Particularly in the first few days keep physical interaction with your new greyhound short, allow them to build trust with you and come to you for attention when they are ready and lot’s of treats :)

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​Provide a safe place for them to retreat to if they are feeling a little stressed or scared, or maybe just needing some time out. This could be their bed located in their favourite spot and when they go to their safe place leave them to be.

Your greyhound will need to learn where you prefer them to go. When we first bring a new foster into our home we take them out pretty much each time they get up from resting /sleeping to the place we would like them to go. This could be many times for the first few days. Then as they settle into the household the frequency reduces. We always take them out first thing in the morning and last minute before bed. Greyhounds do best with routine.

​If you need to move a dog from it’s comfortable position do not grab it by the collar and pull. Encourage them with a happy voice and maybe a treat. If this does not work then clip a lead onto their collar and then encourage them to come with you.

Unless you want to be watched by big puppy dog eyes every time you eat don’t share your food.

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​Dogs tend to want to go to the toilet after eating so to avoid accidents place their meals in an outside location or near an open door.

These are a favourite item to gather/steal and can be dangerous, especially the batteries in remotes and the glass, place these items out of reach.

Sleep startle is real. We know that we do not like to be woken when snoozing and dogs probably feel the same way. Always make sure they are fully awake before touching or approaching them. Just a gentle voice to wake them calmly. 

It’s better to look for, praise and reward good behaviour rather than wait for them to do something bad and react then.

​When exiting the house/property to take your greyhound for outings, use another door/gate that is not your main point of entrance so they are less likely to slip past you or your visitors as they come and go.

Just like when we move to a new neighbourhood or start a new job, school or relationship, we like to ease into these things and so do our dogs. For most greyhounds a new neighbourhood is a bit daunting so take it slow. Give them a chance to get to know and trust you, don’t be in a hurry to go out. Keep their world small in those very early days. Pop their lead and muzzle on and start by just walking out the gate for a sniff around. Let them set the pace and distance, it’s about exploring and growing confidence of their new surroundings. For some, just making it to the letterbox might be enough and others are eager to carry on. In these early days it’s not about exercise it’s about feeling confident and safe.

Although it can be fun to play and wrestle with your new dog it’s not a good idea to encourage this interaction. Instead of nibbling your fingers or toes, grab a toy so they learn what is ok to play with and nibble on instead.