I was recently lucky to hear Grace Tame speak who re-emphasised the importance of language from both legislation to our day to day lives in changing and forming perceptions of conduct, people and other aspects of society.
We all know how language is wielded both by pro-racers (‘retired’ denoting a choice) compared to ‘rescued’ by this community. Or, ‘would prefer humans home more often than not’ instead of ‘separation anxiety’ on public facing rescue profiles (this isn’t saying separation anxiety should not be disclosed but how it’s communicated, particularly in the first instance, could make a difference between a dog getting an application for a home that would be a brilliant fit and not).
But then why don’t we extend this careful use of language to talking about training greyhounds?
Hahahaha no greyhound can do that
Maybe eat, fart, sleep
Sit, stay, recall…lol
Sit, are they high?
These are all verbatim comments in a greyhound group in response to a media call out for a greyhound who could sit, stay and recall.
While these comments may be made in jest what picture do they build up about the breed? A dog that’s lazy? Dumb? Can’t be trained?
So what happens if a prospective adopter sees these comments and decides the breed isn’t for them? Or a new adopter doesn’t even bother trying obedience training or necessary life skills like ‘place’ and recall even though they’re a fantastic enrichment and bonding exercise.
This is the impact of your words. This is the perpetuation of a negative breed stereotype.
So what could one say instead? ‘Oh that’s my dog out, we’ve instead focused on functional training like place and reducing resource guarding’. ‘To be honest, my dog prefers really cute and goofy play but isn’t motivated to do training’. You’re still sharing your personal experiences and the lovely stories about your dogs but you’re also not perpetuating an untrue stereotype that does nothing to help the breed/ may actively harm rescue efforts.
My greyhound can sit, recall, stay and loves training but he doesn’t get toys and only uses his cuddlepillar as an eye mask if we don’t turn the lights down. However, I don’t say he’s boring and not playful, nor do I say the whole breed is boring and not playful just because of my lived experiences with my current dog.
