Sleep Startle

Training & Behaviour
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.

Sleep startle, or sleep aggression as it is sometimes called, is growling or snapping when a sleeping greyhound is bumped or disturbed.

Sometimes, your greyhound's eyes may be partially open, and you may think they are awake, yet they startle, growl and even snap when they are touched. This is because despite the partially opened eyes, your greyhound was sleeping.

The best management for this behaviour is to ensure sleeping areas are away from high traffic areas or areas where people move around and can accidently wake a deeply sleeping greyhound.

If your greyhound likes to sleep/rest with the family while you are watching tv or reading or talking, make sure the family is aware and is careful not to accidently wake the greyhound.

Listen to your greyhound. If they snap or growl when disturbed while they are sleeping, they are telling you they are not comfortable with this and that's ok.

Respect their boundaries.

If you need to wake your greyhound, or you are unsure if they are awake, begin by calling their name until they show definite signs of wakefulness. Then you may approach or begin to move them.

Related Resources

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

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Grace

7 years old

Meet Grace, a pretty girl with a happy, confident nature. She’s friendly and affectionate, and her quirky personality is sure to make you smile – one of her favourite things is rubbing her face along the ground, often accompanied by her signature helicopter tail wag. Grace absolutely thrived in foster care, where she proved to be a settled and easy-going companion who sleeps through the night, enjoys her own space, and can happily be left alone while her people are busy. She loves her walks and human company, and while she can be enthusiastic on lead at the start of an outing, she soon settles into a lovely walking rhythm. Grace would be best suited as an only dog, where she can continue to blossom, as she prefers canine interactions to be on her terms and enjoys having her own space. We think she could suit a home with children aged 10+ and full-time workers who are looking for a sweet, independent girl with plenty of personality.
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Inny

4 years old

Meet Inny. Inny is a handsome, happy boy who brings fun wherever he goes. Friendly, outgoing and full of confidence, he's the kind of greyhound that is affectionate, puppyish and playful. He also has a big love for treats. Inny would be happy in a home on his owner with small, medium or large dogs that can match his playful energy. He may be suitable for a home with children aged 10+, and he will need a secured backyard where he can stretch his legs and enjoy a run around. Inny has had a previous hock fracture and has intermittent lameness. He has had a course of pentosan whilst in our care, and he will benefit with having this ongoing.
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Cliffy

4 years old

Cliffy is an affectionate greyhound with a big personality and an even bigger heart. He’s a people-focused boy who thrives on connection and will happily lean in for pats or follow you around to be part of whatever you’re doing. Excitable, enthusiastic, and confident, Cliffy greets life with curiosity and energy, making him a joy to watch as he settles into home life. He would do best as an only dog or with a calm, compatible canine companion where he can continue to build confidence and enjoy a consistent routine. Cliffy is best suited to a home with children aged 10+ who can respect his space and enthusiasm. He is not suited to homes with cats, elderly residents, or apartment living, as he will benefit from a secure yard and room to stretch out and relax. With the right environment and guidance, Cliffy will blossom into a loyal, affectionate companion who brings plenty of personality, fun, and love to his forever home. Cliffy has Osteoarthritis in his right hock, this isn't currently bothering him. Cliffy has 0% vision and has a condition called PRA. This doesn't require medicating and he seems to be getting along just fine without vision!
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Micky ARP

3 years old

Micky is a handsome and affectionate greyhound with a calm and gentle nature. This sweet boy loves spending time with his people, seeking eye contact and wanting to please. While he can be relaxed and quiet, Micky does have a puppyish side and likes to stretch his legs with zoomies. He also loves treats and has shown interest in bird watching and believes that backyard zoomies are more fun with a bird nearby. He is looking for a home with a secure backyard. He would suit being an only dog or he may be suitable to live with medium or large canine companions. Micky may also be suitable to live with children aged 5 and over.

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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Uganda ARP

5 years old

Are you looking for a quiet and sweet girl? Uganda might be the one for you! She can be a little shy when she first meets you but doesn’t take long to warm up. She is quiet and really wants to please her owners. She may suit living with children in their teens but would prefer to find a home with a canine companion of any size.

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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Pedro ARP

3 years old

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Pedro is a friendly, outgoing and confident greyhound with a big personality and an even bigger heart. Affectionate and personable, he loves spending time with his people and is always happy to make new friends. One of Pedro’s favourite things in the world is a good butt scratch, and he'll happily lean in for more when he finds the perfect spot! With his easy-going nature, Pedro may suit a home either as an only dog or with a medium to large canine companion. He could also thrive in a family with respectful children aged 10 years and over who are keen to share plenty of love, attention and cuddles with this charming boy.

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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King ARP

3 years old

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Kingis a handsome, friendly and incredibly personable greyhound whose goofy, larger-than-life personality is guaranteed to keep his family smiling. This tall, affectionate boy loves being part of the action and has a playful, puppyish side that shines through in his hilarious zoomies and quirky antics. While King can be a little anxious at times, he always tries his best and gains confidence with patient support from the people he loves. Full of character, charm and plenty of goofy moments, King may suit a home with or without a medium or large canine companion and could do well with respectful children aged 10 years and over who will appreciate his fun-loving spirit and kind heart.

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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Bruno ARP

4 years old

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Bruno is a handsome greyhound with a gentle soul and a heart full of affection. Quiet, polite, and incredibly sweet, he enjoys spending time with his people and wins friends wherever he goes with his calm, personable nature. Bruno is confident in many situations, but like many greyhounds, he can occasionally be a little unsure and looks to his trusted humans for reassurance and support.

Friendly and easy-going, Bruno may happily settle into a home as an only dog where he can soak up all the attention, or he may enjoy living alongside another dog of any size. His kind and gentle temperament also makes him a lovely companion for families with children aged 5 years and older. If you're looking for a loyal, affectionate friend with plenty of charm, Bruno could be the perfect match.

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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Flashy

6 years old

Flashy is a friendly, outgoing greyhound who loves being part of the action. Confident and full of personality, he enjoys making new friends and is always keen for a game with his favourite toys or a tasty treat. Flashy thrives on interaction and has a cheerful, enthusiastic nature that makes him a fun companion to have around. As an energetic young dog, he is still polishing his manners and will benefit from ongoing training, consistency and guidance to help him channel his enthusiasm in positive ways. Flashy is best suited to a home with adults or children aged 10 years and over who can comfortably manage his lively personality. He is not suitable for homes with elderly or frail people, cats, or apartment living. Flashy needs the company of another suitable canine companion and would do best with a confident, well-matched dog to share his home and adventures. He is not suited to living with older or fragile dogs. With continued training, plenty of enrichment and a canine friend by his side, Flashy will make a loyal, affectionate and entertaining addition to the right family. Flash had a hock fracture prior to entering GAP which is stable.
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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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