Resources

Introducing Your Home Dogs

Introducing Your Home Dogs

Training & Behaviour
Introducing Your Home Dogs

If you already have pet dogs, it's important to manage introductions carefully to set everyone up for success. Here's how to do it safely.

How do I best introduce my dogs?

If you own another dog, it is recommended that the initial introduction take place in an open and neutral space without any other dog's present. Where we can, we'll invite you to bring your dog to our adoption centre to meet before taking your grey home. Alternatively, a quiet sporting oval or street is ideal.

Both dogs must be leashed, and your greyhound must be muzzled. Allow the dogs to calmly greet while both on leash and smell each other, if there is too much excitement, move them apart until they settle.

When at home, ensure that you always feed the dogs separately, remove any items they may fight over (toys, bones etc) and that you carefully supervise the dogs' interactions in the first two weeks.

How do I ensure my greyhound feels safe?

If you are unable to supervise the dogs during this period, you should keep them physically separated; placing your greyhound in his safe space. It is important that this safe space allows your greyhound to observe and feel part of the family, while still being separated from your other dogs (and pets and children). This can be achieved by creating a safe space within the family areas using playpens, baby gates or a crate. Some greyhounds will not be comfortable in a crate, but others will.

Have a discussion with your children, particularly young children, about allowing the greyhound to have a special space. When the greyhound is in their special place, children and adults leave the greyhound undisturbed.

It is important that the whole family choses an appropriate place for their greyhound's special place and everyone respects that space.

Related Resources

More Resources
Understanding and Managing Prey Drive
Understanding and Managing Prey Drive

Prey drive refers to an animal’s natural desire to chase and kill prey animals for food.

Learn more
Retired Racing Greyhounds and Children
Retired Racing Greyhounds and Children

Australia has one of the highest pet-ownership rates in the world, with over 63% of households having a pet.

Learn more
Understanding Aggression
Understanding Aggression

Aggression is a serious behavioural problem due to the high risk of injury either to an owner or to another animal.

Learn more
Barking & Other ‘Dog Noise’ Problems
Barking & Other ‘Dog Noise’ Problems

Ask any local government officer or council ranger what is the most common complaint they receive in relation to dogs and most will say without hesitation that it is complaints about barking dogs.

Learn more
Toileting Problems in Greyhounds
Toileting Problems in Greyhounds

Many greyhounds are very ‘clean’ when it comes to their toileting habits, but others may take a little time to learn not to mess in the house.

Learn more
Jumping Up
Jumping Up

Many owners become frustrated with dogs when they behave in a way that seems anti-social.

Learn more
Thunderstorms & Fireworks
Thunderstorms & Fireworks

Fear of loud noises such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or gun shots is quite a common complaint from dog owners of all breeds.

Learn more
Adding A Baby To The Family
Adding A Baby To The Family

Once you know that you are expecting a baby, it is time to have a good think about what life with a baby will be like – less time to yourself, changed routines, and new responsibilities.

Learn more
Pulling On The Lead
Pulling On The Lead

My greyhound pulls terribly on the lead. It makes taking him for a walk a real chore!

Learn more
Introducing Your Feline Friend
Introducing Your Feline Friend

So you've been matched with a cat tolerant greyhound. Congratulations! With careful introductions, patience, and ongoing management, many greyhounds and cats can learn to live happily together.

Learn more
Resource Guarding
Resource Guarding

Resource guarding in greyhounds is not uncommon. Learn what it is, why it happens, and how to address it through simple training and management techniques.

Learn more
Sleep Startle
Sleep Startle

Sleep startle is an automatic reaction to being abruptly woken from sleep and is perfectly normal in greyhounds. Here's what to know and how to manage it.

Learn more

Meet our dogs ready for adoption

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

View all dogs
Adopt a greyhound
Available

Name

0 Years Old

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla.

Learn more
Featured
Available

Name

0 Years Old

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla.

Learn more
Featured
Available

Name

0 Years Old

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla.

Learn more
Featured
Available

Name

0 Years Old

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla.

Learn more
Featured
Available

Name

0 Years Old

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla.

Learn more
Featured
Available

Name

0 Years Old

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla.

