Greyhound Training Guide – Crate, Toilet & More Tips!

What’s the key to a happy life with a Greyhound? Ensuring they’re trained! Whether you purchase a new Greyhound puppy or plan to adopt former racing Greyhounds, a better understanding of this gentle breed will help you prepare.

But because these dogs are naturally relaxed and even-tempered, do they really require training? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about Greyhound training.

Should I Train My Greyhound?

Yes! If you have adopted or purchased a new Greyhound, you must ensure the dog is well-trained. It is easier to train dogs from a young age than trying to get them to stop bad behaviours and learn new ones.

Dog training can be very rewarding for you and your new dog and result in a better relationship between the dog and the owner.
 

Are Greyhounds Easy To Train?

Greyhounds are highly intelligent dogs that can pick up new skills and commands easily. It is important with intelligent dogs like the Greyhound breed that you use shorter training sessions to ensure you keep their attention.

If you struggle to train your dog, hiring a dog trainer is an excellent way to minimise the frustration and help you and the dog learn.
 

What Kind Of Training Does A Greyhound Need?

One thing you need to know about Greyhounds is that they are incredibly docile and sensitive dogs, not as robust as other breeds, and tend to suffer from anxiety. Being aware of these traits means you’ll realise certain training methods are beneficial and others aren’t. Here are some types of training your Greyhound will need.

Obedience training

Greyhounds should be given obedience training so they understand and obey your commands. The recall command for a racing dog like a Greyhound with a strong prey drive is important. Because Greyhounds are naturally very quick, there is little to no chance of you catching one if it decides to go for a run when you’re just out for a walk!

Socialisation

Socialisation is also important for all dogs, and the Greyhound is no different. They tend to get on well with other dogs, but getting them in the company of other animals will help them learn acceptable behaviour.

Greyhounds are naturally pack animals and do well with other Greyhounds in the house. It is still important that they are well-socialised, and puppy classes can help them learn from a young age.
 

Toilet Training A Greyhound Puppy

Greyhounds are intelligent, clean dogs, but toilet training is still an important step to take with your new puppy.

When to start toilet training your Greyhound puppy

You should be able to get your Greyhound puppy from 8 weeks of age, and you can start toilet training them to some extent as soon as they arrive. However, expert advice sometimes states that a puppy’s control over their bowel and bladder is better for training from 12 to 16 weeks.

How to toilet train your Greyhound puppy

Toilet training your Greyhound puppy or adopted dog needs persistence and patience. Follow these steps to toilet train a Greyhound.

• Step 1: Decide on a designated area for your dog to go to the toilet. This can be in your garden or on the street. A tree or lampost you can easily access will help the dog learn to associate it with going to the toilet.
• Step 2: Stick to a schedule. Puppies usually need to urinate or defecate between 15 and 30 minutes after eating. Taking your dog out first thing in the morning and last thing at night, as well as at regular intervals throughout the day, is also recommended.
• Step 3: Learn the signs that your dog needs to go. This can include circling, sniffing, and vocalisation as they learn to go outside.
• Step 4: Use positive reinforcement when your dog goes to the toilet in the designated spot. Using treats to do this and telling them they are good will help. Never react angrily to accidents, as the dog is still learning, which is detrimental to their development.
• Step 5: Try to use keywords. As you would with commands, they can begin to recognise and associate with going to the toilet.
• Step 6: Use puppy pads in the house to create designated toilet zones. As they get used to going in certain areas while their control improves, you can gradually reduce these areas and encourage them to only go outside.

Crate Training Your Greyhound

As well as toilet training, crate training is another important part of your dog’s development.

Why is it important to crate-train your Greyhound puppy?

Crate training can help with toilet training and provide a safe space for your dog to relax, sleep, or be transported. Because Greyhounds are naturally nervous and can suffer from anxiety, crate training your dog will give them a space to go to when they’re feeling overwhelmed.

When to start crate training your Greyhound puppy

You can start crate training your puppy as soon as you get them. This will help them get used to it and won’t seem like a strange and different thing if introduced at a later age.

How to crate train your Greyhound puppy

Crate training your dog from an early age should be a case of patiently allowing them to get used to it. Follow these steps, and your dog should treat the crate as its den by the end of your training.

• Step 1: Try setting the crate up for your dog in a space where they spend most of their time. Let them investigate it and get used to it being they.
• Step 2: As your dog gets used to the crate, move some of its blankets inside so it goes in and is met by familiar smells. Food can also be an excellent way to get the dog to explore the crate, and hiding treats in the blanket will give them a positive association with it.
• Step 3: As your puppy first gets used to the crate, stay nearby and don’t shut the door. Because this breed is so nervous, you should never move too fast with crate training. Ensure they’re confident and comfortable with it before shutting it.
• Step 4: After your dog has been in a few times, try shutting the door, but stay with your dog and reassure them. Feed them treats through the side of the crate so they know being in there is no punishment.
• Step 5: Gradually extend the time the dog is in the crate and leave for short times at first until your dog is completely comfortable.

Pros and cons of crate training

Being able to leave your dog in the crate if you are going out is helpful as it will give you peace of mind and give them a relaxing, safe place to stay. Having your dog sleep in the crate will also stop them from sleeping in your bed and waking you up.

If they are not adequately trained, some dogs can think of their crate as a punishment, and they would rather stay out with the humans. Taking your time and never ordering your dog to the crate angrily is advised.
 

Can I Train My Greyhound To Do Tricks?

Greyhounds can lose interest quite quickly, but it is possible to teach them some tricks. Remember, though, that it is typically a lazy breed!
 

Tips For Training Your Greyhound

You don’t have to be a qualified dog trainer or take your Greyhound to a dog training class for them to be obedient. The following tips should help with your training;

Be consistent

Greyhounds are more intelligent than many other dogs. This means they need to be mentally stimulated to engage, so stick with short training sessions.

Positive reinforcement is key

Always use positive reinforcement by telling your dog how well they are doing, patting them, and giving them occasional treats. Especially if you’ve adopted a Greyhound

Avoid over-using treats

On the other hand, giving your dog too many treats will take away from the lessons they learn and can upset their stomach.

Consider clicker training

Clicker training is a great way to replace the positivity of giving your dog treats and conditioning them to realise the clicking means they are doing well with their dog training.
 

Final Thoughts on Training A Greyhound

The Greyhound is a very intelligent dog, meaning they can pick up training relatively quickly as long as it engages them. Dog training and socialisation classes can be great for the dog and the owner.

Being persistent is essential if you are training your dog at home so it will be obedient on walks.