Greyhounds are considered as one of the most independent and honest dog breeds. When indoors, they are totally quiet and calm and behave more like a couch potato in an admirable manner. The body of this dog is perfectly suitable for speed and as such, it needs to be taken out periodically for a fast sprint to ensure the complete exercise.

Though, it enjoys running at a fast pace when outdoors, it can spend a lot of time sleeping contentedly when indoors. They are relatively reserved with people who they do not know and are more satisfied and happy when leaning against their owner’s leg. With proper training and socializing, these dogs are truly dream companions for their owners!

Importance of Greyhound Training

It is very important to properly train a Greyhound as it will allow your pet to live comfortably and feel content and happy when in your home. Greyhounds are basically racers and they need to get settled in the peaceful indoor life. Also, they are a little timid and suspicious about every new thing coming their way, thus, in order to ensure that they settle well in the house, it is best to train them and mold them with a desired behavior.

Useful Training Equipment and Accessories for Greyhound

In order to ensure the success of the training session, you can make use of a variety of training accessories and equipment that can help you in this endeavor. These days, a wide range of training equipment and accessories are available that can help in Greyhound training. Some of the accessories available are leashes, collars, muzzles, buckets, bowls and many more. Dog lures are also available that keeps these lovely animals suitably motivated to exercise and getting trained. Greyhounds have a pretty accurate biological clock and they know the time when they need to go out to play or enjoy their food. Also, they are racing enthusiasts, thus, it is imperative that they are taken for regular walk and a little racing that keeps them active and energetic.

Types of Training Methods for Greyhound

A variety of training methods are used to train a Greyhound. Some of them are-

A lot of exercise and attention

Greyhounds take some time to settle in and requires a lot of attention initially. It is imperative that they get good exercise every day, early in the morning in a fenced field. They are bundles of energy; hence it is important that the same is channelized in the proper way.

House Training

Greyhounds are quite timid and nervous when facing a new environment. Begin its house training as early as possible so that it starts getting acclimatized to the new environment. Also, take him out periodically to ensure he learns that he is allowed to do his “business” only outdoors. If your dog tries to relieve itself indoors, immediately shout “stop” and take him outside so that he catches fast. Slowly, it will learn this new behavior and follow the same. 

Clicker Training

In Greyhounds, the clicker can also be used to draw its attention. The sharp sound emitted by the dog attracts its attention and the sound can be combined with a particular behavior. This way, whenever a dog indulges in a specific behavior, the clicker should be sounded and rewards must be given to the dog to reinforce the desired behavior.

Leash Training

Leash training also needs to be initiated as soon as the dog is brought home. This is for the safety of the dog. Keep the leash with the dog for some time so that it gets used for the same and do not find it undesirable when used for the first time.

Positive Reinforcements

When training Greyhounds, using rewards or positive reinforcement can prove to be quite beneficial as it ensures the desirable behavior or reinforcing good behavior with the help of rewards. Toys, food, treats, play time and most important of all, praise, both physical and oral can help in reinforcing positive behavior.

Different Trainings Required for Greyhound

When training your Greyhound, certain factors need to be taken care of, such as:

Socialization

• A Greyhound may not be comfortable with the strangers, thus, it is important that the socialization process of these dogs begins as soon as they brought home.
• The Greyhound will feel more confident this way and will not feel uncomfortable around other people or animals.

Obedience

• It is important that the dog is trained to be respectful and obedient towards its owner right from the early stage
• Basic commands must be made to understand like stay, sit, stand, etc., to ensure proper behavior

Do’s and Don’ts in Providing Training to Greyhound

Tips to Make the Training Task Easy for Greyhound

• Patience is a virtue that you need to practice when training your dog.
• Be very gentle but firm when training him.