Learn more
Featured
Featured
Available

Lad

4 years old

Lad is a gentle soul with a loving heart. This quiet, calm greyhound enjoys a relaxed lifestyle and is happiest spending time with his people, soaking up affection and enjoying the comfort of a peaceful home. Although Lad is blind, he navigates life with quiet determination and, with patience and support, forms strong bonds with those who earn his trust. His sweet nature and easy-going temperament make him a wonderful companion for someone looking for a loyal and affectionate friend. Lad is seeking a special home with adults or children aged 10 years and over who can provide the understanding and consistency he needs. He could happily live as an only dog or with a compatible canine companion and may also suit a home with a cat. Because of his blindness, Lad will benefit from a secure environment and owners committed to helping him build confidence through routine and guidance. He is not suited to apartment living and would thrive in a home where he has space to relax and feel secure. If you're looking for a kind-hearted greyhound who will reward your care with unwavering devotion, Lad is ready to find his forever family. Lad has PRA which affects his eyes. He has very limited vision and will eventually go completely blind. His strong sense of smell and hearing help him with his day-to-day life, and he's such a bright friendly boy. Lad also has diabetes, which is controlled with daily medication.
Learn more
Featured
Available

Elzar

3 years old

Meet Elzar – named after the larger-than-life celebrity chef from Futurama – and just like his namesake, he brings plenty of flair, energy and charisma wherever he goes! This handsome black greyhound is a fun, affectionate and wonderfully quirky boy who approaches life with an infectious enthusiasm. Puppyish at heart and a true extrovert, Elzar loves being involved in everything his people are doing and is always ready to entertain with a burst of zoomies. If you're looking for a dog with personality, confidence and a whole lot of love to give, Elzar is ready to say, "Bam!" and brighten your day. Elzar has an auto immune disease, called "Pannus.". It is controlled with daily eye drops. Elzar also has an old fracture with screw present. They are stable and he is ready for his new home! Elzar is seeking an active home with a secure backyard where he can enjoy regular playtime and stretch his long legs. He would suit a family with children aged 10 years and over, or active adults who can keep up with his adventurous spirit. Elzar could happily be your one-and-only dog, or share his home with a medium to large canine companion. Due to his playful enthusiasm, he is not suited to homes with elderly or frail people or dogs, and apartment living is not the right fit for this energetic boy. Give Elzar the space, activity and companionship he craves, and he'll reward you with endless affection, laughter and plenty of his signature "Bam!" moments.
Learn more
Featured
Available

Denzel ARP

4 years old

Denzel is a big, handsome greyhound with striking white markings and a quiet, gentle nature. While he can be a little reserved when meeting new people, it doesn't take long for his friendly and personable side to shine through. An independent boy, Denzel is happy doing his own thing and would be well suited to a home where he can relax and enjoy life at his own pace. He may be suitable to live as an only dog, or with a medium to large canine companion. Denzel may also be suitable to live with 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.

‍

Learn more
Featured
Available

Patches

5 years old

Meet Patches, a handsome greyhound with a gentle soul and a heart full of love. Quiet, calm, and wonderfully laidback, Patches is the kind of companion who is happy to take life at a relaxed pace. He has a sweet and affectionate nature, enjoying time with his people and happily soaking up attention and pats. While he’s generally easy-going, he also has a playful side that emerges when the mood strikes, bringing a little extra joy and laughter to everyday life. Patches is looking for a home with adults or children aged 5 years and over who will appreciate his kind and gentle personality. He could thrive as an only dog receiving all the love and attention for himself, or he may enjoy sharing his home with a suitable canine friend. Thanks to his settled temperament, Patches may even be well suited to apartment living, provided his exercise and companionship needs are met. If you're searching for a loyal, loving companion who combines good looks, sweet manners, and a playful spark, Patches could be the perfect addition to your family. THIS LOVELY GREYHOUND WILL BE AVAILABLE AT OUR UPCOMING BEST MATES ADOPTION EVENT ON SUNDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER! REGISTER VIA GAP WEBSITE.
Learn more
Featured
Available

Issy

4 years old

Meet Issy, a beautiful 4-year-old black greyhound with a shiny coat and a sweet, easy-going nature. Confident and adaptable, she takes busy environments in her stride and enjoys meeting new people. Friendly and affectionate, Issy loves spending time with her humans, but also appreciates quiet downtime when she's ready to relax. Issy is a pleasure to walk, enjoys treats and toys, and has a playful side, including the occasional zoomies. Her lovely balance of confidence, independence, and affection makes her an easy companion to live with. Issy would be best suited to a home with children aged 10 years and over and may also adapt well to apartment living. She has a previously healed hock fracture and some arthritis in the joint, which will need ongoing consideration. If you're looking for a sweet, confident companion who enjoys both adventure and relaxation, Issy could be the perfect match. THIS LOVELY GREYHOUND WILL BE AVAILABLE AT OUR UPCOMING BEST MATES ADOPTION EVENT ON SUNDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER! REGISTER VIA GAP WEBSITE.
Learn more
Featured
Available

