Two Different Worlds:
Life Before and After Adoption

If you've lived with dogs before, you already know some of the things you need to know to live with a greyhound. But not everything.

For most of the dogs we place, the short time they spent in a foster home was their ONLY experience being a pet. Let's look at what their old life was like:

• His crate was just for him. No one ever came into it. No one bothered him there, unless they were taking him out. No one ever touched him while he was sleeping.
• He spent all day with other dogs, but no people. When a person showed up, it was time to go outside to poop, time to eat, or time to race. That's all people did.
• He ate on a strict schedule. No one bothered him when he was eating. The only food around was his, and it was time to eat it.
• The room with his crate had mostly just crates. It was simple. Things didn't change. If someone came in, he knew it right away, and knew who it was.
• He was always part of a pack. When in doubt, he did what everyone else was doing.

 

So what does this mean for your new pet?

• In your house, there are probably things he can get into that you don't want him to: food on counters, interesting things on tables or shelves. His old environment was strictly controlled, so if he could see food, he should eat it. If there was something he could reach, it was okay for him to have it. So if you don't want him to have it, make sure it's out of reach. Hint: Greyhounds are tall.
• He doesn't know how to tell you he needs to go outside. Someone always told him when, and he knew not to pee in his crate. He doesn't know how to give you the signal that it's time. By taking him out often (and always through the same door), you'll help him learn. So when you see him pacing near that door, that's a signal! Praise him and take him out.
• Your house is complicated and unpredictable. Sometimes you're there, sometimes you're not. Other people show up. Kids run around. Doors are left open. The daily routine varies. All dogs like routine, so he'll appreciate whatever you can do to bring in stability and predictability.
• The people in your house (especially young people) may think his crate makes a nice fort or cave. They may not understand that it's HIS safe place.
• If let loose outside, he doesn't know what to do, but he knows that running feels right, and it's what he does outside. So he runs. He runs until he's tired (and at least a mile away from you) or until he gets hit by a car. He knows nothing about streets and traffic. This usually ends badly. Please keep your Greyhound on a leash or in a securely fenced area. Always.

 

Your greyhound is an alien. Every behavior you want (and don't want), you need to teach. Slowly, patiently, lovingly.

 

Adopt-a-Grey with Gorges Greyhounds,
Ithaca's local way to adopt a Greyhound!
Serving Ithaca, the Fingerlakes region, central New York, and northeastern Pennsylvania.