Retired racing greyhounds make lovely companion animals.
Retired racing greyhound dogs make companionable indoor dogs. But they are not like other dogs. Most likely, your dog has never seen a staircase, a swimming pool or children. He may look at your house cats as prey, or attempt to catch a squirrel in the back yard. One more thing, you have to make absolutely sure your greyhound cannot get out of the house. If he gets away from you, you won't catch him.
Instructions
1. Greyhounds are called the "45 mph couch potato."
Set up a crate in your family room. Retired racing greyhounds have spent most of their lives (over 20 hours a day) in crates, and they view their crates as "home." A retired racing greyhound's crate is his den, which he views as his "safe place." Your retired racing greyhound will be much happier if you provide him with a crate for sleeping and taking some private time.
2. Adopt a greyhound and make a fast friend.
Line the crate with thick bedding. Greyhounds have thin fur and very little body fat, so their bodies are sensitive to lying on a hard surface. Buy a thick, comfortable liner for the crate as well as blankets on which the greyhound can recline when she is not in her crate.
3. Purchase a Martingale collar. Greyhounds have large necks and small heads, which makes it easy for a greyhound to slip out of a standard collar. The Martingale collar is designed for greyhounds so that it tightens if the dog is slipping out of the collar, but it is much gentler than a choke collar. The Martingale collar is also safe to leave on the dog at all times, whereas a choke collar needs to be removed when the dog is unsupervised for the dog's safety.
4. Leash your dog when you go outside if you don't have a fenced-in yard. Retired racing greyhounds are not street smart, and they are very fast. This is a dangerous combination. Retired racing greyhounds should always be either on a leash or in an enclosed yard. If you have a pool, introduce your dog to it under supervision so she understands the concept.
5. Try to adopt from a small, local greyhound adoption agency instead of a large national one that is connected to the greyhound industry.
Provide a raised food and water bowl. If you are feeding your dog inside the crate, choose a food bowl that comfortably fits inside the crate. The water bowl can remain outside the crate as long as the retired racing greyhound has access to the water bowl twice a day. A raised food bowl is better for avoiding bloat.
6. Supply high quality dog food. Less expensive dog-food brands contain more waste, which causes the dog to have to relieve herself more frequently. Also, most retired racing greyhounds are thin and need quality food to gain weight safely.
7. Purchase a dog sweater. Because greyhounds have thin fur and very little body fat, they need protection from the elements. If the weather is cold enough for you to wear a coat, then your greyhound needs to wear one too.
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