Exercise and Enrichment

Health & Well Being
Exercise and Enrichment

Greyhounds need both physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and well-adjusted. Learn how much exercise they actually need, where to walk them, and what enrichment activities work best.

The benefits of a walk

Slow down and give your greyhound time to use their amazing sense of smell to explore the environment. Although walks provide physical exercise, walks should also allow enough time for mental stimulation.

  • Sniffing is calming: Studies show sniffing lowers the pulse rate and promotes calmness
  • Reduce stress: Sniffing reduces stress and lowers cortisol levels - the stress hormone
  • Promotes wellbeing: Important for mental and emotional wellbeing - provides an outlet for natural behaviour
  • Choice, freedom and agency: The freedom to choose to stop and sniff helps dogs feel more in control of their environment and builds self confidence
  • Reduces cognitive decline: Sniffing different things and interpreting that information requires mental effort which helps reduce cognitive decline.

How often should I walk my greyhound?

Although greyhounds are the fastest breed of dog, they achieve their incredible speed in one all out sprint and do not have a lot of endurance. For this reason, greyhounds require less exercise than breeds of dogs and are generally happy with one or two short walks per day of around 15-20 minutes. If you intend to walk your greyhound for longer periods, you will need to start at 20 minutes and gradually build up their stamina.

Where should I walk my greyhound?

Greyhounds have often not had recall training so ensure you walk your greyhound with a good quality lead under effective control. Due to your greyhound's speed, retractable leads are not recommended as they can cause injury to you, your dog, other people and animals.

Remember your greyhound must be kept on a leash at all times when in public. While there are off-leash dog parks in Victoria, it is illegal for greyhounds to be offleash in them.

There are also many greyhound walking groups around Victoria which is a great way to socialise for all involved. You can find groups listed in the Walks tab, found here: https://gap.grv.org.au/news-events/upcoming-events

What about other mental enrichment?

Soft toys, puzzle toys with food treats, daily exercise and training are essential in creating a mentally enriching environment for your greyhound.

Toys could include chew toys, rope toys or kongs (rubber dog toys in which food can be hidden). Other activities you may include are hiding small amounts of food around the outdoor area for the greyhound to find or freeze a treat in an ice block (water or stock) for the greyhound to lick and chew (also good for cooling in summer!).

Remember to avoid feeding immediately before or after exercise.

Related Resources

Meet our dogs ready for adoption

All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.

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Mary ARP

2 years old

Mary is an absolute sweetheart and the beauty to match! This gorgeous girl is friendly, outgoing and full of enthusiasm. She loves being around people, is incredibly affectionate and has a fun, puppyish nature that shines through. Mary is playful, boisterous and very excitable. She can be quite jumpy when she’s happy, often greeting people with a LOT of enthusiasm. She will need a home with a secure backyard where she can burn off some energy. Mary may besuited to live as an only dog or may be suitable to live with medium or large dogs. She also may be suitable to live with a family that have older children aged 15+. Due to her energetic nature, she is not suitable to live with elderly people or dogs. With the right home, Mary’s fun-loving personality will make her a wonderful and entertaining companion.

This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). We have behavioural and health assessed this lovely dog, and they will remain with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting this particular dog, and not other dogs currently in our care.

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Jed ARP

4 years old

Jed is a handsome and affectionate greyhound with a sweet, friendly nature and a real love of people. Personable and easy to spend time with, he enjoys being close to his handlers and has an endearing habit of leaning gently against you for comfort and companionship. With his kind heart and loving personality, Jed quickly wins over everyone he meets.

While Jed is generally social, he can sometimes feel a little worried around unfamiliar breeds of dog, so he would benefit from thoughtful introductions and would be best avoiding off-lead parks or busy areas where dogs may rush up to him. He may suit living with polite dogs of any size who will respect his space and could also be a wonderful companion for a family with children aged 5 years and older. With understanding and support, Jed will reward his new family with loyalty, affection and plenty of gentle cuddles.

This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.

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Lou Lou ARP

5 years old

This beautiful 5-year-old girl is as sweet as she is pretty. Friendly, social and outgoing, she loves being around people and greets life with confidence and enthusiasm. Her personable nature and very affectionate personality make her a wonderful companion, whether she's joining you on an adventure or simply enjoying some quality time by your side. She also walks beautifully on lead, making daily strolls together an absolute pleasure.

With her easy-going and loving temperament, she may suit living as an only dog where she can soak up all the attention, or with a compatible male dog of any size. She would likely do best in a home with respectful children aged 10 years and older. Full of charm, affection and companionship, this lovely brindle girl is ready to become a treasured member of a lucky family.

This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.

