Q:Does my greyhound need a special place in the house?
A: Most greyhounds are use to kennels. They feel safe and secure in their own crate. We suggest using a crate for the first few days in a new home until you and your greyhound feels comfortable. REMEMBER THIS IS ALL NEW TO YOUR GREYHOUND. The greyhound should also have a large soft bed -- encourage him to sleep on this if you don't want him taking over the couch.

 

Q:What kind of life does a racing greyhound have?
A: Greyhounds spend most of their lives in the company of other dogs. An average litter is about 8 puppies. After weaning the pups are sent to a "puppy building" and placed with pups their own age. As they approach their first birthday their training begins and they are taught how to chase a lure, eventually progress to the track. Track life is very routine - feeding in the morning, turn outs in the exercise pen to answer calls of nature, and resting between races in individual crates. Dogs race every three days and most racing kennels have about 60 dogs.

 

Q: What do the ear tattoos mean?
A: When the puppies are 3 months old, they receive a tattoo in each ear. The right ear caries the birth date, the left has the litter registration number. These numbers are recorded with the National Greyhound Association (NGA).

 

Q: How much exercise does a greyhound need?
A: At the track they are accustomed to racing every three days. However, as greyhounds get older, their exercise needs diminish. Care should be taken in the beginning not to overdo extended jogging or walking on concrete until your greyhound's muscles and especially his pads tighten. Remember, the greyhound is a sprinter - NOT and endurance runner.

 

Q: Can I change my greyhound's name?
A: Greyhounds usually have two names -- their racing name and a "call name". They respond to their "call name". You can change it to whatever you want, but it may take a few days for your greyhound to learn his new name. Be patient -- this is just as new to him as it is to you.

 

Q: How long is the "adjustment" period?
A: Typically it takes about 3 weeks for your greyhound to start to feel comfortable, and about 30 days to really "settle" into the household routine. Your greyhound may have been fostered prior to you adopting him. This means he has had a "home" experience. If possible, talk to the foster parents for specific information on what your greyhound has experienced - like living with other animals, children, stairs, sliding glass doors etc.

Q:What about a muzzle? Do I have to use it?
A: Your greyhound may come with his own muzzle. It is recommended that you use it during the "adjustment" period - especially if you have other dogs, cats or children in the home. DO NOT LEAVE THE GREYHOUND ALONE AND UNSUPERVISED AROUND OTHER DOGS, CATS OR CHILDREN UNTIL YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE.

 

Q: I have cats - how do Greyhounds interact with cats?
A: A good adoption organization will have "tested" the greyhound for cat/small animal safety. Many Greyhounds do not have a problem adapting to a home with cats or other small animals. Be sure to let the adoption organization know you have cats so a good match can me made. (see question above about muzzles). Greyhounds should be introduced to your cat(s) carefully. Confine your cat before first bringing the greyhound into the home. If you bring the greyhound in and the cat runs - he will chase it. Greyhounds have been taught to chase small fast moving objects. After your greyhound has relaxed a bit, put him on his leash and put his muzzle on, bring the cat into the room and let him see what it is and that it is part of the family. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR GREYHOUND ALONE AND UNSUPERVISED AROUND OTHER DOGS, CATS OR CHILDREN UNTIL YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE.

 

Q: What about small children?
A: Greyhounds are extremely tolerant animals -- but they are still dogs. More often than not a Greyhound will just walk away from an "annoying" child - but sometimes they will do what we call "throwing their head" (a quick turn of the head) at a child. This is their way of saying "Ok, I've had enough. Leave me alone." Do not allow your child to mistreat or torment the dog, and the problem will not arise.

 

Q: How do I introduce my greyhound to my other dog(s)?
A: Your greyhound should get along well with other dogs as he as had lots of "socialization" experience in the racing kennel. However, your older dog may be "jealous" or "territorial" When you first arrive home with your greyhound - arrange for your older dog to meet outside -- this tends to be neutral territory and reduces the chances of your older dog feeling like he has to defend his turf.

