Sleep Startle

Training & Behaviour

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.

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Understanding Aggression

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Barking & Other ‘Dog Noise’ Problems

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Toileting Problems in Greyhounds

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Jumping Up

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Thunderstorms & Fireworks

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Adding A Baby To The Family

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Resource Guarding

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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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Frank

6 years old

Meet Frank, a confident and outgoing greyhound who knows exactly how to charm his way into your heart. This friendly boy loves making eye contact, as if he’s checking in with you to say, “Did you see how awesome I am just then?” Frank brings a big personality wherever he goes, paired with a genuine affection for people and a zest for life. He’s completed behavioural rehabilitation training focused on learning appropriate behaviour around other dogs, and he’s made great progress—though he’ll still benefit from a home willing to continue guiding him, especially when it comes to polishing up his manners. Frank is best suited to a home with adults or kids aged 10+, where his enthusiasm and size will be well matched. He would thrive as the only dog or alongside a medium-to-large canine companion, but he isn’t suitable for homes with small dogs or cats. Due to his energy and continued learning, he’s not the right fit for elderly households. With a bit of structure, patience, and plenty of affection, Frank will reward his family with loyalty, fun, and that unmistakable greyhound grin that makes every day brighter.

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Periwinkle

5 years old

Periwinkle is a striking male greyhound with a big personality and an even bigger heart. Friendly, outgoing, and full of quiet confidence, he quickly wins people over with his affectionate nature and calm, easy-going presence. Periwinkle 19981 has had wrist bone fracture prior to GAP entry. He bears weight on this limb and the area is stable, he does have a small amount of arthritis due to this injury. He enjoys human company and is happiest when he can be close to his people, whether that’s relaxing by your side or heading out for a leisurely walk. Periwinkle is well-mannered and easy to handle, making him a wonderful companion for adults or a family with children aged 10 and over who can respect his space and gentle nature. Having successfully completed behavioural rehabilitation training, Periwinkle is ready for a fresh start in a home that understands his needs. He would do best as an only dog, or potentially with a medium to large dog of similar temperament, but he cannot live with small dogs or cats. Periwinkle is not suited to a home with elderly owners, as he thrives in a steady, confident environment. With the right match, he will reward his new family with loyalty, affection, and companionship every day.

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Terry Jefferds

3 years old

Meet Terry Jefferds—a big-hearted greyhound with the soul of a squad sergeant and the enthusiasm of a kid in a candy store. Terry loves love, and he makes that very clear, locking eyes with you like you’re the most important person in the room before leaning in for affection. Friendly, personable, and delightfully puppyish, he’s full of quirky charm and playful curiosity. Thanks to his behavioural rehabilitation training—focused on helping him learn appropriate behaviour around other dogs—Terry has gained great skills and continues to thrive with guidance, structure, and positive connection. Terry is looking for a home where his big personality can shine—either with adults or a family with kids aged 10+. He’s best suited as the only dog or with a medium-to-large canine companion who matches his energy, but he isn’t suitable for homes with small dogs or cats. Because of his size and zest for life, he’s also not the right fit for elderly households. Terry has had a previous injury to his right hock, but it hasn't stopped him from loving life. He may need some arthritis care later in his lifetime because of this. Give Terry the leadership, love, and routine he craves, and he’ll repay you with unwavering loyalty, daily laughs, and the kind of joy that only a dog who truly loves his people can bring.

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Riptide

3 years old

There's this movie that we think you'll like, this dog decides to quit his job and heads to GAP City! Awooooo, woooo, wooo! Now that we got you singing his song, Riptide would like you to know more about him. This handsome man is after a home without too much on his wish list. He is a simple guy, happy to live on his own or with another medium or larger companion and may even be ok with full time workers. My foster Dad said I was a delightful house guest, and he was sad to see me go. Riptide has done some extra work here at GAP and in foster care to brush up on skills before he hits the big time and he cannot wait to start his next chapter. He does have a chronic toe injury which hasn't caused him current lameness. Riptide is waiting for his forever home with you.

