Greyhounds enjoy a rich heritage dating back over 4,000 years. Initially bred to be hunting companions exclusively for noblemen, this universally admired breed was also a favorite of Cleopatra and England's Queen Elizabeth 1. Their unmistakable figures grace the walls and tombs of ancient Egypt.

Greyhounds were introduced in America in the 1800's to help farmers control the jackrabbit population. Greyhound racing soon developed as a result of these popular neighborhood competitions. Because of their speed and natural instincts, Greyhounds soon became the focus of popular neighborhood competitions. These informal events were the forerunners of today's Greyhound racing industry.

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Do Retired Greyhounds make good pets?
Yes, Every Greyhound which is raised with love and attention, especially early in life, will make a wonderful, loving, devoted pets. Greyhounds guickly become attached to their new owners, thrive on pleasing them, and never tire of being petted. Many people we've placed Greyhounds with say they are the best pets they have ever had!

Are racing Greyhounds already housebroken?
Often, an adopted Greyhound is completely housebroken from the start. This is because, in their kennels, they are "turned out" four or more times daily to relieve themselves. In this way, they become accustomed to going outside for this purpose. They may need to be taken outside frequently at first, but they'll learn quickly that their new home is to be kept clean, and that they must go outdoors to relieve themselves.

Why do Greyhounds wear muzzles while racing?
Greyhounds wear muzzles while racing to identify themselves so racing officials can determine the outcome of a photo finish race, and to protect them from injuring one another during the excitement of the chase. Although Greyhounds are competitive and aggressive on the racetrack, they are loving and docile companions at home, and do not need to be muzzled in that environment.

What type of environment do Greyhounds require?
Because Greyhounds have little body fat and a thin coat, they are not suited to live outdoors in extremely cold weather. They prefer temperature controlled environments, and soft beds where they can feel safe and protected.

Should Greyhounds be kept on a leash?
Greyhounds love to run, but a leash assures them protection from injury. Without a leash, they might run straight into traffic or hurt themselves in other ways. Because they are accustomed to being walked and exercised on a leash, Greyhounds adapt well to this safety measure. Besides, most communities have laws requiring that dogs be kept on a leash when outdoors, to avoid injuring themselves or others.

How does one go about adopting a Greyhound?
For information please call 603-474-3065 ext. 207.

R E G A P

Retired Greyhounds As Pets
PO Box 219
Seabrook, NH 03874

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Adjustment Period:
Recognizing the adjustment period and successfully managing it is a very important part of any Greyhound adoption. It must be remembered that becoming a pet involves a dramatic change in routine, which can be stressful for a greyhound, and they must be given time to adjust to there new surroundings. In this regard, a quiet Greyhound my have an accident.  Give your pet time to get settled and don't worry about any odd behavior during the first few weeks. Your love, patience and understanding will help you Greyhound through this adjustment period, which usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks.

Housebreaking:
Your Greyhound has been housed in a large crate in the REGAP KENNEl. He is used to being put outside in a fenced pen to relieve himself four (4) times a day. Hie is used to getting ;up between 7:00 am and 7:30 am. To avoid accidents in the house we recommend that you take him outside as soon as he gets up in the morning. You can gradually get him used to sleeping later.

If your dog has an accident in the house, a verbal reprimand should usually be suffice, then take him outside and praise him when he relives himself. DO NOT HIT YOUR DOG nor put his nose in "the accident" as your dog will respond more quickly and more positively to kindness. Clean the spot then rinse the area with a solution of white vinegar and water. This will neutralize the oder and discourage him from going in that spot again.

If your dog is male, he may attempt to lift his leg in a few places around the house to "mark his territory". Watch him carefully as he walks around and try to catch him before he does it. If this should happen, it doesn't usually go on for long, so try to be patient. Neutering in most cases stop them from going in the house.

Walk your Greyhound as often as possible for the fist few days. This will help him to learn where his new home is and where he is supposed to "go". This will also relieve the tension of being in a strange place and will help prevent accidents. Also some Greyhounds are not used to going to the bathroom on a leash and must learn to do so.

Bedding:
Provide your Greyhound with a very soft bed. Greyhounds love comfort and they require it, as they have very little padding on their elbows and can develop a fluid condition if forced to sleep on a hard surface.

Greyhounds love to sleep in the same room as you do (in the same bed if you let them). They will feel more secure and are less likely to cry or cause damage.

