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The Adjustment Period
Recognizing the adjustment period and managing it successfully is an important part of any Greyhound adoption. It must be remembered that being a companion instead of a racer involves a dramatic change in your dog's routine and he must be given time to adjust to his new surroundings. In this regard, a quiet Greyhound may become fretful, a good eater reluctant to eat, a clean Greyhound may have an "accident." Your love, patience and understanding will help your Greyhound through this adjustment period which may last from a few days to a few weeks.
Housebreaking
Your Greyhound was housed in a large crate at the track and was let out in the pen four times a day to relieve himself. He is used to getting up between 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. and going out right away. To avoid accidents in the house, we recommend you keep him on his schedule initially and gradually get him used to sleeping in later if necessary.
If your dog has an accident in the house a verbal reprimand is usually enough (the dog must be caught in the act for this to work). Then take him outside and praise him when he relieves himself. DO-NOT hit your dog or put his nose in the "accident" as your dog will respond more quickly to kindness. Clean the spot immediately and rinse the area with an odor neutralizing solution (vinegar and water does not do the trick). This will neutralize the odor and discourage him from going in that spot again.
If your dog is a male he will lift his leg in a few places around the house to mark his new territory. Watch him carefully and try to catch him before he does it. Again, a verbal reprimand is sufficient. This is part of his adjustment period and usually only lasts a day or two.
Walk your dog as often as possible the first few days. This will teach him where he is supposed to "go" and will also help relieve the tension of being in new surroundings. We highly recommend the use of a crate during the adjustment/housebreaking period for a non-housebroken dog. It is what they're used to. Crates to house a Greyhound should be 27" wide x 40" deep x 30" high. When you leave the dog alone, put him in his crate and you won't have to worry about coming home to any "accidents." By the way, some Greyhounds are shy about relieving themselves while on a leash. Either let them go in a fully fenced area or be patient while they get used to it. For your information, the R.D.R.P. has crates to rent.
Bedding
Provide your Greyhound with a very soft bed or thick quilt or comforter. Greyhounds have no padding on their elbows and can develop sores and/or a fluid condition if forced to sleep on a hard surface. Greyhounds love to sleep in the same room as you. Being near you is comforting to them and allows them to bond with you more quickly. If you insist on your Greyhound sleeping elsewhere, you may be in for many sleepless nights so be prepared!
Copyright© 2000 Racing Dog Rescue Project Inc. All photos used with permission of The Greyhound Project Inc. Milton MA Site design and maintained bySteven Gerety and Michael Marino for Geretygraphics.com at Keiser College.