Did You Know...

Greyhounds have a personal space roughly the size of a dog bed or crate. 

Consider the life of a track or farm Greyhound:  They are kept in dog runs or crates separated from other dogs by wire.  No one invades their personal space when they are in their crates or runs.  They can sleep without fear of being attacked (which in a dog’s mind may be the same thing as being touched when sleeping).   Therefore, consider what a Greyhound’s reaction might be when touched while he is asleep on his bed.  Such a move will startle the dog and the reaction may be to jump up or snap. 

Greyhounds are fed in their crates.  They are not used to being bothered while eating and some consider that an aggressive move by a human.  Children should be cautioned to stay away from a dog while he is eating.

At the race track, Greyhounds are frequently moved from place to place by their collars (instead of using a leash) and are sometimes jerked by the collar for other reasons.  Because of that, some Greyhounds are sensitive about having their collars pulled.  The leash seems to have a different effect; therefore, the better idea is to attach the leash to  the dog’s collar instead if you want to physically move the dog from one place to another.

Always keep in mind what the Greyhound’s life might have been.  Adoption into a loving family will definitely be a positive change, but even positive changes are still changes.  Be patient.