Greyhound Home Guide

Welcoming Your Adopted Greyhound Home: Important Considerations

Bringing a new Greyhound into your home is an exciting time! These wonderful dogs often adapt remarkably well, but there are several key considerations to help ensure a smooth transition and a safe, happy life together.

Navigating Your Home Environment

Stairs: Many Greyhounds have never encountered stairs before. They may be hesitant or unsure how to navigate them.

  • Initial Guidance: Be patient and encouraging. You might need to lead them one step at a time, using treats as encouragement.

  • Safety: For homes with multiple flights or very steep stairs, consider a baby gate to prevent unsupervised access until your Greyhound is confident.

  • Health: Be mindful of older or arthritic Greyhounds; excessive stair climbing can be difficult or painful for them.

Patio Doors and Large Windows: The transparency of glass can be confusing for Greyhounds, who might not initially understand it's a barrier.

  • Visibility Aids: Apply static clings, decals, or even strips of tape at their eye level on patio doors and large windows for the first two weeks. This helps them identify the glass and avoid accidental collisions.

  • Supervision: Always supervise your Greyhound around glass doors until you are confident they understand the barrier.

Laminate and Other Slippery Flooring: Many Greyhounds are accustomed to kennel environments or soft surfaces. Laminate, tile, or polished wood floors can be very slippery for their paws, leading to falls or a lack of confidence.

  • Rugs and Runners: Strategically place non-slip rugs, runners, or carpet sections in high-traffic areas, especially where your Greyhound walks, rests, and gets up. This provides traction and helps them feel secure.

  • Paw Grips: Consider specialised paw grips or non-slip socks if your Greyhound is struggling significantly, particularly if they are elderly or have mobility issues.

  • Gradual Introduction: Allow your Greyhound to explore slippery areas at their own pace, always ensuring they have a safe, grippy surface nearby to retreat to.

Travelling Safely

Greyhounds are generally calm travellers, but securing them properly in a vehicle is crucial for their safety and yours.

  • Car Harness: A well-fitted car safety harness that clips into the seatbelt is often the safest option.

  • Crate: If your vehicle can accommodate it, a large, well-ventilated crate can also provide a secure travel space.

  • Boot Gate/Guard: For estate cars or SUVs, a sturdy boot gate or dog guard can keep them safely in the rear compartment.

  • Never Unrestrained: Avoid letting your Greyhound roam freely in the car, as this can be a distraction to the driver and dangerous in the event of a sudden stop or accident.

    Highway Code Rule 57 states animals in vehicles must be suitably restrained (e.g., via harness, carrier, cage, or guard) to prevent driver distraction or injury to the animal or occupants.

    Although not a direct legal requirement with specific penalties, failing to comply could lead to a 'driving without due care and attention' charge, resulting in 3-9 points on your licence. Furthermore, if your unrestrained pet causes or contributes to an accident, your car and pet insurance could be invalidated, and you might face a court fine of up to £5,000, plus points.

Off-Lead Exercise: When, Where, and If

The decision to let your Greyhound off-lead is a significant one that requires careful consideration and understanding of their unique breed characteristics.

Sighthound Instincts: Greyhounds are sighthounds, bred to chase by sight. Their instinct to run and chase can be incredibly strong, and once focused on a moving object (squirrel, rabbit, plastic bag!), they can reach high speeds very quickly and may not respond to recall commands.

Where to Consider Off-Lead:

  • Secure, Enclosed Areas: The only truly safe places to consider letting a Greyhound off-lead are large, fully enclosed areas with high fences, such as secure dog parks or privately hired dog paddocks. Check fences thoroughly for gaps or low spots before unleashing.

  • Avoid Public Parks/Open Spaces: Even seemingly safe open spaces can be risky due to unexpected wildlife, roads, or other dogs.

When to Consider Off-Lead:

  • Solid Recall: You must have a reliable recall command that your Greyhound responds to 100% of the time, even with distractions. This takes consistent training, patience, and often high-value rewards.

  • Settled and Confident: Ensure your Greyhound is fully settled into their new home and confident in your bond before contemplating off-lead exercise.

  • Training & Assessment: Participate in training classes or seek advice from experienced Greyhound owners or trainers to assess your dog's recall and prey drive.

Important Note: Some Greyhounds May Never Be Let Off-Lead.

It's a reality that some Greyhounds, due to a very high prey drive, poor recall, or nervousness around other dogs, may never be safe to be let off-lead in any public or even enclosed space. This is not a reflection on them or you, but simply an acknowledgement of their strong instincts. A long, sturdy lead is always the safest option for these dogs, and they can still get plenty of exercise and enjoyment from walks, lure coursing (a controlled chasing sport), or simply zooming in a secure garden.

Always err on the side of caution. Your Greyhound's safety is paramount.