Greyhounds 101

Getting to Know Your Greyhound

 

Every Greyhound is different.

Greyhounds are known for being gentle, affectionate and sensitive companions, but every Greyhound has their own personality, history and way of adjusting to a new home. Some settle in quickly, while others need more time. Adjustment takes time. Stairs, elevators, slippery floors, mirrors, household noises, city traffic and simply living inside a home may all be new experiences. Patience, consistency and a predictable routine can help a Greyhound feel safe, comfortable and confident. Source: Greyhound Safety Net — Adopting a Greyhound FAQs

 

Being alone takes patience and training.
Some Greyhounds have difficulty adjusting to being left alone, particularly during the transition into a new home. Gradual introductions to alone time and a consistent routine can help. More significant separation anxiety should be discussed with your adoption organization, veterinarian or a qualified behavior professional. Source: Greyhound Pets, Inc. — Greyhound FAQs

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Young children and Greyhounds.
Many Greyhounds can live happily with children, but some have had little or no previous exposure to young children and may not be comfortable with rough play, sudden movements or being disturbed while resting. Children should be taught to respect the dog’s space, especially when the Greyhound is sleeping or eating, and interactions should always be supervised. Greyhound adoption programs may also have age-related placement guidelines depending on the individual dog and household. Source: Greyhound Friends of New Jersey
 

Cats and small animals depend on the individual dog.
Some Greyhounds live successfully with cats and small dogs; others should not. Follow the assessment and recommendations of the adoption program that knows the dog. Introductions should always be thoughtful and supervised. Source: Grateful Greyhounds

 

Greyhounds communicate in many ways.
Growling, posture, facial expressions and movement can all tell you how a dog is feeling. A growl may mean your Greyhound is uncomfortable, frightened or needs more space. Learning to recognize and respect these signals can help build trust and prevent misunderstandings.

Source: Greyhound Safety Net — Adopting a Greyhound FAQs

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Safety First

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Use a properly fitted martingale collar.
Because Greyhounds have narrow heads, they can more easily back out of some traditional collars. A properly fitted martingale collar, secure leash and identification tags are basic Greyhound safety equipment. Source: Connecticut Greyhound Adoption — Adoption FAQs

 

A GPS Tracker Can Save Your Greyhound’s Life.
Because Greyhounds can move quickly and may bolt if startled, most Greyhound adoption programs now recommend or require GPS tracking as an added safety measure. GPS trackers can help locate a lost dog quickly, while an AirTag or similar device can provide an additional layer of identification and tracking. Source: Grateful Greyhounds — Adoption Application

 

Keep them securely leashed.

Greyhounds are extraordinarily fast, and some have a strong instinct to chase. Unless your Greyhound is in a securely enclosed area, keep them safely leashed. Always be particularly careful around open doors and gates. Source: Grateful Greyhounds

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Use a Backup Connection.
Leash clasps and hardware can fail. For added security, use a locking carabiner as a backup connection between the martingale collar and the leash. Attach identification tags to a separate collar ring, not to the martingale D-ring, so the collar can function properly. Source: Greyhound Friends — Lost Greyhound Emergency Booklet

 

Greyhounds in a New York Winter

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Keep them warm.
Greyhounds have short coats and very little insulation compared with many other breeds. A properly fitted coat or jacket is important during cold New York weather, particularly on longer walks or very cold days. Source: American Animal Hospital Association — Cold Weather Safety for Pets

 

Protect those paws.
New York streets and sidewalks can be tough on Greyhound feet especially in hot summers and snowy/icy winters. Road salt and chemical ice-melting products can irritate, dry and crack paw pads. Consider well-fitting boots and an appropriate paw protectant, avoid heavily salted areas when possible, and wipe or rinse paws after winter walks. Also walk in shadier sides of the street in summer and put cloth booties on your pup to protect against burning asphalt. Source: Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine — Winter Weather Pet Safety

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