Are you ready to adopt a Greyhound?

Are You Ready to Adopt a Greyhound?

The brilliant videos at the bottom of this blog were made by Jill at JW Canine Care and are a must-watch for anyone considering adopting a Greyhound (or any dog, for that matter).

The information below is not intended to scare you, but to help ensure you have seriously thought through what welcoming a dog into your life really means.

Greyhounds make wonderful pets, but many require time, patience and understanding while they adjust to life in a home. For some, everything is new — traffic, stairs, household noises, being left alone, and meeting other breeds of dog.

Before adopting, ask yourself:

Are you ready for your daily routine and lifestyle to change?

A dog is a long-term commitment, and your routine will need to adapt to meet their needs.

Do you work away from home?

If so, have you considered how your dog will be cared for during the day and the cost involved if you need outside help?

Many Greyhounds have only ever lived alongside other Greyhounds and may not cope well in all-breed doggy daycare environments. These settings can often be stressful and overwhelming for them.

A sighthound-savvy dog walker or pet sitter who can provide one-to-one care in your home is often a much better and safer option. Some Greyhounds may also not be suitable to mix freely with other breeds, particularly smaller or fluffy dogs.

If you work away from home, we always recommend taking at least 1–2 weeks off work during the initial settling-in period. Is this something you are able to do?

Do you have access to outdoor space?

If you do not have a garden, are you prepared to provide regular walks in all weathers and toilet trips whenever needed - sometimes late at night or early in the morning?

Are you prepared to be patient?

Some Greyhounds settle into home life within a few weeks, while others can take many months to fully adjust. Every dog is an individual.

It is important to be completely open and honest with your adoption group about your home, lifestyle, working hours, other pets, children and expectations. This helps ensure you are matched with the right Greyhound for your family and circumstances.

Please do watch the video below, and you can also find lots more helpful information on our care blog:
www.barleykennels.co.uk/care

If you feel you are ready to adopt a Greyhound, please head to the Our Hounds section of our website and complete a pre-adoption questionnaire 🖤