Judge George

5 years old

Judge George is a handsome brindle greyhound with a larger-than-life personality and a heart full of love. Friendly, outgoing, and confident, George is the kind of dog who enjoys meeting new people and quickly wins everyone over with his affectionate nature. He loves spending time with his humans, whether that's joining in on family activities, playing in the yard, or simply relaxing by your side after a fun day. His playful spirit and easy-going temperament make him a wonderful companion for an active household. George would be best suited to a home with children aged 5 years and older or an adult-only household. He is not suitable for apartment living or homes with elderly residents, as he thrives in an environment with space and people who can keep up with his enthusiasm for life. George could happily live as an only dog where he can soak up all the attention, or with a calm medium to large dog companion. If you're looking for a confident, affectionate, and fun-loving greyhound to share your adventures, Judge George could be the perfect match. THIS LOVELY GREYHOUND WILL BE AVAILABLE AT OUR UPCOMING BEST MATES ADOPTION EVENT ON SUNDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER! REGISTER VIA GAP WEBSITE.
Learn more
Featured
Available

Yogi ARP

4 years old

Yogi is a friendly, outgoing greyhound with a happy wagging tail and a love for people. Confident, affectionate and full of enthusiasm, he's always ready to make new friends and be part of the action. Yogi may be suitable to live as an only dog or with a medium to large canine companion. He may also be suitable to live with children aged 10 years and over.

This greyhound is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). Throughthis program, greyhounds stay with their current owners while they wait to findtheir perfect forever home. If you're interested in adopting this dog, we'llarrange for them to come into GAP specifically for you to meet and complete theadoption process. Since the dog is being brought into the program based on yourinterest, we ask that applicants be reasonably confident this is the greyhoundthey'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 willshare lots of information about this greyhound to help you determine if they'rethe perfect match for your family.

Learn more
Featured
Available

Oreo ARP

7 years old

Everyone loves a sweet treat, and this sweet treat is one you will love more and more everyday. Oreo is an extremely polite, gentle and easy girl to have around and she is lovely to walk on lead. We think she may suit living with or without another medium or larger canine friend and children 5 and over. She may also suit full time workers.

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.

‍

Learn more
Featured
Available

Cecil

4 years old

Cecil is a happy, boofy boy who approaches life with boundless enthusiasm and a wagging tail. Outgoing, affectionate and always up for a cuddle, he loves being around his people and will happily soak up as many scratches as you're willing to give. Cecil's fun-loving personality shines through in everything he does, and his goofy charm makes him a joy to have around. Like many big-hearted dogs, he can be a little boisterous and impulsive at times, but it's all part of his lovable character. Cecil is looking for a home with adults or teens aged 15+ who can help him continue polishing his manners and provide consistent guidance as he learns. He would be most suited as an only dog, where he can be the centre of attention, or with a medium to large canine companion who is a good match for his size and energy. With patience, structure and plenty of affection, Cecil will reward his new family with endless love, laughs and loyal companionship.
Learn more
Featured
Available

Larry

5 years old

Meet Larry Long Legs, a 5-year-old black greyhound whose nickname tells you almost everything you need to know! This handsome boy is absolutely enormous, with long legs for days and a presence that turns heads wherever he goes. Some say he's the size of a pony, others reckon he's more like a mini horse, but either way, Larry is one unforgettable greyhound. Despite his impressive stature, Larry is a sweet, friendly and affectionate boy who loves spending time with people. Social, outgoing and full of personality, he's always happy to make new friends and enjoys being included in the action. After a walk, one of Larry's favourite things is settling in for a cosy snuggle with his humans. Larry has a stunning shiny black coat and a confident, personable nature that makes him impossible not to love. He can be strong on the lead, so he'll need owners who are comfortable handling a very large dog and can help him continue his lead manners. While he may look like an athlete, Larry also has a soft and affectionate side. He thrives on human companionship and loves receiving attention from those lucky enough to earn his friendship. Due to his size and strength, Larry would be best suited to a home with robust children aged 10 years and over who can comfortably interact with a dog of his proportions. If you've ever dreamed of owning a gentle mini horse disguised as a greyhound, Larry Long Legs might just be the perfect addition to your family.
Learn more