 

Q: Do I have to keep my greyhound on a leash when outside?
A: YES! YES! YES! If you have a fenced in area - it is best to use a leash until YOU feel comfortable that the greyhound can not "escape". Greyhounds have been clocked racing up to 45mph - if your greyhound gets loose - you aren't going to be able to catch him. Greyhounds do not understand ROADS or speeding CARS -- they are not STREET SMART. If they see a neighbor's cat, squirrel or other critters they will BOLT after it.

 

Q: How much obedience training has my greyhound had?
A: This varies with the greyhound -- some may respond to a whistle or their name. They do walk well while on a leash. The majority of racing greyhounds have had minimal obedience training. Ask your Greyhound Adoption organization about the specifics pertaining to your dog and for recommended places for taking obedience classes.

 

Q: I don't have a Veterinarian -- how do I find a good one?
A: Ask your Greyhound adoption organization for recommendations. Greyhounds do have some special needs related to their health and well being. Any Veterinarian you choose should be familar with the "particulars". Talk to your Greyhound Adoption organization for more information.

Q: What should I do and/or have in the home before adopting?
A: Dog proof your home - this means moving anything your do not want 'eaten' out of reach. Your Greyhound will learn what is acceptable and what is not -- but in the meantime - better safe than sorry. If you have houseplants - get them out of reach - many house plants are poisonous if eaten -- again better safe than sorry.
Your greyhound will need:
-- Elevated food/water bowls, most pet stores have feeding stands and are reasonably priced.
-- Food. Avoid dog food with "RED" dyed bits, greyhounds have sensitive digestive systems and the red dye will cause diarrhea. Recommended brands are Dads Meal (red bag), Blue Seal Natural "26", Purina, Walmart Ole Roy, Diamond or Pedigree. Avoid HIGH PROTIEN dog food -- it gives too much energy and you don't need an over-active pet. Over extended periods of time high protein dog food may cause kidney damage.
-- His/her own bed - especially if you do not want him claiming ownership to your couch or bed.
-- Toys - most greyhounds prefer soft stuffed "animal" toys and or rope chews. With gentle but firm guidance he will soon learn to "chew" on these instead of your furniture, shoes or clothes.
-- A coat. Greyhounds do not have much fat for insulation against the cold. An old sweatshirt will work in a pinch until one can be purchased. Check with your greyhound organization for recommended 'styles' of coats. Rule of thumb -- if you need a to wear a coat outside - so does your greyhound.
-- Grooming supplies: Check with your greyhound organization for recommendations.

 

Q: What kind of "treats" can I give my greyhound?
A: As mentioned above AVOID THE RED DYES. Milk bones make for easy to give "treats". Cow hooves/toes are also good to keep your greyhound occupied "chewing" and helps remove tarter from his teeth. Rawhide takes about a month to digest in a dogs stomach - so be stingy with these. Other "healthy" treats include butter-milk, cottage cheese or yogurt once a week for a healthy gut. Garlic, or CORN oil added to his regular food will ensure a nice coat.

 

Q: What about bones for treats?
A: Shank bones from the butcher are good. NO PORK BONES, NO STEAK BONES, NO SMALL ROUND BONES, NO CHICKEN OR TURKEY BONES. These types of bones may lodge in the throat or splinter into sharp fragments.

 

A: When the greyhounds first arrive they are at what is considered "racing weight". They have NOT been STARVED or underfed - it's normal to be able to see their ribs. Greyhounds also do not have body fat and very thin skin which in other breeds would "hide the ribs".  For a retired and adopted greyhound seeing the last two ribs indicates a good weight for a life of love. 

 

A: Greyhound ears move in all directions.  Upright ears usually means they see something of interest.  Ears that are down and point to the back are their normal position.  Other times one ear will be up and the other down, and they can also point them both in a forward (air-scoop) position.

 

A: NO. The majority of "returnees" come back because the previous owners are moving/divorcing or have other family issues which prevents them from keeping the Greyhound.