Teaching your greyhound how to walk up and down stairs is really pretty easy. Remember that this is new to your dog and you have to be patient and persistent. This is not the time to baby your dog. Encourage but do not coddle. Dogs can read our facial expressions so remain calm and smile them through this.

• Let your dog lean against your leg. Start at the bottom stair and grip the dog’s collar. You may need to put the dog’s front legs on the step.
• Start your walk up the steps still holding the collar. You can encourage your greyhound by saying "come on let’s go up". If the dog does not respond get behind and put the rear legs on a step also. Slowly alternate the front and rear legs up the stairs.
• You are now at the top. Praise your dog in a high pitch voice and let him/her relax for a few minutes.
• Grip the collar again and start down the same way.
• Praise again when you reach the bottom.
• Go through this up and down sequence at least one more time.
• If your stairs are not carpeted make sure your greyhound’s nails are as short as possible so they don’t slip on the steps.
• If your stairs are the open-backed type or very steep, please allow your greyhound a little extra time to learn these.

If you find that the dog is not voluntarily following you up and down, repeat this exercise each day for the next few days.

Within a short period of time your greyhound will fly up and down the stairs.

Housebreaking is extremely important and can be very easy. The following is NJ GAP’s attempt to explain housebreaking a few different ways, utilizing the same basic principles, to obtain the desired results.

2.21 Crate Training

Crate training is the most effective way to housebreak your greyhound. Greyhound’s are raised in crates and are very comfortable with them. The basic principle is that greyhounds are very clean animals and will not eliminate where they sleep. Therefore, if a greyhound is in the crate it will not eliminate in either the crate or the house. The following are the basics of crate training:

• Crate Size - NJ GAP will recommend the appropriate size for your greyhound prior to the time of adoption. At least 40" long, 27" wide and 30" high(Vari-Kennel 500-plastic crate) or an equivalent sized metal crate.
• Location - Place your crate in a room that is familiar to the dog. A location such as the basement or a room that is far away from family activity can make your dog feel as if it has been abandoned.
• Rule - If you can’t watch your dog crate it. Do be alert and don’t let your dog out of your sight until you are confident he/she is housebroken.
• Punishment - Don’t punish for accidents. Above all don’t use the crate for punishment. A simple NO in a low pitched voice is all that is needed.
• Schedule - Keep to a regular feeding and walking schedule (even on the weekends).

The following two sections will walk you through the fundamentals of housebreaking using a crate.

• Feed at set times and walk your greyhound at set times. Do not vary your schedule, even on the weekends. At a minimum, your greyhound should be walked first thing in the morning, first thing when you arrive home, last thing before you go to bed and 15-30 minutes after each meal.
• Feed the same food all the time. Do not vary the diet, do not feed table scraps or an overabundance of between meal snacks (limit it to 2 small treats a day).
• Watch your pet’s stool. If it is too loose, cut back on the amount of food by _ cup per feeding until it becomes firm.
• Take your dog out on a regular schedule. Walk in a small area where you want the dog to go to the bathroom. Dogs like to relieve themselves in familiar surroundings. Limit bathroom walks to 10 -15 minutes so the dog can understand what you expect

• If your dog does not relieve himself outside, confine it to its crate for another 30 minutes and then take him/her back out. If the dog does not relieve himself then confine again for another 30 minutes. Remember to limit your bathroom walks to 10 - 15 minutes.
• Once your pet does urinate and defecate outside then you can give them some freedom in the house , keep an eye on them. Until you are confident that your pet is completely housebroken do not let your pet out of your sight. If you cannot watch your dog, crate it.
• If you catch your pet in the act of an accident, loudly say "no!" or "stop!", clip on their leash and take them immediately outside to their toilet area. When your dog finishes : PRAISE!
• Clean the accident area with an effective cleanser to remove the scent of urine or stool from the carpet or floor. We recommend Nature’s Miracle cleaning solution. Do not let your dog watch you clean it up. It is available in most pet stores and mail order catalogs.
• If you are having trouble, make sure that your dog is not sick. Worms or urinary tract infections are easily cured but can interfere with housebreaking!

