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A popular myth about greyhounds is that, as ex-athletes, they require a lot of exercise. In reality, your greyhound is pretty lazy. However we do recommend a certain amount of exercise which not only is good for your greyhound, but is good for you as well.
- The most obvious and easiest answer is in your own backyard. The typical greyhound enjoys a few laps around the yard at top speed and then is finished.
- Care should be taken to introduce your greyhound to your yard or any new fenced area before turning him loose in it. This means a walk around the fence so that he can familiarize himself with the boundary. You should let him investigate hazards in your yard such as BBQ or planters.
- The first time he exercises in your yard off leash, should be in daylight and under supervision.
- If you plan to use your greyhound as a partner in a walking or jogging fitness program you should have an enthusiastic partner as long as your starts slowly. Greyhounds are exercised primarily on sand in their kennel situation, which means the pads on their feet are smooth and soft. A little time must be taken to build up the calluses needed to exercise with you on cement of blacktop. Start his regime slowly. Walk or jog two or three blocks at first and then gradually increase.
- Care should be taken during extreme temperatures. Your greyhound is susceptible to heatstroke, just as you are. During hot weather it is wide to exercise early morning or late evening. Make sure you greyhound is completely cooled down before feeding.
- Cold weather presents hazards also. A warm blanket (coat) made for greyhounds is an excellent idea for walking in extreme cold. Check his feet for snow packing which can cause split webs or ice cuts. It is a good idea to swish his feet in lukewarm water to rinse off salt after your walk.
- Each greyhound is an individual with different activity levels. Generally younger greyhounds enjoy higher activity than older greyhounds. A romp in your yard and a 15 min walk every day will keep your greyhound happy and healthy.
- A note of caution – exercising you greyhound off leash in an area not completely enclosed is asking for disaster to happen. Your greyhound has been bred to scan the horizon and run after moving objects. Something as small as a paper cup blowing in the street from the park could mean your greyhounds death. Once your greyhound is focused on a moving object, he no longer hears you, he is running on pure instinct.
- Most greyhounds walk very well on a leash. If your greyhound starts to pull or freezes as he sees something on the horizon “Pop” or “Snap” the leash to quickly jerk the collar and give the command, “Heel”.
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