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.

Related Resources

More Resources

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

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

Learn more

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

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

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

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

Learn more

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

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

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

Learn more

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.

Learn more

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 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

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

Learn more

Featured

Available

Name

0 Years Old

Learn more

Featured

Available

Name

0 Years Old

Learn more

Featured

Available

Name

0 Years Old

Learn more

Featured

Available

Name

0 Years Old

Learn more

Featured

Available

Quinny

5 years old

Quinny is a happy, fun-loving girl with a beautiful shiny coat that glistens in the sunlight. Full of confidence and charm, she loves showing off her playful personality with zoomies, play bows and a tail that never seems to stop wagging. Quinny is social, friendly and outgoing, forming strong connections with the people around her. She is affectionate and personable, often seeking eye contact, leaning into her handler for reassurance and happily jumping up for cuddles. Eager to please and always ready for attention, Quinny brings joy wherever she goes. Quinny may be well suited to living as an only dog where she can soak up all the affection, or she could happily share her home with a like-minded medium or large dog. She will likely thrive in a home with a secure backyard where she can stretch her legs and enjoy playtime. Quinny is expected to do best with children aged 10 years and older who can appreciate her enthusiastic and affectionate nature. With her loving temperament and zest for life, Quinny is sure to make a wonderful companion. Quinny has successfully completed some further training in our onsite behavioural rehabilitation program and is now ready for adoption!

Learn more

Featured

Available

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!

Learn more

Featured

Available

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.

Learn more

Featured

Available

Chivas

5 years old

Chivas is a handsome 5-year-old boy with a big personality and an even bigger heart. Friendly, outgoing and confident, he loves meeting new people and is always ready to share his affectionate nature. Chivas has a cheerful, puppyish enthusiasm for life that makes him a joy to be around, and his personable temperament means he quickly wins over everyone he meets. He is comfortable walking on lead and enjoys spending time alongside his people. Chivas may suit a variety of homes and could happily live as an only dog soaking up all the attention, or with a canine companion of a similar size. His gentle and social nature may also make him a good match for a family with children aged 5 years and older. If you're looking for a loving, fun-loving companion who is sure to keep a smile on your face, Chivas could be the perfect addition to your family.

Learn more

Featured

Available

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.

‍

Learn more

Featured

Available

Pocket

6 years old

Pocket is a bright-eyed, pretty little extrovert with a zest for life that is completely infectious. Friendly, outgoing and utterly sweet, she throws herself into every interaction with boundless enthusiasm — whether that’s seeking out eye contact, leaning affectionately against her favourite humans, or launching into a spirited game with her beloved toys. Puppyish and playful, Pocket wears her heart on her sleeve and has a way of making you feel like the most important person in the room. She is social to her core and simply lights up in the company of people who love her. Pocket has had a wonderful head start through our Prison Pet Partnership Program, where she completed pre-pet training and blossomed into the confident, well-rounded girl she is today — and she is now ready to find her forever family. She would do best with children aged ten and older who can enjoy her lively, exuberant personality, and she may suit a home with or without a canine companion of similar size. A backyard is essential for this energetic sweetheart, giving her the space to run, play and truly flourish. If you’re looking for a dog who will fill your home with joy and never let a dull moment pass, Pocket is your girl.

Learn more

Featured

Available

Ginny

5 years old

Ginny is a stunning black greyhound with the sleekest, shiniest coat and a gentle soul to match. Recently, he spent a month in our Prison Pet Partnership Program, where he worked hard learning valuable pet life skills to help prepare him for life in a loving forever home. Naturally an introvert, Ginny can be anxious and cautious in new situations, but he always does his best to be brave and takes comfort from patient, understanding people. Once Ginny trusts you, his true personality shines through. He becomes a happy, affectionate boy who loves spending time with his people and enjoys plenty of pats and attention. During foster care, we discovered that Ginny much prefers the outdoors to indoor living, so a secure backyard is a must for this zoomie-loving boy. Ginny is likely to thrive with an experienced greyhound owner and a family with teenage children who can appreciate his gentle nature and give him the time and space he needs to blossom.

Learn more

Featured

Available

Tiger

6 years old

Oh Sweet Tiger, you are such a gentle soul that wants nothing more than a patient home and lifetime supply of twiggy sticks and ear rubs. Tiger has come a long way since starting his GAP journey and recently came back from foster care where he learnt a lot of new things and found some confidence in his time. Tiger has come back with a newfound confidence, and we are so thrilled how far he has come, whilst he still has times where he is unsure, he tries his very best. We think Tiger may suit living in a home with or without another dog medium or larger and children 15 and over. He will do best in a home with a backyard in a nice quiet area as loud noises and lots of traffic are still very scary for him. Tiger may suit living with full time workers. Tiger has anxiety and is on medication to help with this.

Learn more

Featured

Available

Bailey

4 years old

Bailey is a sweet and friendly fawn boy with a happy, outgoing personality that makes him a favourite wherever he goes. Confident and personable, he loves meeting new people and is always keen to make new friends. This affectionate boy enjoys being close to his humans and has a charming habit of rubbing himself against his handler when he wants attention or a cuddle. Bailey is very treat-motivated, which makes him a fun companion and a willing learner. While he's generally quite confident, he does have a slightly submissive nature that adds to his gentle and lovable character. An active lad who enjoys getting out and about, Bailey can occasionally be strong on the lead when something catches his interest, but he remains easy-going and eager to please. With his wise expression and distinguished looks, he often gives the impression of being an older gentleman, adding even more character to his already endearing personality. Bailey is looking for a family who will enjoy his affectionate nature, appreciate his happy outlook on life, and provide plenty of love, adventures, and treats along the way. If you're searching for a loyal companion with a big heart and plenty of personality, Bailey could be your perfect match.

Learn more

Featured

Available

Bob

3 years old

Bob is the sort of greyhound who makes friends wherever he goes. Sweet, friendly, and full of enthusiasm for life, this handsome boy has a confident and outgoing nature that shines through from the moment you meet him. Bob is affectionate without being demanding, loves spending time with his people, and has a wonderfully puppyish outlook on the world. He is eager to please, often seeking eye contact as if checking in to make sure he's doing the right thing, and his happy, engaging personality makes him a joy to have around. Bob is looking for a home with children aged 10 years and over or an adult-only household where he can be included as part of the family. Due to his size and youthful exuberance, he is not suited to a home with elderly residents. He could happily live as an only dog soaking up all the attention, or with a medium to large canine companion who can match his friendly nature. Bob is not suited to apartment living and would love a home with space to stretch his legs, enjoy his daily adventures, and continue being the fun-loving, affectionate companion he was born to be.

Learn more

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

Introducing Your Feline Friend

Resource Guarding

Meet our dogs ready for adoption

Name

Name

Name

Name

Name

Name

Quinny

Chance

Hercules

Chivas

Heidi ARP

Pocket

Ginny

Tiger

Bailey

Bob

Meet your new best friend today!

Meet your new best friend today!