PLAYGROUPS

WHAT IS A PLAYGROUP?

Greyhounds are social animals. Greyhounds are athletes and love to run. Playgroup is a time when greyhound owners allow their dogs to run and socialize with other greyhounds in a safely fenced location. Exercise is very important for the health of the hounds and playgroup is an excellent supplement to their daily walks. Triangle Greyhound Society (TGS) recognizes these facts and provides the following information on RTP area playgroups as a service. However, while members of TGS may enjoy and participate in area playgroups, these playgroups are not organized or sponsored by TGS. All greyhounds and owners who participate in these play groups do so of their own accord and at their own risk. Triangle Greyhound Society is not liable for any accident or injury that may occur. Owners accept full responsibility for participation.

Please note: Not all dogs do well in playgroup situtations. Playgroup is not a good place for dogs that are overly shy, threatened by other dogs, or aggressive. If you are new to a playgroup situation, try to attend during off peak times so that your dog can get acclimated to the environment and other dogs. Know your dog, and be aware its behavior and the behavior of the other dogs participating.

SUGGESTED PLAYGROUP GUIDELINES:

1. Greyhounds only. No other breeds allowed - including other sighthound breeds. It is a good idea for new dogs entering the field to be kept on leash until introductions to the other dogs on the field have established order.
2. Plastic racing muzzles must be worn at all time. Greyhounds are not an aggressive breed, but in the excitement of play somebody may get hurt. Remember, dogs are pack animals.
3. Owners are responsible for the clean up of droppings. Sometimes scoops are available, but it is wise to keep extra clean up bags handy.
4. Bring water for your hound. During hot weather it is very important to keep you and your dog well hydrated. Even in cool weather dogs are suseptable to dehydration.
5. If a dog gets excited or aggressive, it is the owner's responsibility to leash the dog until it settles down. If a dog continues to be aggressive, it should be removed from the field. Aggressive dogs should be removed by their owners.
6. No unsupervised small children. Remember greyhounds can run up to 40 mph.
   

DURHAM PLAYGROUP

Time: 9:00 - 10:00 Sunday mornings. Location: Durham Dog Park, Piney Wood Park. Directions: Off Woodcroft Parkway, between Fayetteville Road and Barbee. See Durham Dog Park Association website http://www.durhamdogpark.org for directions and details. All dogs must be registered through Durham City Parks & Recreation.

REMEMBER TO KEEP IT CLEAN

While one cannot control what other breed owners may leave behind, we must continue to be diligent with our own waste clean up. Please help out by picking up any waste you may find, as well as that of your own dog. Everyone misses on occasion.

MUZZLES AVAILABLE

Plastic muzzles are no longer available from TGS. You can purchase them from the National Greyhound Association or any number of Greyhound Adoption Groups or Greyhound vendors. For information on vendors selling Muzzles and other Greyhound goodies at the Greyhound Shopping Mall (this page is ordered alphabetically by item - muzzles are about 2/3 down the page).

WHEN IT'S SUMMER - IT'S HOT!

Don't forget that greyhounds (and most dogs) feel the heat even more than we do. Because they can only sweat through their mouths (panting) and their paw pads, they can only disperse so much heat at a time. Overheating is a dangerous thing. Talk to your vet about the signs of and treatment for overheating. Volunteer to take a turn bringing a cold spray bottle of water and/or a cooler of ice to playgroup, and be sure not to run your dog too much if the temperature is really up there. As always, avoid leaving your greyhound in the car if you are shopping. It is much to hot for them to stay in an uncooled car in the North Carolina summer.