Hello, everyone! As a volunteer for our local kennels, as well as being responsible for their Instagram page, I often find myself having conversations with new adopters of greyhounds, who can be wishing for advice when they first bring home their beloved new family member. Therefore, today, I thought I would publish a short piece containing some helpful tips for when this big day arrives! These tips are partially based on our own experiences with our many foster greyhounds as well as our own boy, Niko, and also are taken from suggestions made by friends in the greyhound community. So, here we go…!
1. New experiences!
First and foremost, you must remember that your gorgeous, new snoot has lived a life that is incredibly different to the one that they are about to transition into with your family. Their racing life versus their retired life are absolute worlds apart. For example, racing greyhounds have usually never experienced things such as televisions, mirrors, stairs, traffic, washing machines or hoovers. They may not even initially comprehend the concept of toys! So, you must remember this and show patience when exposing your new best friend to objects or experiences that could be completely new to them. This even includes gently introducing them to other breeds of dogs, as you must remember that most greyhounds have previously only socialised with other sighthounds. As their adopter, you must take on the role as “teacher”, slowly exposing them to new experiences and encouraging them all the way! Greyhounds are intelligent animals and are fast learners so, once you have built up some trust with your new buddy, they will swiftly learn how to navigate their new life.
2. Toilet training
Now, first things first, generally we have found that every foster greyhound we have had in our care, including our own lovely boy, have taken to toilet training immediately. This is because these noodlehorses have led a kennel life and therefore they understand that outside means “toilet”. However, you cannot expect your sweet new pooch to necessarily understand what “outside” means in their new living arrangements straight away. As we live in an apartment, we must pop our greyhounds on a lead and physically take them out to their “toilet”, which is very similar to what they have already experienced during their kennel life. Therefore, in the first few days or even weeks of having their new lovely greyhound at home, we always advise to our foster dogs’ new homes to do the same – pop their lead on them every few hours, even if their new home includes a house and a garden, and physically take them to the garden and walk them around for a few minutes. When they produce the desired result… praise praise praise! Soon, they should learn that this is their toilet space. Of course, accidents are likely to happen during the first few weeks, particularly if your snoot is rather nervous, so please be patient. Give them time.
3. Sleeping arrangements
When it comes to your gorgeous grey’s new sleeping arrangements, ultimately that is entirely up to you. Some of our fosters sleep in the same room as their new humans, others do not, and this is your choice! However, one thing that we have found with every snoot is that they do appear to feel more secure when they are not alone. The reason for this is most likely because, in kennels, they usually always will have a kennel mate, so essentially they have never really slept alone before. Therefore, if you do not plan for your new greyhound to sleep in your bedroom, we suggest considering temporarily sleeping in their designated room with them for a number of nights, just while they get used to their new surroundings. For example, if you intend for your greyhound to sleep in your living-room and they appear to be very unsettled on the first night (naturally), then possibly consider sleeping on the sofa for a few nights, so that they get used to the new space but they do not panic and feel alone. This is just something that other adopters have found helped their greyhound to settle in. Regardless of where they are going to sleep, do prepare for some initial sleepless nights… You can’t blame your new grey! They have suddenly been plucked into an entirely different life and night-time whining/wandering is totally normal. Stick with it, show kindness and reassurance and they will soon settle and learn where their night-time spot is.
4. Overwhelming your new pooch
Okay, so I would argue that this is, by far, the most important point to consider: do not overwhelm your new greyhound. Give them time, give them space and, by goodness, PLEASE do not put a whopping load of ridiculous expectations on them during their first few weeks, or even months, with you. As fosterers, we have had moments before where new adopters complain that, within a matter of days, their new dog is “not affectionate enough” or “does not seem to like us much yet”. Really? I mean… seriously?! You MUST appreciate that your new, sweet pooch has been thrust into an entirely new life that they have never known before. Yes, you may have been dreaming of this day since you were a little child, but honestly… they have no clue who you really are yet and they are not going to necessarily let their guard down immediately. Everything is new to them… Therefore, everything could be potentially terrifying for them. So, let them settle in and come to you in their own time. By all means, give them the odd bit of affection, treats, encouragement, etc. However, do not overwhelm them. In time, they will be wonderful, your companion, your best friend. In time. Many rescue kennels agree with the “Rule of Three” when it comes to settling in an adopted dog and it is something that we personally strongly agree with. Adopted dogs can take three days to decompress, three weeks to start to know your new routines and three months to start to feel at home. Give them that chance and, oh, the rewards will be beautiful.
5. Your little shadow!
Congratulations! If you have brought your new greyhound home, you will discover that you now most likely have a gorgeous, snooty shadow following you all around the place. Embrace it! This is totally normal. Greyhounds tend to adore the company of others and many can be particularly comfortable around humans, as they have been raised in racing kennels. They will learn quickly about their new life by observing and following you, and I always find it rather amusing. Equally, once a few days or a week has passed, do begin to leave your greyhound alone for short periods, so that they do not become so dependent on you that they feel separation anxiety when you are away. We always suggest leaving them alone in your home for a couple of minutes to begin with and slowly building this up. Also, do not make too much of a fuss. Just act normal and calm when you leave and when you arrive again. No doubt, they will be thrilled to see you!
So, there are our tips to settling in your new greyhound! Thank you so much for giving your darling snoot the happily ever after that they so truly deserve. Greyhounds are beautiful, sensitive, sweet-natured souls and, if you invest time, love and kindess into them, they will reward you one-million times over with loyalty and love! I promise, you will consider adopting your greyhound to be one of your best decisions – it certainly was for us!
If you have any more questions or would like to get in touch to share your own helpful tips, please do reach out to us through our contact page or scroll down below to comment – we love hearing from you all!
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Until next time…
Love and snoot kisses,
Berry x
Berry's Wonder Hounds 