Greyhounds are great pets.They love running when they get the chance.If you've recently adopted an ex-racing greyhound, it's important to get used to their new life.
Step 1: You should get a crate.
Your greyhound is used to sleeping and eating in a crate.Your greyhound can have personal space in your home with a crate.A plastic crate can be obtained.The metal/wire crate is an airline crate.Airline crates are good for traveling.In case your greyhound has an accident, they offer better protection.If you want to wean your greyhound off of the crate, a metal one is a better option.The metal crate will allow your dog to see what is happening in the house and will help your greyhound get used to the new environment more quickly.If you don't use the crate all of the time, folding metal crates can be more convenient.
Step 2: Take care of a bed.
You can either buy a bed or make one for your dog.If you're buying a bed, make sure it's at least 34" x 44" if rectangular or 50" round.If you make a bed, you can place a thick comforter on the floor.To make the bed more comfortable, place a thick piece of foam rubber under the comforter.If your greyhound will rest in multiple rooms, you will need to have a comforter in each room.Greyhounds are very thin and a well-padded bed is necessary.
Step 3: Safe areas should be created.
Dog gates can be used to create safe areas for your dog when you are not at home.Greyhounds are not used to climbing stairs so the stairs should be blocked.Remove the tops from the garbage containers.It is possible to keep your dog safe until he is broken.There is a safe area that does not have glass doors.Your greyhound might try to go through the glass.The nose level of your greyhound is where the kitchen counter and dining room tables are located.Food should be removed from these areas until your greyhound understands the boundaries.
Step 4: You should wait a few days before you have visitors.
Give your greyhound a few days at home with you and your family.Greyhounds need time to adjust to their new surroundings.Your greyhound will be scared and excited.If you have children, keep them away from your greyhound for the first few days.Greyhounds are not used to interacting with children.For the first few weeks, your greyhound will follow you.This will help your greyhound know that you will be with him the rest of his life.
Step 5: Allow your dog to sleep in your bedroom.
Greyhounds are used to being housed in a group with other greyhounds.Your greyhound will prefer to sleep in a room with you.Do not put your dog in a room alone.Greyhounds like being around people.Sleeping alone can cause your greyhound to be frightened.Sleeping in the same room helps your greyhound trust you.
Step 6: You should train your greyhound.
Your greyhound is likely to relieve himself on a set schedule and bring it to your home.As soon as your greyhound wakes up, take him outside.If you have an accident with your greyhound, use a verbal rebuke.Praise and encourage your greyhound when he uses the bathroom outdoors.Don't hit your greyhound in the accident.Greyhounds are sensitive to this type of punishment.Follow your greyhound's schedule for the first few weeks.The schedule can be adjusted to yours.If your greyhound walks in a circle, stands by the door, barks, or looks back at you, you need to take him outside.
Step 7: Initially use a muzzle.
When you introduce your greyhound to other animals, wear a plastic muzzle.There are animals in or outside of the home.A muzzle that is made for greyhounds will allow your dog to do everything but bite or eat.You can't tell how your greyhound will interact with other animals.When introducing your greyhound to new animals, keep him on a leash.There are signs that your greyhound is curious.Your greyhound may not be able to live with other small animals if it trembles, sweats, or stares intently.
Step 8: Your greyhound will be introduced to glass and stairs.
Place your greyhound's paw against the glass or mirror when you take him by the collar.Even though your greyhound can't see it, he will learn that there is something there.You have to teach your dog how to walk on stairs.Grab your greyhounds paws and show them how to walk up and down the stairs.When teaching your greyhound these concepts, be patient.It will take some time to learn.Do not make your dog walk up or down the stairs.Your greyhound may be injured.When you are walking the stairs, give your dog a lot of praise.When learning to walk down the stairs, keep your greyhound on a leash.
Step 9: Premium dry dog food can be purchased.
Feed your greyhound premium.Meat is listed as the first or second ingredient in some food.Your greyhound is used to eating a lot of meat.Dog food can be purchased from a pet store or online.There is too much sugar, corn, and fillers in grocery store brands.Recommended brands include Kumpi, Eukanuba, and ProPlan.Ask your doctor for recommendations.Determine which food your greyhound likes by buying small bags of food.To adjust the amount of food for your greyhound, follow the package instructions.
Step 10: Feed your dog at least twice a day.
Feed your dog twice a day in the morning and evening.The meals should be the same size.If you only feed your greyhound once a day, it may be too much for him to handle and he may become bloated.Feed your greyhound the same time every day.Before you leave the house for the day, you should have 1-2 cups of food.If you allow your greyhound to eat at any time, do not keep a bowl of food around.Your greyhound will eat food throughout the day.Greyhounds shouldn't gain too much weight if they stay lean.Your greyhound should be given a bowl of freshwater at all times.
Step 11: There are raised food and water bowls.
