Bringing Home an Ex-Racing Greyhound

5 Things to Think About Before Bringing Your Hound Home

Welcome Home

Bringing home an ex-racing greyhound is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel a little overwhelming—for both you and your new companion.

For many greyhounds, everything about home life is new. They may never have seen stairs, mirrors, wooden floors or even a TV before. While some settle in quickly, others need a little more time to adjust.

The good news? Patience, routine and understanding go a long way.

Here are five things to think about before your greyhound arrives home.

1. Be Patient

Moving from kennel life into a family home is one of the biggest changes your greyhound will ever experience.

Everything is different:

• New people

• New routines

• New sounds

• New smells

• New places to sleep

Some greyhounds settle within days, while others need weeks or even months.

There isn't a right or wrong pace.

Allow your greyhound to explore their new world gradually and celebrate the little milestones along the way.

💛 Hounds Retreat Tip

Confidence grows through positive, gradual experiences.

2. Keep It Simple

When you're excited about bringing your greyhound home, it's tempting to buy every toy, treat, bed and accessory you come across.

Start with the basics.

Essentials

✓ Comfortable bed

✓ Soft blankets

✓ Food & water bowls

✓ Raised feeding stand

✓ Lead, collar and muzzle (may be given to you by the Rehoming center)

✓House Collar & I.D tag

✓ Food

As you get to know your hound, you'll soon discover their favourite toys, treats and enrichment activities.

3. Create a Safe Space

Every dog needs somewhere they can completely relax.

Choose a quiet area of your home where your greyhound can rest without being disturbed.

Make sure everyone in the household, including children and visitors, respects your greyhound's space, especially while they're sleeping, resting or eating. A quiet, undisturbed resting area is essential for helping them feel safe and settled.

Many greyhounds appreciate:

✓ Soft bedding

✓ Blankets

✓ A quiet corner

✓ A crate (if your greyhound is already crate trained and enjoys using one)

Teach children and visitors to leave your greyhound alone while they're resting or eating.

Don't forget...

✓ Secure your garden

✓ Use rugs on slippery floors

✓ Add stickers to large glass doors

✓ Keep food and medication safely out of reach

4. Build a Routine

Greyhounds are used to predictable routines.

Keeping meal times, walks and toilet breaks consistent helps them understand what to expect.

Think about:

• Feeding times

• Walking routine & route

• Toilet breaks

• Sleeping areas

• Dog-free zones

Baby gates can be a great way of introducing boundaries while still allowing your greyhound to feel included.

5. Toilet Training Takes Time

Many ex-racing greyhounds learn toilet training very quickly.

Take them outside regularly, especially:

✓ First thing in the morning

✓ After meals

✓ After sleeping

✓ Before bedtime

Praise them when they toilet outside.

If accidents happen indoors, don't punish them.

Instead, clean the area thoroughly and think about whether they were showing signs they needed to go out.

❤️ Remember...

Every greyhound is different.

Some are playful from day one.

Others prefer to quietly observe.

Some love toys.

Others discover them months later.

There is no race to settling into home life

Allow your greyhound to settle at their own pace and enjoy watching their unique personality unfold.

🧡 The Hounds Retreat Way

At Hounds Retreat, we understand that every greyhound settles differently. Whether they're visiting for a Half Day, Overnight Retreat or simply exploring our enrichment spaces, we tailor every experience to the individual. Calm routines, gentle enrichment and plenty of opportunities to rest help dogs build confidence in their own time.