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GREYT PETS NOT CHEAP BETS

If you are considering welcoming a new dog into your home then please consider a Greyhound. Check out a reputable greyhound rescue, as these dogs have individual characters and requirements. A good rescue will find a dog that suits you and your family and take into consideration any other pets in the household. Recent research has shown that Greyhounds are Type A personality, meaning they are sensitive natured dogs. They are usually brilliant with children but adult supervision around any dog and child is always strictly advised.

Exercise
Two or three 20 minute walks per day are usually sufficient.  Dogs that are elderly or that are not in perfect health may need less exercise. Fleeces are a good way to keep your dog comfy and warm; in wet weather a fleece lined waterproof coat is a good idea as Greyhounds don't have a lot of fur or padding on their bodies! Greyhounds normally walk really well on a lead. Always use a collar suited to a Greyhound, they have long necks and very little protection. Never use an extending lead, your Greyhound may run up to speeds of around 40miles per hour, meaning you may well sustain injuries and so could your dog. Any dog that's in a new home should be settled in for a minimum of around 6 weeks before taking off the leash. Using a muzzle until you know your dogs temperament is wise, only use basket type muzzles (non wire) as this will allow your dog to breathe properly allowing your dog to be able to pant and as well as drink fluids which is vital! Greyhounds can overheat really quickly. Never let your dog off a lead near a road, try to find enclosed areas to keep your dog safe.  If your dog does not respond to a recall then do not let him/her off the lead in open areas.  Get to know your dog and make sure it will respond to a recall before letting him/her loose in an open field, also watch out for uneven ground, pot holes, tree stumps also wire fencing as your dog may injure itself. Beware as greyhounds running at great speed can knock into smaller dogs causing injuries. 

Prey drive 
Greyhounds fresh out of the dog racing industry have usually been conditioned to chase the lure. Its always best to rescue a greyhound from a reputable greyhound rescue, and one that will give you advice and have a policy where you can return the dog if there are any major problems. 
A reputable rescue will temperament test dogs and rehabilitate where necessary. Make sure that you tell a rescue if you have small children or other pets so that you can be certain to get a dog that matches your family and home. 
Some greyhounds have a higher natural prey drive than others and may not be able to live with other animals or run loose in a park. Advice should usually be given if a greyhound needs to stay muzzled due to high prey drive. 

Feeding
Greyhounds don't need any more food than an average size dog; Always check the feeding guide on your dog food.  Holistic diets are usually the best as they do not contain meat derivatives and have all natural ingredients.
Food ingredients to avoid; Meat derivatives (are the waste produce of any meat, beaks etc)
High protein (will give your dog too much stamina)
Large amounts of Ash (Ash is a bulking agent used in cheap commercial food)
Your new dog may be tempted by food that is within reach, keep all food out of reach.
 
Greyhounds can suffer gastric torsion, (Bloat) This is a serious condition and would require immediate veterinary attention.
AVOID FEEDING YOUR GREYHOUND WITHIN 2 HRS OF EXCERCISE


House training
Your new greyhound has most probably never lived in a home environment and therefore will not be house trained, the advantage is that they tend to learn quickly. If you find your dog has an accident clean it up with no fuss or eye contact, telling your dog off will prolong the house training as your dog may become anxious without you even realizing. Anxiety can cause anticipation which will be likely to cause further accidents. (Do not use products containing ammonia when cleaning floors)

Garden
Your garden should be well enclosed, with at least 6ft high fences.
Even a garden cane can prove hazardous to a greyhound, keep your garden free from any dangers. Remember that you 
have a dog that can run up to high speeds even in a small enclosed area. Some plants are poisonous to dogs, so please ensure any shrubs or plants are non poisonous.

Greyhounds and Anesthetic
Use a veterinary surgeon that is knowledgeable in Greyhounds. Greyhounds can have problems after anesthetic. Never refrain from seeking veterinary treatment, an experienced vet will know how to deal with any problems.

Bedding
Sighthounds love to stretch out on a comfy couch, if you don't want your hound on your furniture then make it known from the beginning and before your dog settles in. A large padded warm dog bed should be the alternative. Greyhounds don't have a lot of fur or padding on their bodies, therefore they are not outdoor dogs!

Collars 
Greyhounds have long slim necks
Beware of collars that could slip over your dogs head easily and also walking a dog using a collar if the dog even slightly pulls. Collars restricting the movement of a dogs neck can cause long term irreversible injury and serious health problems. 
NEVER use lead jerks. 
Find a good quality padded harness that is non restrictive. 

DANGER OF PATIO DOORS
A good rescue will not home a dog to you if you have clear glass patio doors or windows at ground level. 
Greyhounds have been known to run through glass doors resulting in fatalities!!
If you have low level windows or clear glass doors, be sure to cover them with window decals so that your dog does not think its an open space that they can pelt through.