Greyhound: Alone time at home

For Greyhound at home, change the environment and departure routine before asking the dog to cope with more time alone. Schedule the first attempt after the dog's normal age-appropriate outlet, not at peak excitement. Use gates, safe resting areas, enrichment, and predictable departures while recording the dog's response. Use the camera or a written log to choose the next small change instead of estimating from the clock alone.

What to change at home first

Greyhound's exercise is recorded as The Greyhound is the cheetah of the dog world. Here, that matters because it changes the amount and timing of movement, stimulation, and recovery this situation needs.

Make the home routine predictable

  1. Use gates, safe resting areas, enrichment, and predictable departures while recording the dog's response.
  2. Use this exercise note (The Greyhound is the cheetah of the dog world) to choose the starting amount of movement and the length of the recovery period.
  3. Use the camera or a written log to choose the next small change instead of estimating from the clock alone.

Do not leave the dog to panic

Do not increase time alone through panic, destruction, escape attempts, or prolonged vocalisation.

References

Height: 28-30 inches (male), 27-28 inches (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height

Weight: 65-70 pounds (male), 60-65 pounds (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight

Life expectancy: 10-13 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy

Grooming: The Greyhound's short, smooth coat requires little grooming beyond regular baths and weekly rubdowns with a damp cloth or hound glove. His strong, fast-growing nails should be trimmed regularly if not worn down naturally, as overly long nails can cause the dog discomfort. The ears should be checked at least weekly for any buildup of wax or debris that could…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy

Exercise: The Greyhound is the cheetah of the dog world. While perfectly happy to lounge around the house all day, he is capable of amazing speed and energy when faced with potential prey'or the chance to chase a tennis ball or a coursing lure. Greyhounds require a regular schedule of exercise time and opportunities to (safely) run full-out. They must only be allowed…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy

Training: Training a Greyhound can be frustrating for anyone who does not understand the genetic origins of the Greyhound temperament. As a sighthound, or coursing breed, the Greyhound was developed to pursue game by sight rather than by scent. They course game independently of humans, making decisions on their own, unlike other types of hunting breeds that require a…
AKC page Training > official section copy

Official breed description: The champion sprinter of dogdom, the Greyhound is a gentle, noble, and sweet-tempered companion with an independent spirit. For thousands of years these graceful hounds have been an object of fascination for artists, poets, and kings.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description

Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Cardiac Exam', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation', 'Greyhound Polyneuropathy - DNA Test']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club

Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Greyhound.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard

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