While your greyhound will likely spend most of its time lazing about the house, it’s important that they get the opportunity to burn off this conserved energy on a daily basis. While you may look very laidback while indoors, the truth is that a greyhound needs at least 1 hour of exercise daily.
Playing in the yard with your greyhound is perfectly acceptable, but a walk around the neighbourhood or at the dog park will be a lot more mentally and physically stimulating. There are however dos and don’ts for exercising your greyhound.
The Dos of Exercising Your Greyhound
- DO exercise your greyhound for at least 1 hour daily.
- DO walk, run, and play with your greyhound on a daily basis as this will help them bond with you and your family.
- DO check your greyhound’s paws while out for a walk or run. If they start to limp or look uncomfortable, check to see if there are any objects stuck in between the pads of their paws.
- DO work your adult greyhound for 1.5km-3km for the first few weeks and work them up to 4km-8km over time.
- DO walk your greyhound in the early morning or evening.
The Don’ts of Exercising Your Greyhound
- DON’T exercise your greyhound in the heat of the day.
- DON’T become impatient when exercising your greyhound. They have a tendency to stop dead in their tracks if they hear a foreign noise or become nervous. Don’t push them to keep going like you might do with real money online pokies, rather offer verbal encouragement.
- DON’T forget that greyhounds are prone to sunburn as they have very short hair. If you enjoy spending time in the sunshine with your greyhound, make sure to get dog-specific sunblock.
- DON’T forget a washable mat which they can lie on when travelling with your greyhound. Greyhounds are slim and find lying on hard surfaces uncomfortable.
The Dos of Leash Control
- DO use a regular 1.8m leash and keep your greyhound next to your left leg while walking.
- DO offer verbal encouragement and treats when leash and harness training your greyhound.
- DO allow your greyhound enough time to inspect any new areas before turning it loose. Check all perimeters and make sure they are secure.
- DO keep your greyhound leashed when visiting the dog park if it’s full as this will help to prevent any potential injury.
- DO check for mole or groundhog holes if you want to let your dog run. Greyhounds are fast and they can easily break a leg if they hit one of these holes.
The Don’ts of Leash Control
- DON’T get impatient while your greyhound is learning to do its business while leashed.
- DON’T give your greyhound the opportunity to get out of your car or yard without being leashed.
- DON’T allow your greyhound to run on the beach without a leash and harness. Greyhounds are poor swimmers and he/she may run into the water.
- DON’T leave your greyhound unattended near any body of water.
Lastly, DON’T forget to have plenty of fun!