• On rising - Walk -relieve - PRAISE; (if after your 10 -15 minute bathroom walk your dog does not relieve himself, bring in, confine to the crate, feed and then walk again within 10-15 minutes of eating and then skip to step #3).
• Feed & water, wait 10-30 minutes-walk again. If during this waiting period you can’t watch the dog in the house perhaps you are getting ready for work-CRATE IT.
• Your pet’s second walk of the morning should be timed so that it is right before you leave for work.
• Put your dog in his/her crate in a familiar room. Praise. Leave soft music on for the dog and you can leave a cow hoof for the dog to chew . Please do not leave your dog alone with a rawhide bone as it could choke on a piece.
• Upon returning from work or after any time that you are gone, take your dog out of his/her crate, do not make a big fuss over the dog, & take them for its bathroom walk - Praise!!! If you make too much of a fuss when you release your pet from its crate it may get the idea that being out of the crate is better than being in it. This could lead to separation anxiety, which may be accompanied by whining or barking.
• Evening meal, give water & walk. Praise!!!
• Once your dog relieves itself you can take it for a recreational walk.

• Before you go to bed, take your dog on another bathroom walk. Praise!!! Initially you will want to withhold water for 3 hours before bed and during the night.
• Confine your dog in its crate in the bedroom with you. Once you are certain your dog

Greyhounds usually tell you when they have to go out. Sometimes we are not able to recognize the signs. Some of the signs are as follows:

• Pacing
• Walking in circles
• Walking to the door and looking back at you
• Standing by the door
• Listlessness
• Barking
• Holding up a sign that says "OUT"

When your dog indicates a need to go outside, Respond Immediately, don’t wait for the next television commercial.

25. Trouble Shooting Checklist

Having trouble with accidents in the house? Review this checklist carefully and see if there is something you’re not doing. Call us if you need more information or advice.

__1. Are you keeping your pet confined when not at home and within your sight when you are at home?

__2. Are you limiting the "bathroom" walks to 10 -15 minutes?

__3. Are you walking after meals and at the appropriate times?

__4. Did you keep a chart/diary for at least 5 days?

__5. Are you feeding your dog at the same time every day, measuring his/her food with a measuring cup to assure accuracy, not overfeeding, keeping snacks to a minimum, and not giving too many table scraps?

__6. Is everyone in the family cooperating with the housebreaking effort?

__7. Are you adding to your pet’s confusion by punishing him/her?

__8. Are you certain your dog isn’t sick and needs to be examined by a veterinarian? (Worms or urinary tract infections are easily cured but can interfere with housebreaking)

__9. Are you removing the scent of your pet’s urine and/or stool from the affected area? We recommend Nature’s Miracle cleaning solution.

__10. If you have a fenced yard, are you going outside with your pet so that you know whether or not it has relieved itself?

__11. Are you praising your dog when it eliminates outside?

__12. Are you giving your pet too much freedom in the house?

Most greyhounds have never been around children and therefore have no reason to dislike them. The real question is: "Does your child/children know how to behave with animals?"

Greyhounds by virtue of being 'track' dogs, generally, have not been around children. Therefore they have no reason to dislike children and in fact greyhounds really seem to enjoy being around children. However, there are certain guidelines that we ask that you follow so that the adjustment period for you and your greyhound & children goes as smoothly as possible. This adjustment period can last anywhere from 3 to 6 months depending on the individual greyhound and the dedication and patience of the adoptive family.

The following are some simple rules to ensure a happy relationship:

• LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE - Do not jump on or even pet a sleeping greyhound. Some greyhounds sleep with their eyes open. When a sleeping dog is startled it may growl or come up with teeth before it is fully awake and realizes that the culprit is its best friend. If you must wake your sleeping greyhound, call its name and have it walk to you.
• Privacy and quiet - All dogs are entitled to privacy and quiet when they eat and sleep. Children must be instructed to not bother the dog during its "quiet" times. This has to be consistently enforced.
• Food - Do not let your child take away the dog’s food or interfere with its mealtime in any way. It is best to feed your greyhound in its crate to avoid a problem.
• Hanging On - Do not hang on the dog’s neck or climb on its back. Greyhounds can be injured or feel threatened.
• Door Bolting - Make sure you have a hold of your greyhound by the collar before any door is opened to let anyone in/out of your house.
• Open Doors and Gates - Be extremely cautious about leaving doors and gates open (this goes for car doors also). Greyhounds move so quickly that they will be out the door and down the street in a blink of the eye. Teach your children and their friends about the importance of keeping doors and gates closed at all times.
• Kindness - A child old enough to have a dog is old enough to treat it with kindness.
• Crate - Do not let your children crawl into the greyhound’s crate. Privacy is important. Initially, we recommend that you utilize the crate when your children are actively playing. It is also a good idea to use the crate when children have friends over to play. This way your new greyhound has a chance to experience and get used to children while in the safety and security of his/her crate. The use of a crate is mandatory for a minimum of 6 months when you have children. You will find that the crate is an invaluable tool to keep the dog(s) and children separated when you cannot be there to supervise their interaction. Just as you would not leave a toddler or infant alone unsupervised, children of any age and dogs should never be left alone unsupervised.
• Dogs should not be permitted on the furniture or to sleep with anyone on their bed.
• Dogs that live with children must be taken to obedience school by an adult, to team basic obedience and to aid in the establishment of whom is in charge. Most basic obedience classes are held in the evening, one class a week for 6 to 8 weeks. You can call your local high school for adult school education information. They usually hold dog obedience classes. Many veterinarians or boarding kennels may also be able to recommend an obedience class.
• Parents who feel their children are too young to be taught how to treat an animal properly should wait until the children are older before they bring a pet into their home.

