Loving homes are required for retired racing greyhounds of all ages. Greyhounds truly make great pets!
 

The basic needs of a greyhound are exactly the same as any adopted dog coming into the home as a pet.  Fencing has to be secure and over 5ft high, if motivated hounds can jump 6ft plus……they usually can’t be bothered though.  They need good quality dried food, water, a comfy bed…we recommend a single duvet, or bean bag, some treats, exercise and lots of TLC.

When you first bring your dog home please remember that he/she may never have been into a house before. Assume your new pet greyhound will need introductions to all aspects of home life, including household appliances. Having said that, you will be amazed how quickly they adapt.

Please set aside quality time to be with your dog for the first few days at least…..don’t be over affectionate, until he/she gets used to you, be firm, kind and let them know calmly what you want from them and take care to help them get used to this new lifestyle. 

No dog likes to be left alone for long periods of time, greyhounds are no different, although being so VERY lazy they will sleep most of the day, even when you are there.   They are not `in your face` dogs,  they won’t nag for attention…..again far too much effort…. but as they settle in and learn your ways, you will gradually interact more.

 Cats

Greyhounds are no more likely to chase cats than any other breed of dogs but if the neighbourhood cat wanders into your Garden, unaware a new pet has arrived, with their speed and reaction, a greyhound can catch the cat out. If you are concerned, muzzle your greyhound  when out in the Garden, until the area cats get wise. 

When you introduce a cat and dog for the first time, do so on `neutral territory`, have the dog muzzled and on a lead.  Don’t let the cat attack the dog and keep the dog muzzled until you are confident he/she won’t lunge at the cat.  With Greyhounds it is no hardship to wear a muzzle, they do so whilst Racing, this makes it easier to train a Greyhound, than other breeds.

Eventually you can build up to feeding them side by side, when they start sleeping near each other, you are pretty much home and dry. One word of caution though, until you are really sure, don’t leave the animals alone in the house together, always separate them when you go out. Cats can attack too, don’t assume the dog will be the aggressor.
Like many breeds of dogs, although happy with their `own` cat, greyhounds may still want to chase a `foreign` one, that comes on to their territory, or is seen when out on walks.
Toilet Training
We can’t guarantee a house trained dog but most hounds are clean in their kennels.
When you first get the dog home take him/her either round the block or into the garden and walk them round until they go, when they do, make such a fuss of them, they can’t fail to get the message. After this, when indoors, if they get up and wander, give them the opportunity to go out to the toilet, again make a fuss of them on emptying. Greyhounds are very sensitive, quick and eager to please, so it is rarely a problem. Please don’t shout about accidents, firm disapproval will work, they will be upset enough at your being cross.
Walks…..going out
They only need two or three walks a day, although they will enjoy more or less, as you wish.
If it’s raining your greyhound will be as keen as you are to get back in the warm, don’t feel you have to trudge round your full route. 
Set up new outings to socialise them, if they like it, fine, if not try again in a day or so. Aim to make new experiences nice, then they build up all the right associations.
Keen is a racing word that describes the level of reaction to chase. The majority of Greyhounds are very gentle on the lead, responsive to your movements and direction. However wildlife can trigger their chase instinct, most just prick up their ears, prance around and may strain on the lead, until whatever interests them is out of sight. What ever you do don’t run with them, you can’t keep up and they will be deaf to your commands, if you encourage them to chase. Make it clear to them though, that you don’t wish them to react any more, when the occasion arises
Most greyhounds never lose the thrill of racing but away from the track, they will soon settle down to family life.
Like all pet dogs, your pet greyhound should wear an identity disc on its collar, to ensure it is returned to you, if it ever gets lost. Ex-racing Greyhounds do have the advantage of Ear Tattoos, these can be used to trace the owner, providing the correct paper work has been completed upon adoption.
If an ex-racer, your greyhounds Vaccinations will be current, keep these up to date.
Check for the need to worm your dog, treat if there are any signs of infestation.
It is advisable that you take out pet insurance.
 
Children
Greyhound are usually very tolerant of children, their naturally gentle natures mean that they generally love everyone but you must use a little common sense. Give the dog space whilst it is getting to know these new small humans, remember they may be scared when the children scream or play roughly.
As with any new dog, don’t leave young children alone with the pet, until you are absolutely happy that an understanding has been built, on both sides.