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Ricey ARP

4 years old

Ricey is a handsome 4-year-old boy with a friendly and personable nature. While he enjoys the company of people and forms lovely connections with those he trusts, Ricey is more of an introvert at heart and can be anxious in unfamiliar situations. Despite this, he always tries hard to be brave, taking things in his stride and showing a quiet determination as he navigates the world around him.

Ricey would likely thrive in a patient and understanding home that allows him to build confidence at his own pace. He may suit living as an only dog, where he can enjoy plenty of one-on-one attention, or with a confident medium or large canine companion. Ricey may also be suited to a home with respectful children aged 10 years and older. With kindness, routine and support, this sweet-natured boy will make a loyal and rewarding companion.

This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.

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Possum ARP

5 years old

Possum is a sweet, friendly and confident 5-year-old boy who never misses an opportunity to make a new friend. Outgoing, personable and affectionate, he loves meeting everyone and anyone, greeting the world with a wagging tail and a happy attitude. Whether you're stopping for a coffee at a local café or strolling through a weekend market, Possum is the kind of dog who enjoys being part of the action and sharing adventures with his people.

With his easy-going nature and love of human company, Possum may suit a home with respectful young children aged 5 years and older. He may also be happy living as an only dog, soaking up all the attention for himself, or sharing his home with a like-minded medium or large caninecompanion. Charming, social and full of affection, Possum is a wonderfulall-rounder who is sure to bring plenty of joy to his future family.

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Bobby

3 years old

How handsome is Bobby! He has an infectious personality that everyone will love. He loves treats, cuddles and just being a goof! We think he may suit living with children 10 and over and with another medium or larger dog for company. Due to a previous injury and his love for zoomies, its best this boy doesn't have a large backyard to do zoomies to protect his leg from any future issues. But he doesn't let this slow him down so on lead walks and play time in a controlled area is perfectly fine. Bobby has a previous hock fracture, that happened prior to his arrive in GAP. He has hardware present, but this isn't causing any problems. Bobby has some mild arthritis due to this.
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Luke

5 years old

Luke is a handsome young greyhound with a big personality and an even bigger zest for life. Affectionate, confident and full of fun, he approaches every day with a wonderfully playful, puppyish attitude that is sure to keep his family smiling. Luke loves spending time with his people and thrives on interaction, games and adventures. While he has all the makings of a fantastic companion, he is still learning that good manners matter, so his new family will need to continue his training and provide clear, consistent guidance as he matures. Luke is best suited to a home with adults or children aged 10 years and over who can comfortably handle his enthusiastic nature. He is not suitable for homes with elderly residents, cats or apartment living. Luke would be happiest as an only dog where he can soak up all the attention, although he may be able to share his home with a robust, well-matched canine companion. With space to run, ongoing training and a family ready to embrace his energetic spirit, Luke will make a loyal, loving and entertaining addition to the right home.
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Lana

8 years old

Lana is a sweet and friendly greyhound who wins hearts wherever she goes. With her personable nature and affectionate personality, Lana loves spending time with her people and is always happy to soak up attention. She has a gentle charm that makes her easy to love, and if treats are involved, you'll quickly become her favourite person! Whether she's enjoying a leisurely walk, relaxing by your side, or accepting a well-earned snack, Lana is a lovely companion who enjoys the simple pleasures in life. Lana is looking for a home with children aged 5 years and over, or adults who are ready to welcome a devoted and loving friend into their lives. She may suit apartment living provided her exercise and enrichment needs are met. Lana would be happy as an only dog, but she may also live successfully with a medium to large canine companion. She is not suitable to live with cats and will need a feline-free home. If you're searching for a kind-hearted greyhound with a sweet disposition and a soft spot for treats, Lana could be the perfect addition to your family.
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Mugatu

3 years old

He may not be a villain or a flamboyant fashionista as his name sake but he will certainly brainwash you into loving him till the end of time. P.S. he is also a Valentines baby! This quiet, sweet guy is a little on the shy side at first but he certainly warms up to you and wants to please. We think he may suit a home with children 15 and over and maybe with another Greyhound buddy. He thinks other breeds are just too scary to live with right now. He didn't find the cats as terrifying and may be suitable to live with one. He may be ok for full time workers. Magatu has a low-grade heart murmur, which doesn't require medicating, and it doesn't affect his day-to-day life
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Carly ARP

5 years old

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Carl is a quiet, gentle girl who enjoys taking life at her own pace. She can be a little submissive and cautious. While she can be anxious in new situations, she always tries her best and gains confidence with patience and kindness. Once she feels comfortable,her sweet and personable nature begins to shine through. Carly is looking for a home where she can continue to build her confidence. She may be suited to living as an only dog or with medium or large dogs. She also may be suited to live with older kids 15+, and she is best suited to a home with a backyard rather than an apartment.

This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.

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