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Leonardo

6 years old

Meet Leonardo. This handsome boy is quiet but friendly. He can sometimes be a little cautious, but he tries his hardest in new situations. With a supportive and kind home, he will blossom into his full personality. Because of Leonardos sweet and quiet personality he may suit living with any size dogs, and he may be suitable to live with older children aged 15+. For Leonardo to thrive he will require a quiet home in a quiet neighbourhood. Leonardo had some anxiety in out kennels due to the army base bombing. Transitional medication will be provided to help him settle into his new home.

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Ava

4 years old

Ava is a very pretty and utterly sweet four-year-old girl with a puppyish charm and an affectionate, personable nature that is simply irresistible. Friendly and full of personality, Ava has a delightful little quirk that never fails to raise a smile — when excitement strikes, such as when walkies time rolls around, she throws herself into the most adorable spins on the spot, as if her joy is simply too big to contain. It is the kind of endearing behaviour that makes her completely impossible not to love. Ava would make a wonderful companion for the right home, bringing sweetness, affection, and plenty of personality wherever she goes. She may suit life as an only dog or could share her home with a similarly sized canine friend and could potentially live with children aged 10 years old and older. If you are looking for a beautiful, loving girl with a big heart and an even bigger personality, Ava might just be the one who spins her way straight into yours. Ava has successfully completed some further training in our onsite behavioural rehabilitation program and is now available for adoption!

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Milla was Lemon

2 years old

Meet Lemon, as cute as her name is! She is only a young girl being barely 2 years old, she is just a sweet delight and the first people to meet her will fall in love. She walks well on a lead and is mostly easy to handle. She enjoys treats, so we think she will be easily trained with her food motivation. She may suit living with or without a canine brother of any size (if a small dog they would be better if they are playful and robust) and children aged 10 years and older.

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Barracuda

3 years old

Barracuda is a charming male greyhound with a fun-loving, puppyish spirit and a heart full of affection. Friendly and personable, he thrives on human interaction and loves being part of the action, whether it’s playtime, a walk, or simply hanging out with his people. His joyful energy and gentle nature make him a delight to be around, and he’s easy to handle despite his playful side. Barracuda would suit an adult home or a family with children aged 10 and over who can match his enthusiasm and provide a consistent, supportive environment. Barracuda has successfully completed behavioural rehabilitation training and is now ready to settle into a home that understands his needs. He would do best as an only dog or with a compatible medium to large dog, but he cannot live with small dogs or cats. He is not suited to a home with elderly owners, as he benefits from confident handling and structure. With the right home, Barracuda will bring endless affection, companionship, and a joyful presence to everyday life.

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Stormy

6 years old

Stormy is a quiet, sweet girl with a gentle nature and a soft spot for treats and affection. She's easy to handle and walks nicely on lead. Stormy can be a little submissive at first, but she tries hard and warms up quickly with kindness and patience. She would suit being any only dog where she can soak up all the love, or she may be suitable to live with small, medium or large dogs. Stormy may also be suitable to live with children aged 15+.

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Buffy

4 years old

Buffy is a beautiful black greyhound with a glossy, shiny coat and a gentle soul. She’s quiet, polite, and a little submissive, and although she can be anxious at times, she truly wants to please her people. Buffy doesn’t ask for much — just reassurance, kindness, and a calm presence — and she blossoms when she feels safe and understood. Her soft nature makes her a lovely companion for someone who appreciates a more reserved, sensitive dog. Buffy is looking for an adults-only home that is peaceful and predictable, with a secure backyard where she can relax and feel at ease. Apartment living isn’t suitable for her, and she’s not suited to homes with elderly or frail people. Buffy would do best as an only dog or with a compatible medium to large dog, but she cannot live with cats. If you can offer a quiet home and a patient heart, Buffy will reward you with gentle affection and unwavering loyalty.

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Related Resources

Understanding and Managing Prey Drive

Retired Racing Greyhounds and Children

Understanding Aggression

Barking & Other ‘Dog Noise’ Problems

Toileting Problems in Greyhounds

Jumping Up

Thunderstorms & Fireworks

Adding A Baby To The Family

Pulling On The Lead

Introducing Your Home Dogs

Resource Guarding

Meet our dogs ready for adoption

Name

Name

Name

Name

Name

Name

Frank

Periwinkle

Terry Jefferds

Riptide

Leonardo

Ava

Milla was Lemon

Barracuda

Stormy

Buffy

Meet your new best friend today!

Meet your new best friend today!