Discipline:
Greyhounds are extremely sensitive animals who can't be disciplined roughly. A stern tone of voice would be all that is needed to keep you greyhound off the sofa or bed if you don't want him there. The wrong disciplinary tactic will only teach your dog to be afraid of you.

Other Pets:
Your Greyhound should get along well with other dogs as he has had lot of "socialization" experience in the racing kennel. Take care to watch them carefully at first as the "old dog" may be jealous of the newcomer. Always separate your dogs when you feed them. Dogs can get very feisty over food. Many of our Greyhounds live in homes with cats and get along very well.

They should be introduced carefully. When introducing your Greyhound to your cat, put the muzzle on him. Then hold the cat and the dog and let them sniff each other. Don't let the cat run as the dog will chase it.  If he does chase the cat, it shouldn't last for long. When the cat swats him real good he will learn that the cat is part of the family and not the mechanical lure he's used to chasing.

Equipment:
Your Greyhound requires a lead (leash) with a heavy duty clasp. His collar should be kept tight enough so it won't slip over his head if he back up on the lead. Keep the collar with the REGAP ID TAG ON HIM AT ALL TIMES, and purchase a tag with your name and phone number on it. We are strongly against choke collars and recommend flat collars made of nylon or leather or even a harness.

NEVER tie your Greyhound outside on a rope, chain or runner. Greyhounds have never been tied up in their lives and can get tangled up and injure themselves or if they see a squirrel run by or a leaf blowing in the wind they may dash after it and break their necks when they reach the end of the chain or rope. Greyhounds can run up to 45 mph when they get going.

Exercise:
In retirement, a Greyhounds exercise needs are no different than any other dog's. Your Greyhound should be taken for 3 or 4 short walks daily on a regular schedule so he can relive himself, and taken to a fenced in park or ball field once or twice a week so he can romp and gallop at will. This will also help to work off his tension and nervous energy.

Walking with you Greyhound on anything but dirt or grass my injure his pads until his feet are used to walking on other surfaces. Gradually get him used to walking on pavement and you will have no problem.

NEVER LET YOUR GREYHOUND LOOSE. He may become confused and run away or chase something. He doesn't know about cars and if permitted of his leash is likely to run into the street and be hit by a car.

A Greyhound is a sight hound, which means he hunts by sight, not scent. He can see for a distance of 1/2 mile and can run up to speeds of 45 mph.

Diet:
A Greyhound diet consists of about 4 to 6 cups of dry meal mixed with canned dog food to form a stew. A dash of vegetable oil can be added for a shiny coat. Vegetable can also be mixed in.

Greyhounds should be fed once a day at the same time every day. They tend to "poop" a 1/2 hour to an hour after eating. Most dogs will "go" 2-3 times a day. Each dog is different.

We recommend that Greyhounds should be fed dry meals such as Purina Hi-Pro, Eukanuba, and Blue Seal feed or any dog food with a small kibble. Avoid fancy brands such as Gravy Train, Alpo, Butchers Blend, of any "rich" dog foods as it upsets their stomachs and they will throw it up after eating it. NEVER FEED JUST CANNED DOG FOOD, as you will have a bad case of diarrhea to clean up. Mixed with meal, any type of canned food is fine.

Vet Care:
Your Greyhound should have a complete booster shot and heart worm check immediately upon adoption, and once a year thereafter. He will also require a rabies shot as kennel dogs aren't required to have these in some states. (New Hampshire does require rabies shots) REGAP worms the Greyhounds once a month because they eat raw meat and meal in the kennel. You should bring a stool sample when you visit the Vet also so that he can check to make sure your dog doesn't have worms. Most Greyhounds need their teeth cleaned too. We highly recommend spaying or neutering your greyhound as it makes for a healthier, happier pet,

Greyhounds require only 1/5th the anaesthesia that would be used on another dog of the same size. This is because they're lacking in certain enzymes which breaks down the anaesthetic in their system. It is VERY important that your vet knows this, as an overdose can be fatal.

Greyhounds can wear flea collars but we do not recommend it as some dogs are allergic to them. We also do not recommend using Hartz Blockade products as some greyhounds get extremely ill from it. A flea product with natural pyrethrums is best. Harts Rid-Flea pet shampoo works great.

R E G A P
To Adopt a Friend
Call 603-474-3065 Ext. 207