Hard wired

A rescue with history...

Dogs come in many shapes and sizes. Many have, of course, been bred for specific roles and tasks over the centuries. Any that read my musings will know that I encourage people to consider rehoming dogs, before looking to breeders. This, of course, can pose a challenge to those who rescue a dog in need.

Many people can, often, be surprised when a dog shows traits that they weren’t, quite, expecting.

Let me take my current rescue, Clint, as an example.

Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. Right? Well, most of the time - yes. However, these characters can be Jekyll & Hyde.

Clint is a Lurcher recovered by police from a bad situation with around 80+ other dogs. He was delivered to my door by a very appreciative police officer who said ‘not many people take these big guys.’ Lurchers have been bred for centuries for hare coursing, predominantly. The greyhound racing industry, of course, uses this drive to make money - a whole new subject that I will not cover here.

I mention greyhounds because Clint, being a Lurcher has interesting DNA. He is 48% Saluki (prized for their looks and ability to run for long distances), 42% Greyhound (the fastest dog in the world over short distance, being able to reach 45mph very quickly), 4% Whippet, 4% Scottish Deerhound and 2% Bedlington Terrier. Getting the picture? All sighthounds. It is hardwired into their DNA the desire, to chase. In fact, I believe Clint was used for breeding; he is, pretty much, a perfect Lurcher, possessing a combination of blistering short distance speed coupled with long distance durability.

Clint, although I have instilled a very good recall in him (one that is, regularly, practiced) has a flaw, as some would see it. If he sees a deer, he will chase it; he cannot help himself.

So, the dilemma. What should I do with Clint? Should I always keep him on the lead. Should I only let him of in enclosed fields. Should I keep him away from small dogs? I could go on. For me, sighthounds, such as Greyhounds and Lurchers, are the athletes of the dog world. To deny them time to run in the woods, chase squirrels up trees or play with other dogs is for me, cruel. So, what to do?

This is where understanding of the ‘hard wired’ traits of our dogs is important. In my view, owners should try to mitigate for such traits that might be challenging. In Clint’s case I did and do the following:

• used a muzzle
  until I was sure it was safe to dispense with

• basic training
  lead walking and most, importantly recall

• socialisation with other dogs

• provide a wide experience of walking locations and situations
  not forgetting long lead (recall) training

• of lead as much as is possible and safe to do so.

So, is Clint 100% reliable? Of course not - he is a sighthound. Given the chance, he will still chase a deer.

I, further, mitigate for this ‘hard wiring’ with vigilance, being aware of where we are and the seasons. I pay close attention to Clint’s body language - if he is suggesting increased interest in his surrounding, it is often because there is something I cannot see or hear, but he can. I then put him back on his lead. Clint also wears a tracker to help me locate and retrieve him if he does take off. This works for me. It requires effort and concentration. What does Clint get out of it? He gets the chance to live a full, relatively, unfettered life. And that, is what it is all about.

Finally, all dogs need to be treated as individuals. What works for one does not, necessarily work for another. It is, however, our responsibility to give our dogs the best life we, possibly can.