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Exercise and Enrichment

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.

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Meet our dogs ready for adoption

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

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Derek

4 years old

Derek is a quiet, friendly gentleman with a confident and outgoing personality. He enjoys meeting new people and has a naturally affectionate nature, often leaning into his handler for comfort, connection, and a few extra pats. With his loving temperament and easy-going attitude, Derek is the kind of dog who quickly wins hearts. This handsome boy enjoys being part of the family and is happiest when he can spend time with his people. Whether he's heading out for a walk or simply relaxing by your side, Derek is a loyal companion who loves companionship and attention. Derek is generally okay on lead, although he can be a little erratic at times, so he would benefit from continued guidance and positive reinforcement to help him develop consistent walking manners. With patience and encouragement, he's sure to continue thriving. Derek is looking for a home where he can enjoy both affection and structure. He may be suited to living as the only dog or with a compatible medium to large dog. Due to his preferences, he is not suitable to live with small dogs. If you're looking for a friendly, affectionate companion who loves human connection and will happily lean in for a cuddle, Derek could be the perfect addition to your family.
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Didi Hill ARP

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Didi Hill is a beautiful girl, inside and out. She is an introvert and can be a little shy with new people and new dogs, but with time and patience, we believe her inner confidence will shine through. She has the cutest ears and will make your heart melt. Didi Hill may suit living with or without a calm/respectful canine brother of any size and children aged 10 years+. She may do best in a home with a quiet neighbourhood.

This greyhound is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). Through this program, greyhounds stay with their current owners while they wait to find their perfect forever home.

If you're interested in adopting this dog, we'll arrange for them to come into GAP specifically for you to meet and complete the adoption process. Since the dog is being brought into the program based on your interest, we ask that applicants be reasonably confident this is the greyhound they'd like to welcome into their family. Unlike our standard adoption process, you won't be able to meet multiple dogs at the same time however our team will share lots of information about this greyhound to help you determine if they're the perfect match for your family.

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This greyhound is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). Through this program, greyhounds stay with their current owners while they wait to find their perfect forever home.

If you're interested in adopting this dog, we'll arrange for them to come into GAP specifically for you to meet and complete the adoption process. Since the dog is being brought into the program based on your interest, we ask that applicants be reasonably confident this is the greyhound they'd like to welcome into their family. Unlike our standard adoption process, you won't be able to meet multiple dogs at the same time however our team will share lots of information about this greyhound to help you determine if they're the perfect match for your family.

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This greyhound is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). Through this program, greyhounds stay with their current owners while they wait to find their perfect forever home.

If you're interested in adopting this dog, we'll arrange for them to come into GAP specifically for you to meet and complete the adoption process. Since the dog is being brought into the program based on your interest, we ask that applicants be reasonably confident this is the greyhound they'd like to welcome into their family. Unlike our standard adoption process, you won't be able to meet multiple dogs at the same time however our team will share lots of information about this greyhound to help you determine if they're the perfect match for your family.

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Quinny

5 years old

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Chance

6 years old

Chance is a handsome brindle boy with a big heart and an even bigger tail wag! This happy, outgoing greyhound greets life with enthusiasm, whether he's heading out for a walk, seeing one of his favourite people, or visiting his mate Finn. His excitement is contagious, and watching his tail go into overdrive is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Sweet, friendly, and full of personality, Chance loves spending time with people and is always keen to be involved. He seeks eye contact, enjoys learning, and genuinely wants to please, making him a rewarding companion to build a bond with. Add a few treats to the mix and you'll have a very attentive audience! Chance is an affectionate and confident boy who enjoys both human company and playtime. He's recently discovered the fun of squeaky toys and can happily entertain himself with a toy when the mood strikes. Like many greyhounds, he can become quite excited when he spots small dogs or dogs playing with a ball, so he'll need a home that can continue guiding him in those situations. With his cheerful outlook, loving nature, and zest for life, Chance is ready to bring plenty of fun, companionship, and tail-wagging happiness to his forever family. If you're looking for a greyhound with a joyful spirit and lots of love to give, Chance could be the perfect match. Chance came into GAP with an old hock injury, which has osteo arthritis. He doesn't let it slow him down!
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Hercules

4 years old

True to his name, Hercules is a handsome 4-year-old black greyhound with a striking appearance and a heart full of love. With his big white chest and ever-so-slight Roman nose, this charming boy has a unique look that only adds to his appeal. Hercules is a friendly, confident and affectionate greyhound who genuinely enjoys spending time with people. He quickly forms bonds with those around him and loves leaning into his handler for attention, pats and companionship. Sweet-natured and eager to please, he's happiest when he's included in family life and receiving plenty of affection. This playful boy has an enthusiastic side and can become excited when meeting people or enjoying fun activities. His excitement may sometimes see him jumping up in his greetings, but it quickly subsides into a calm companion once he settles. With guidance and consistency, Hercules will relax and enjoy being close to his people. Full of personality and charm, Hercules combines confidence with a loving disposition, making him a wonderful companion for an active family looking for a dog who loves human connection. Hercules would be best suited to a home with children aged 10 years and over. If you're looking for a handsome, affectionate greyhound who will happily lean on you for cuddles and companionship, Hercules is ready to become your loyal sidekick. Hercules has a sensitive trachea, so is required to be walked with a harness.
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Heidi ARP

2 years old

Heidi is a beautiful girl with a gentle and affectionate nature. Quiet, calm and wonderfully polite, she takes life in her stride and loves making friends with everyone she meets. Sweet and personable, Heidi is a lovely companion who will happily fit into a relaxed home.

Heidi could live as an only dog or could suit living with a medium to large canine friend, and she may be suitable to live with dog-savvy children aged 5 years and over.

This greyhound is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). Through this program, greyhounds stay with their current owners while they wait to find their perfect forever home.

If you're interested in adopting this dog, we'll arrange for them to come into GAP specifically for you to meet and complete the adoption process. Since the dog is being brought into the program based on your interest, we ask that applicants be reasonably confident this is the greyhound they'd like to welcome into their family. Unlike our standard adoption process, you won't be able to meet multiple dogs at the same time however our team will share lots of information about this greyhound to help you determine if they're the perfect match for your family.

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