Helping Your Greyhound with Separation Anxiety

Understanding and Overcoming Separation Anxiety in Greyhounds

One of the most common challenges new Greyhound adopters encounter is what's often referred to as "separation anxiety." This isn't just a minor inconvenience; it describes a deeply stressful experience for a Greyhound when their adopter leaves the home. This stress can manifest in various ways, from "fretting" (rapid breathing or hyperventilating), whining, and barking, to more destructive behaviours like chewing furniture or inappropriate urination/defecation. While a vet might prescribe sedatives for extreme cases, understanding the roots of this anxiety is key to helping your Greyhound adjust.

Why Do Greyhounds Experience Separation Anxiety?

The unique upbringing of a Greyhound plays a significant role in their potential for separation anxiety. From the moment they are born, Greyhounds are rarely, if ever, truly alone:

  • Constant Companionship: They are raised in litters, always surrounded by their siblings and dam. Even after weaning, littermates often remain together.

  • Kennel Life: In a racing kennel, Greyhounds live in close proximity to dozens of other dogs.They are in constant visual and auditory contact with their kennel mates and handlers. Their entire lives are structured around a social pack environment.

  • Routine and Predictability: Racing Greyhounds thrive on regimentation and predictability. Their days revolve around consistent routines, training, and racing – activities that provide both physical and mental stimulation.

When a Greyhound is adopted, they are suddenly thrust into an entirely new, often alien, universe. For the first time in their lives, they might find themselves without the constant company of other Greyhounds. This radical shift can be profoundly unsettling.

Overlooked Triggers and Their Impact

Beyond the immediate absence of companions, several other factors can trigger anxiety in a newly adopted Greyhound:

  • Novelty Overload: Your home is full of strange objects, new smells, unfamiliar sounds from appliances, and the unfamiliar sights and sounds of a new neighbourhood. Every new experience can be a source of stress.

  • Loss of Routine: Their established, ingrained routine is completely disrupted. Greyhounds prosper with punctuality and repetition, and the shift to a new, less structured domestic life can be disorienting.

  • Misconception of "Wrongdoing": Perhaps the most overlooked trigger is the possibility that the Greyhound has no idea why their life suddenly changed. They may have been perfectly content and fulfilled as a racing athlete within their pack, doing what they were bred to do. The vast majority of racing Greyhounds thrive on their work and the stimulation it provides.

  • Loss of Bonds: Your newly retired Greyhound was likely bonded with one or more handlers and kennel mates. These bonds are suddenly severed, leaving a huge void. True bonding with a new human takes time, trust, and reliability, and doesn't happen overnight.

For a new adoptee, separation anxiety is often less about being truly "abandoned" and more about an "I simply can't deal with being alone, and I miss my job and my friends" anxiety.

Overcoming Separation Anxiety

Smothering your new Greyhound with toys, treats, and constant attention is rarely a quick fix. The more effective approach to mitigating separation anxiety in newly re-homed Greyhounds lies in:

  • Establishing Routine and Predictability: Create a consistent daily schedule for feeding, walks, toilet breaks, and playtime.11 Predictability reduces stress and helps your Greyhound understand what to expect.

  • Stress Reduction in the Home Environment: Minimise potential triggers. Introduce new objects or sounds slowly. Provide a safe, comfortable den space (like a crate or a specific bed in a quiet corner) where they can retreat and feel secure.

  • Physical and Mental Engagement: Ensure your Greyhound is getting sufficient physical exercise and mental stimulation. Regular walks, puzzle toys, and short training sessions can help to pleasantly fatigue them and relieve pent-up stress. This is a crucial outlet they no longer get from racing.

  • Gradual Alone Training (Desensitisation): Start by leaving your Greyhound alone for very short periods (a few minutes) and gradually increase the duration as they show comfort. Don't make a big fuss when you leave or return.

  • Building Trust and Bonding: This is perhaps the most important element, and it takes time. Focus on consistent, positive interactions, reliability, and patience. Your Greyhound needs to learn to trust and rely on you before they can truly bond and feel secure in your absence.

Remember, patience is paramount. While some Greyhounds adjust within weeks, others may take many months to overcome separation anxiety and truly settle into their new lives. With understanding, consistent care, and time, you can help your Greyhound feel safe, secure, and loved in their forever home.