FAQs

Podencos are not known for their recall and may always need to be on a lead unless in a secure space - 5-6ft boundaries with no gaps.

They are warren hounds and use all of their senses when triggered, be it by prey, excitement or fear - which is a lot to compete with!

Most adopters that do allow their podencos off-lead will share that its only in certain places and is compromised recall - they accept the dog will come back when ready.

Podencos can be incredibly agile, and whether they know it or not can clear shorter boundaries.

They are a curious, nosey breed so sometimes they may jump because they see something of interest, but it can also happen if they get startled or if their prey drive is triggered.

Its important to note that whilst we adopt Podencos to homes without a garden - for the right dog. If you have a garden these requirements do need to be met. We cannot accept that they will always be on a lead when outside or never let out outside because this is simply not practical for the duration of a dogs life.

Podencos are intelligent and sensitive dogs and enjoy the company of their humans and other dogs. They can be come distressed and destructive in the home when left for longer periods of time regularly.

Of course over time some pods can manage more. BUT, we have no way of knowing and advising adopters when they have come from kennel or foster because in these scenarios there are always people or other dogs around at all times.

We always advise the following items:

• Martingale Collar - Podencos can escape form all other safe collar types

• 3-strap harness (y shaped) - Podencos can escape from all other safe harness types

• Lead (NEVER retractable) - In the early days of adopting we would suggest 2 leads or a dual safety clip lead which has one handle and two clip attachments. Both options mean you can clip to the collar and harness for additional safety

• Dog tag with owners name, address and phone number (this is a legal requirement in EU most countries)

• Tracker with real time GPS

Hope for Podencos can supply all of this at time of adoption for reduced rates - excluding the collar which is always free!

Not all Podencos require a garden, but it is based on the individual dogs needs.

As long as there is access to regular walks and mental stimulation is provided in the home you can still acive a well balanced dog.

Some Podencos can live with cats - we call this cat workable and all of our pods going to homes with cats are cat tested.

Its important to note we will ask about your cat on any call and based on their nature this will be taken into consideration when making a match - even for a cat tested dog.

A lot of our partner associations feed the dogs in their care food that has been donated or that is local to Spain so its not always consistent brand wise.

They are likely used to a mix of wet and dry kibble fed twice a day. So best to continue this early on but with high quality bland flavours such as fish in the early days - avoiding chicken and beef which dogs can be intolerant to.

Its hard for us to advise how they travel as quite often they are only taken in a car for vet visits which can be stressful in themselves.

The transport to their home from Spain can also add anxiety to road travel. But fear not, we have helped may adopters over the years with training get their Podencos used to travelling in cars.

Podencos as a breed come with varying degrees of prey drive and what exactly can trigger it.

Being warren hounds (not sighthounds) their prey drive can be triggered by sight, smell and sound. But not all pods use all 3 senses to the same degree and can show a preference for 1 or 2.

What we do hear consistently is that squirrels trigger most Podencos prey drive, and in fact many other dog breeds.

Prey drive can be worked with in training, but it cannot be taken out of the dog.

Podencos don’t need any more exercise than any other active dog. And it can be a common piece of feedback from new adopters

“Ive walked my dog for 3 hours today and they are still bouncing off the walls!”

Podencos are built for endurance and they can become machines if we let them. But its about creating a well balanced dog.

The physical mixed with the mental stimulation is the key. Brain games in the home - snuffle mats, stuffed kongs, basic training refreshers - sit, stay etc.

There is a bit of a misconception around Podencos and energy levels.

Yes like most dogs they love a good zoomy and walk. And you can build a high energy Podenco if you do not teach them the importance of settling early on. This is part of the core training we recommend early on.

With both regular physical and mental stimulation they can be lovely well balanced dogs that love a sofa just as much as the next dog.

Yes Podencos can excel at training, and many do Canicross, Agility, Scentwork, Hoopers - all the good stuff! Some even go on to be TheraPets.

They key with them is they can have quite short attention spans, so training is recommended in shorter session to prevent them loosing focus.

Our Podencos travel via ground transport with fully licensed professionals.

We follow all legal and compliance requirements for your country - every dog will have been health tested, vaccinated, microchipped and passported.

Out transporters are experienced with the breed and will ensure your Podenco is popped into the their harness and collar befre being handed to you.

Our adoption fee includes all health checks, testing, kennel, documentation and transport costs incurred by the charity:

• UK adoption fee = £680

• EU adoption fee = £500

Yes we do! Its something we pride ourselves on.

We do official checkins at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months.

Adopters all have their individual WhastApp threads that can be used for the duration of the dogs life.

We also have a volunteer trainer on the team who is happy to provide tips and tricks for any training needs.

Hope for Podencos provides full rescue back up for all adopters and their dogs - no judgement, just an honest and transparent conversation so we can all agree the best next steps for the dog and their needs.