Requests for Rehoming Dogs

Maybe I’m being cynical, but I feel we’re getting more “random” requests about rehoming now because people want “ a dog” rather than a LURCHER and are finding it difficult to get a pup through other means.

I’m aware there’s a lot of back yard breeders who are charging extortionate prices for crossbreed “designer” dogs and a lot of these dogs have no proper health checks or care in their breeding, leading to all sorts of health problems. So I DO understand why people are approaching rescues, but we have a duty of care to the dogs in our charge, which is why it can seem like we’re asking a lot of questions.

This is why I’m making this post - just to ensure folk know what it entails to adopt a Lurcher:

Do not underestimate the commitment involved if you adopt any dog. You are promising to give them a loving, supportive home for the rest of their lives. This means loving and accepting them unconditionally, through the good and the bad times, the happy and infuriating . If you cannot say you won’t give up on them, then please think again about adoption. Bouncing back and forward to new homes and kennels can affect the dog’s mental health and we try very hard not to let this happen - hence all the background questions.

Dogs cost money: food, Insurance, vet bills and any medical issues that may arise. Can you realistically afford it on a regular basis?

Lurchers are generally social animals - if you intend to leave your dog alone at home for more than 4 hours a day, then you should really consider whether having a dog is suitable for you. We do get some older dogs in that are used to being left all day etc, but they may not adapt quickly to the same routine in a new home…they will take time to settle in. Puppies certainly should not be left alone for long as they need companionship and tutoring to become a well rounded dog.

Most Lurchers can jump if they want to. This is why we suggest that any hedges, walls and fences to your property are 6 feet in height with no gaps. If yours aren’t, we will suggest ways of raising them and blocking any holes at the bottom of hedges. Just because your old dog never got out, doesn’t mean a new one won’t try to!

All dogs need time to settle into a new home - we normally reckon on about 3 weeks for a “normal dog” until they feel “relaxed” - some really unsocialised cases can take far longer. .Even if they are clean in a foster home, there still may be “ accidents” with house training, until they get used to a new routine. You need to be patient and to take them outside more often to start with, giving a “command” such as “ Go Pee” and praise them when they do. They’ll have had many changes recently, please give them time to adjust to their new life.

Also if you want a dog who can be let off-lead with little supervision, please consider a different breed. Although Lurchers are rather beautiful when in full flight, they can run a long distance in a very short time especially if chasing something. In a secure environment this isn’t usually a problem (unless they run into something/one), but I’ve noticed a real rise in lost / stolen Lurchers this year and some of those have sadly been involved in RTA's. Please be sensible and consider whether it’s safe to let your sighthound off the lead in each environment - you can hire securely fenced dog fields nowadays for a safe blast around.

Each type of Lurcher has it’s own characteristics depending on the cross, giving them their own distinct charm, but there are some fairly typical traits for each type, for example, Salukis have a reputation for being “aloof” (think cats) , the bull x’s are usually very people oriented but don’t like being left much, Beddie x’s are fiesty terriers under that fluff! It really does depend on the mix but with any Lurcher you should always expect to have to share your sofa and food. They tend to have “ selective hearing” and you’ll have some “exciting” walks - especially if they see rabbits, squirrels etc, so if you don’t want to live life on the edge with your dog, reconsider getting a Lurcher!

If that’s not put you off - fill in our pre-adoption questionnaire :

https://www.lurcher-link.org/preadoption-questionnaire

and we’ll have a chat.

K

McDuff and Ralph (rehomed)