Authored by Lisa Bunting
Raszuli Salukis
1) NEVER ALLOW YOUR SALUKI OFF A LEASH IN AN UNFENCED AREA.
The natural instinct and desire to chase moving objects has been bred into the saluki for thousands of
years. Salukis are born to run and run they will if given the opportunity. Running away from you is not
something they do because they do not love or respect you. They cannot suppress this instinct. It is natural
for them and you must protect them always. If you do not, your Saluki will surely be maimed or killed by a
car.
2) SOCIALIZE YOUR SALUKI.
Salukis are by nature aloof with strangers, but aloof does not mean spooky! While your saluki is young, take
him with you whenever and wherever you can. Encourage friends and strangers to pet and play with your
saluki. Frequent, positive exposure to a variety of people and settings will help your saluki mature into a
self-confident animal. A dog who will be a joy to live and travel with. A saluki raised in a sheltered
environment, with little contact with humans outside of his immediate family, will most likely grow into a
painfully shy animal who will never be comfortable in any new situation, only comfortable within the security
of his home and immediate family.
3) COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN.
If possible, try to select a veterinarian who is well aquatinted with the idiosyncrasies of sighthound
healthcare. Certainly ask if he has ever had any salukis as patients before. Many treatments or procedures
which are quite acceptably routine for the majority of breeds could be life threatening or even fatal for the
saluki. Ask questions. Weigh the answers. If you do not feel as though your veterinarian wants to
communicate with you, or does not afford you the respect deserved of an informed pet owner, find a vet
who will.
4) KEEP TOENAILS TRIMMED AND TEETH AND EARS CLEAN.
Properly trimmed toenails are essential for good feet. If toenails are let go, serious injury to the foot can
result. The arch can be broken down to the point where your saluki can become flat-footed. It is very
important that you keep your dogs teeth clean. Regular cleaning will avoid and or the delay the necessity of
a trip to the veterinarian for scaling. Gum disease attacks canines as well as humans with the same
unfortunate results. Salukis have 'drop' ears, which are more susceptible to developing infections because of
moisture, and lessened airflow. Ear infections are very painful and left untreated can develop into a serious,
life threatening illness.
5) TRAIN WITH A FIRM BUT GENTLE HAND. BE CONSISTENT.
Salukis are highly intelligent and sensitive canines. They are almost cat-like in their independence. They do
not respond well to harsh commands or physical punishment. When it becomes necessary to discipline your
Saluki, do so with a steady voice and a calm demeanor. Ranting and raving will only frighten and confuse your
dog and nothing will be learned or accomplished. Never punish after-the-fact. Dogs are very much creatures
of the here and now. They do not reason as we do. They learn by association and repetition. Correct your
saluki immediately. If time has passed before your discovery of an infraction, discipline after the fact will
do little good. Be consistent with your commands. Use one single word for each desired behavior. Do not
substitute or interchange command words. When training or giving commands, don't chatter with your dog.
Be consistent in your demands and or rules. Something either is allowed or it is not. It cannot be all right to
get on the furniture one-day and not allowed the next. Salukis bore easily. Try to make training fun.
Always begin and end with a relaxed play session. If an exercise is not going well, try another or quit for
the day and have your play session early.
6) SALUKIS NEED TOYS.
Saluki puppies are very destructive and most remain active and playful for the whole of their lives. They
need to have their own toys and possessions. If you do not provide them, they will acquire their own. Usually
your best shoes or other items that will infuriate you.
7) SALUKIS NEED ATTENTION
A bored or lonely Saluki is a destructive Saluki. You will be the most
important thing in your Saluki's life. Include him in yours. A Saluki with nothing to do will find something to
do. It will most likely be something like eating your furniture, shoes, tearing down your drapes, breaking
prized possessions etc...
8) SALUKIS ARE ESCAPE ARTISTS.
The door not quite latched, the open window, the too loose collar, etc. All of these are opportunities for
your Saluki to escape. Most are quite intelligent and creative enough that they require no opportunities such
as the above as they are quite capable of devising their own escape routes. Know where your Saluki is at all
times. Protect him from himself.
Home Page
Introduction
Coming of Norman
Norman the Poodle
Norman's Achievements
The Coming of Sirocco
Sirocco the Saluki Sirocco's Pedigree
Sirocco's Achievements
Saluki History
Is a Saluki for You? AKC Saluki Breed Standard
Jim's Thoughts on Living with Canine Friends
Agility Tips More Agility Tips
The Family Photo Album
Favorite Linking Sites