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Sleep Startle

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.

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

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Little Man

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Brasi

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Cecil

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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.
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Tiger

6 years old

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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.
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Sonny ARP

3 years old

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With his lively and excitable nature, Sonny would be best suited to a home that can indulge his active spirit and zest for play. His enthusiasm can make him a little erratic on the lead at times, but with guidance and patience, he will shine as the perfect companion. Sonny may suit living with or without a canine friend of similar size and would do well with children aged 10 years and older. A home with a backyard would suit him splendidly, offering the space he needs to frolic and burn off his boundless energy.

Sonny 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 no other dogs currently in our care.

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Bess

4 years old

Sweet as sugar, Bess is a gentle and affectionate girl who is looking for a quiet home where she can truly shine. Having previously lived inside a house, she already understands many of the comforts of home life and is ready to settle back into a family environment. Pretty, laidback and personable, Bess enjoys the simple things in life, including tasty treats, gentle companionship and spending time with her people. Although she may be a little shy when first meeting new people, her sweet nature quickly emerges as she gains confidence and begins to trust. Bess has a genuine desire to please and will make a loyal and loving companion for someone seeking a calm and easy-going friend. She can sometimes feel a little worried around other breeds, particularly smaller dogs, but with patience, understanding and positive experiences, her confidence will continue to grow. Bess may suit a home with or without a canine companion of any size and would likely be well suited to children aged 10 years and older. With her quiet and gentle temperament, she may even be the perfect match for an older person looking for a devoted companion to share life's quieter moments or even an apartment type setting.
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