It is easier for greyhounds to eat if their dishes are raised.You can buy a raised food dish from the pet store or place it on a bench, overturned bucket, or some other sturdy item.Greyhounds like to eat on the floor.Allow your greyhound to eat from a raised bowl and from the floor to determine what is best.Keep the bowl on the floor if you notice your dog lying down.Keep using the raised bowl if you notice that your dog likes to stand and eat.
Step 12: Adds to dry food can be used.
Add some warm water to your greyhound's food.Greyhound's don't produce as much saliva as other dogs and need more water to digest food.Vegetables, yogurt, canned meat and fresh meat can be added to the dry food.They should add yogurt to their food.Your dog will love the raw vegetables mixed in with the dry food.Add ins like carrots and spinach are popular.You can give your greyhound canned food once a week.Don't give your greyhound chocolate, raisins, salt, or raw onions.These foods can't be eaten.
Step 13: Your greyhound's weight should be monitored.
You should be able to see the last ribs of your dog.A greyhound shouldn't be more than 5 pounds over his racing weight.The average female should weigh 65 pounds and eat 2.5 to 3 cups of food per day.The average male should be 70 pounds and eat about 3 to 4 cups of food a day.If your greyhound needs to lose weight, decrease the amount of food you give him by a quarter of a cup.If your greyhound needs to gain weight, increase the amount of food you give him by a quarter of a cup.It will take 2 to 3 weeks for your dog's weight to change.If you don't see any improvement after adjusting the amount of food, you need to make further adjustments.
Step 14: Have regular physical activity.
The greyhound doesn't need to walk for miles daily.Your dog needs to get out a sprint or two every now and then.A dog should be exercised on a leash or in a fenced area.Take your greyhound for a brisk walk at least twice a week and on a daily basis.If your greyhound runs off, you will not be able to catch him.One hour before or two hours after a meal is a good time to not exercise.The time frames can cause your greyhound to become bloated.If your dog is retired, he will have soft foot pads because he is not used to walking on concrete.Increase the amount of time and/or frequency of your walks by examining foot-pads for blisters after each walk.You can apply sunburn cream to the blisters.
Step 15: Your dog needs to be groomed weekly.
A weekly grooming regimen will keep your dog in good shape.Depending on how dirty your dog gets and if you have any allergies, the bathing schedule may change.You can use a dental kit to clean your dog's teeth.Greyhounds don't mind having their teeth brushed.To brush the coat, use a shed blade, hounds glove, or rubber comb.If you like, you can brush your dog more often.Your dog's nails should not touch the floor when he is standing on it.You can use a cotton ball to clean your dog's ears.If you want to clean your dog's ears, your vet can show you how.
Step 16: Keep your dog indoors.
Greyhounds are indoors.They have very little body fat and a short coat.Do not leave your dog outside in the cold weather.Greyhounds can get cold in the winter.If the temperature is less than 32 degrees, your greyhound needs to wear a coat.Greyhounds should not stay in a doghouse.It's too hot for your greyhound to be outside.During the hotter months, take your greyhound out in the morning or evening.
Step 17: Use a dog collar.
Greyhounds are muscular and have small heads.A Martingale collar is ideal for greyhounds.A choke collar will hurt your greyhound because of his thin skin.You should be able to squeeze the collar.The collar is too tight if you can't do it.You should keep an identification tag and collar on your dog.You may need to adjust the collar if your dog's weight changes.
Step 18: Don't bathe your greyhound too much.
Greyhounds don't need a bath as often as other dogs.You don't need to bathe your dog every year.Warm water and a mild dog wash can be used.As soon as the bath is over, dry your greyhound off.Greyhounds are easy to get cold.Greyhounds have a sweet smell.If your dog has an odor, you can bathe more frequently.Flea or tick killers are not included in the mild shampoo you use.It is too harsh for your greyhound's sensitive skin to use human hair wash.
Step 19: Go to the vet for your greyhound.
You should bring your greyhound home within the first two weeks.Greyhounds are a unique breed and you can find a vet that has experience working with them.Your greyhound will need to have his yearly checkup after the initial visit.Your dog will need immunizations.It is recommended that your dog takes preventative heartworm medication throughout the year.
Step 20: There are signs of bloat.
Bloat can be life threatening for your greyhound.Greyhounds have a large chest.Your greyhound won't be able to get enough air if the cavity becomes filled with gas.If you notice that your dog is bloated, get him to the vet in 30 minutes or less.
Step 21: There are race life remnants.
scars, tattered ears, and bald thighs are some of the telltale signs of a greyhound's past life.Your dog should be examined by your vet for any of these signs.Something isn't necessarily wrong with your dog if you see any of these.Bald thighs are called "kennel butt."Their racing diet can cause hair to be rubbed away from being in a crate.The hair should grow back in 8 to 12 weeks.If the hair hasn't grown back in 3 months, your dog may have a problem.Some dogs will never have hair on their thighs again.Your dog may have been bitten by another dog.