Socialisation is the process by which dogs learn about their world and how to interact with it successfully.
The critical learning period in a dog’s life is approximately three to 17 weeks of age. During that time, dogs should be exposed to many different environments and situations in order to set them up for success as pets.
The RSPCA says – A ” key animal welfare issues posed by greyhound racing [is]… Inadequate socialisation of greyhound puppies and an ongoing lack of opportunities to socialise and express normal behaviours for racing dogs, who may be kept in kennel-like environments for the majority of their racing careers. In addition to being a dog welfare issue, this can pose barriers to rehoming for these dogs on retirement.”
Racing bodies across Australia have rules in place that require racing greyhound owners to socialise their dogs. The exceptions are the NT, which has no policy, and ACT where racing is banned.
Evidence shows the industry is ignoring its own rules
There is extensive evidence that industry rules around socialisation are ignored. The RSPCA says:
“..many (racing) greyhound puppies and adult greyhounds are never adequately socialised either with other dogs or with humans or to the different sights, objects, surfaces, sounds, experiences which companion dogs are likely to encounter in their lives.
Dogs who are socially deprived are more likely to develop fearfulness and antisocial behaviour which impacts negatively on their welfare. Lack of adequate socialisation may also make it more difficult to rehome retired or unwanted greyhounds.”
https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-are-the-animal-welfare-issues-with-greyhound-racing/
“The biggest issue is people send us dogs which have not been handled … All too often they arrive flea riddled and … then you realise that worming has been overlooked entirely.
How is any breaking in role supposed to work efficiently when 12 or so months of neglect must be dealt with? I’m sure this is commonplace across the country …” – Greyhound trainer – see here
Industry guide to the benefits of early socialisation see here
An animal welfare issue that impacts the whole community
Results from a CPG survey of greyhound rescue groups around Australia also established that many racing dogs miss out on being socialised. In fact community rescue groups reported the majority of greyhounds that come into their care display signs of stress and are fearful of humans. Many are also unable to negotiate stairs or walk on surfaces that are not concrete.
This means community volunteers have to spend many hours with such greyhounds to help ensure they can live a good life as a pet. It can also mean that impoverished community rescue groups have to use scant funds to hire dog behaviour specialists to make up for the racing industry’s neglect.
Racing authorities could easily check for socialisation skills when doing kennel inspections, but CPG is unaware of any Australian greyhound industry participant penalised for failing to socialise a young dog.
Despite this, it happens all the time.
