How to Have a Happy Retired Racing Greyhound
When you bring a retired racing greyhound into your home, you have to help him adjust to a new way of life. Be patient as you help your dog, he needs you to be the leader. These tips will help you and your greyhound to be healthy and happy:
Socialize your dog. Treat your Greyhound as though he has arrived from another planet. Your job is to teach him all about his new world. Show him that the natives are friendly. Make his new adventures fun. Take it slow if he’s anxious.
Teach your Greyhound basic manners. A quiet, well-mannered dog is a joy to live with and a welcome guest. Give your dog that benefit by training her.
Practice win/win learning. Make learning fun for your Greyhound by keeping it positive. Learning shouldn’t hurt. If you aren’t both having fun, you’re doing something wrong.
Learn to be a good leader. If your Greyhound trusts your leadership, he’ll gladly follow you.
Give your Greyhound a job. Just like you, he needs a reason to get up in the morning.
Learn to love your vet. Regular checkups can find illnesses early, while they’re still treatable.
Use grooming as a way to check your Greyhound’s health. Brush his teeth. Dental disease can cause serious health problems.
Prevent illness and injury. Get on your Greyhound’s level in the house and yard and look for potential hazards. Anticipate things thatmay cause him to bolt — such as fireworks, gunshots, or another loose or aggressive dog. Learn first aid so you’re prepared for an emergency.
Take your Greyhound with you on trips and be creative about activities you can dotogether. Use your imagination to think of places where you can take your dog and the things you can do together.
Make it easy for your Greyhound to be returned if he gets lost. Include an alternate contact number in case he escapes while you’re traveling and you can’t be reached. Consider a second collar in case he slips out of the first one.
