighs between 65-80 pounds. They come in fawn, red, blue, white, black, several shades of brindle, or white with a combination of these colors.



8.How long will it take my retired racing greyhound to bond with me and adjust to life as a pet?

Greyhounds thrive on human companionship. They are pack animals and will bond with their new pack, your family, usually within a matter of days. Getting used to being a pet and a new routine may take some time, and can be stressful. If you are loving and consistent with their schedule, they will adapt to their new routine within a couple of weeks. However, it may take a little longer for them to get used to being a pet and playing with toys. This also depends on the nature of the greyhound. Every dog is different, but given time and understanding your new greyhound will become a member of the family.



9.Are greyhounds good with children?

If a child becomes to overbearing, they will usually walk away rather than snap or growl. However, we suggest that an adult supervise all children and greyhounds, as every dog has their limits. IAGA child tests any greyhounds that may be placed with children in a household. With boundaries set and children taught some "house rules", greyhounds make wonderful companions for children.



10.How difficult is it to housetrain a greyhound?

A retired racing greyhound is accustom to being let out 4 or 5 times a day at the track. A similar routine in their new household will make housebreaking relatively easy. An adopter with patience and common sense along with the greyhound's cleanliness makes, the process of housebreaking easier. All dogs have a signal that they need to go out, since a greyhound is let out on a schedule rather than as needed, the signal can be quite subtle. Once that signal is established housetraining should be uneventful.