The most effective way to train your greyhound is to join a basic obedience group class. These are inexpensive and fun. Use your safety collar/humane choke or a nylon choker. Please do not use a metal choker on a greyhound as this could damage their throat and thin skin.

The following are some training insights on greyhounds:

• Sitting - Greyhounds do not like to sit, their long backs and well-developed muscles make this an uncomfortable position for them. Coming close is good!! Doing it is great!!!

• Recall - Greyhounds can be taught to come when called. But don’t ever be fooled into thinking they will come every time you call them (this applies to all breeds). No dog can be trusted to respond 100% of the time.

• Praise - Greyhounds respond very well to praise. This praise should always be verbal, accompanied with physical patting and/or a treat. The verbal praise should be done in a high pitch voice. Also, dogs do read facial expressions, so smile when your dog does well and frown when it could have been done better. Use a small piece of a treat as a reward for desired behavior.

• Reprimands - They should always be done in a low pitched voice. The command should be NO!!! This will be sufficient to train any greyhound. Remember hitting teaches a dog aggression.

There have been retired racers that have earned obedience titles. Just remember that training must be done with a light, encouraging hand and leash rules always apply, even with a highly trained greyhound.

When you discover your dog is lost the following should be performed:

• Immediately do a quick search of the area. Take a favorite treat, toy or dog friend with you.
• Call NJ GAP, local Animal Control, and police and alert them with a description of the dog, name, Tag #, and the area in which the dog is lost.
• Someone from NJ GAP or a friend with a greyhound should come and help you search. While searching it is extremely important to have someone stay near the telephone for a spotting.
• Next make up posters in bold letters saying:

• The posters should be placed on telephone poles, in supermarkets, in convenience stores, and given to mailmen and children. Keep in mind that most people can recognize a "LOST DOG". They may not be familiar with a specific breed such as a greyhound!!
• Place food and a crate by the house and near the last spotting.
• Call the newspapers and place a ad in the lost/found for the dog and state reward.
• After the first 24 hours increase your search area to 25 miles. Start calling the police, animal control and animal rescue groups. Also visit the shelters with a picture of your dog.

NJ GAP has had your greyhound surgically altered, provided its initial one year inoculations for rabies & distemper, has been tested for heartworms and has had their teeth cleaned 7 polished. You have been given the veterinarian records for your greyhound and have been told if other procedures are needed.

The following veterinary care should be done within 2-3 weeks:

• Well Visit - NJ GAP recommends that you take your greyhound to your veterinarian for a well visit. The doctor can establish a profile of your dog when it is well. Also bring the medical records you received from NJ GAP.
• Stool sample - A stool sample should be taken to your veterinarian for parasite testing.
• Heartworm - Your dog has been tested for heartworm. If you are going to give your dog heartworm medication you should pick up the preventative at this well visit.
• Worms - There are four types of worms that can be found in dogs. The following are the recommended medications:

• Dental Care - Ask the veterinarian to show you how to brush and hand scale your dogs teeth.

At your annual veterinarian visit, in addition to a routine checkup, your greyhound should receive:

• Rabies Vaccine - Depending on the state and/or town, a rabies shot will need to be given every two or three years.
• Distemper - A combination shot for distemper and other viral diseases.
• Heartworm Test- Your greyhound should be tested at a minimum each year for heartworms. If you decide that you do not want to use heartworm medication you MUST test for heartworms twice a year. If you do not want to test this often then you should use the preventative.

