Greyhound tips for around the home
Ever wondered what it would be like to step out of a spacecraft on to a different planet? When it comes to a new home, one small step for man can be a whole giant leap for a greyhound. Here are some tips for settling your greyhound in…
- Introduce household appliance noises gradually
- Avoid loud TV, video games or music at first
- Place carpet or rugs on smooth flooring or uncarpeted stairs
- Teach them to use stairs and steps gradually
- Don’t leave food or leftovers lying around
- Secure your bins
They don’t know our noises
If you’re adopting a greyhound, it’s important to remember that this will be the first home they’ve ever known. What’s everyday to you and me is completely alien to them, especially the soundscape. Telephones, door bells, washing machines, dishwashers, hairdryers, not to mention TVs or video games, you name it, it’s all new to a greyhound. Our advice? Introduce household sounds gradually. Keep the volume down for a while, raising it gradually. Plenty of patience and treats go a long way.
“How our Greyhound Reacts to Strange Sounds”, @siru_greyhound, 2024
Staring at the stairs?
There are so many things we take for granted around the home that can befuddle a greyhound, and a big one is the stairs. Having been raised in kennels, many greyhounds don’t actually know how to go up and down stairs. They might feel reassured to have someone behind them, as well as beside them. Gently hold their collar and walk up or down a few steps at a time, reassuring them all the way, and have a treat to hand. Don’t force it, they’ll get there eventually… just like us when we’re mastering something new.
Finding their feet
Tiles or smooth flooring surfaces will take some time for a greyhound to get used to (think Bambi on ice!). It might help to put down some carpet or rugs to help your greyhound find their feet around the home. Uncarpeted stairs could prove a little tricky.
“Greyhound Eating Chicken”, @Andysflowers, 2024
Time for dinner?
Is it edible? Watch out! It’s time to clean up – before they do. One thing’s for sure, having a greyhound around the house will raise your game when it comes to clearing away after dinner. After the regimented mealtimes of kennels, if you leave food lying around, they’ll think every day’s a picnic. As for any dog, there are plenty of human foods that are dangerous for greyhounds, including chocolate, so be sure to secure bins and clear away leftovers. It’s best to stick to a routine with their own food too. Your vet or greyhound rehoming centre will advise the right portions for your dog.
For more information on getting ready to adopt a greyhound, read our GREYHOUND ADOPTION GUIDE
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