Tangled Metal wrote:Just be aware that they chase other dogs too. One near us tried that with our BT and she doesn't take any shoot from any dog which got me worried. Before I could get her on a lead she'd educated the whippet but fortunately didn't break their thin skin. Apparently that type of dog has thin skin which can cut easily. Most of that greyhound type running dog owners I've had discussions with maintain a very good dog first aid kit because of that.
Be aware that the chase instinct might mean a muzzle when out and possibly on a lead around other dogs.
They are a good choice for many though. I suspect you've made a great choice for you. A border terrier would simply be better though! Biased? Me? Nah!
Interesting. Thanks. Did the whippet try to bite or do you think it might have been a dummy run? It can be hard to tell with dogs because, as you know, some of their games are based on hunting and fighting with the kill omitted.
We will be training the dog to be civilised to make life easier for us when we take it out. I'm sure you do the same. I have seen whippets playing nicely with other dogs so it can happen, and we have a well frequented recreation field in front of our house so we will be raising the dog with other dogs around. I think that is the key. Familiarity. Socialising. On the lead at first, off the lead when it all looks good to do that. Some whippets, as you know, are "working dogs" rather than pets, and I wonder if that is what you encountered. I'm glad your feisty dog knew what to do.
The reading I have done suggests that whippets do have a natural tendency to want to chase small furry creatures that may include small dogs, but that this urge can be rectified with "recall" training and (in the case of small dogs) socialising. Every breed has its challenges, and this is the whippet challenge. But we know what it is, we know we have to address it, and we are willing to put the hours in to get it right.
And yes, I do know about the delicate skin issue. Having a first aid kit is a great suggestion.