You and your veterinarian may notice that your greyhound has one or more of the following:

• Scars - This is common with greyhounds as they have thin skin and may have banged into another greyhound on the track, or scratched themselves on a fence, etc. In time, your greyhound’s hair will grow and cover most scars.
• Bald Spots - This is not a skin problem. Due to the greyhound’s diet on the track and being kept in a crate the hair is rubbed away. With the feeding of a high quality/recommended food this hair should start to grow back in 8-12 weeks. Prozyme will speed up hair growth.
• Tartar- The soft diet the greyhounds receive at the track tend to cause tartar build up on their teeth. With the feeding of dry food and the weekly brushings you should see an improvement within a few weeks. (You should also brush your greyhound’s teeth with a dog toothbrush and toothpaste at least once a week. If this does not clear up, it is recommended that you have your dogs teeth cleaned by the veterinarian).
• Pieces of ear are missing - It is not uncommon for greyhounds to be in very close quarters. This closeness sometimes causes them to squabble and an ear can get bitten. This does not mean that your greyhound is aggressive.
• Bursars or swollen elbows - Greyhounds have very little body fat and almost no padding on their joints. If they are forced to lie on hard surfaces for prolonged periods of time fluid may accumulate, your veterinarian can drain this fluid easily. A soft quilt or dog bed will keep this from recurring.
• Shedding - It is common for a greyhound to shed. This will occur twice a year. Weekly grooming with the hounds glove or rubber curry comb and Prozyme will minimize the amount of shedding.

The following are areas of caution for greyhounds:

• Ticks - Has your greyhound ever experienced any of the following:
• High fever
• Depression or lethargy
• Anorexia
• Anemia
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Loss of appetite or loss of body weight
• Vomiting
• Nose bleeds, skin hemorrhage or any other unusual bleeding
• Swollen legs or lymph nodes
• Nervous system disorders, such as stiff gait, head tilt, seizures or twitching
• Pale gums and/or inner eye membranes
• Arthritis

1. 545-8499

Diarrhea can happen with any dog. Some of the common causes of diarrhea are table scraps, cat food, stress, grass and garbage picking. All of these are controllable and care should be taken to avoid in the future.

The following is a simple schedule NJ GAP recommends to combat loose stool / normal diarrhea:

The following is a simple schedule NJ GAP recommends to combat blowout diarrhea:

• Take your dog to a veterinarian for a shot of anti-diarrhea medication.
• Withhold food for 24 hours and limit the water intake.

The following is a NJ GAP recommended process for reintroducing food after blowout diarrhea:

• Boil boneless chicken or ground hamburger and drain off the fat (shred the chicken).
• Cook white rice.

The rule of thumb is: The dog must have 3 consecutive days of firm stools in order to progress to the next level

• Level 1 - Mix 2 cups cooked white rice and 1 cup cooked hamburger or chicken and add 1/4 cup of regular dog food. 3 days of firm stools, go to Level 2.
• Level 2 - Mix 2 cups cooked white rice and 3/4 cup of cooked hamburger or chicken and 1/2 cup of regular dog food, 3 days of firm stools, go to Level 3.
• Level 3 - Mix 1 3/4 cups cooked white rice and 112 cup of cooked hamburger or chicken and 314 cup of regular dog food. 3 days of firm stools, go to Level 4.
• Level 4 - Mix 1 1/2 cups of cooked while rice and 1/4 cup of cooked hamburger or chicken and I cup of regular dog food. 3 days of firm stools, go to Level 5.
• Level 5 - Mix 1 1/4 cups of cooked while rice and 1 1/4 cup of regular dog food. 3 days of firm stools, go to Level 6
• Level 6 - Mix 1 cup cooked white rice and 1 1/2 cups of regular dog food. 3 days of firm stools, at the next feeding decrease the amount of cooked white rice by 1/4 cup and increase the amount of regular dog food by 1/4 cup.

Continue this regimen until your dog is back to their usual amount of dry dog food and then discontinue the rice. If at any time in this process your dog experiences diarrhea again you must go back to the cooked white rice & hamburger or chicken mixture only.

Note: For the first two feedings on the rice/hamburger or chicken mixture you may want to add regular strength Pepto-Bismol at the children’s dose.

Note: If the diarrhea does not slowdown, does not stop after three days, or you see blood in the stool contact your veterinarian immediately!!!