Purchase a copy of Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies by Lee Livingood or Adopting the Racing Greyhound by Cynthia Branigan.  If you have young children, we highly recommend that you read Childproofing Your Dog by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson.

Many books are available at your local libraries.

Will be supplied by us when you receive your Greyhound

Purchase a tag with the dog’s name, your name and address and telephone number. Place this on the ring with the Gold Coast Greyhound Adoptions, Inc., ID tag. ALWAYS KEEP BOTH ID TAGS ON YOUR DOG AT ALL TIMES.

We recommend that you purchase a crate. Your greyhound has always lived in one so it is very familiar and comfortable for your dog.  It can be used to make the transition from racer to retirement easier.  If you’re not too sure about when to use the crate, a general rule of thumb is, if you can’t watch your dog, crate it.  For the first two weeks, crate your dog every time you leave the house, particularly if you work all day and the dog will be alone. This will help your dog become familiar with the family routine.  When you feel the dog is adjusting, put the dog in the crate but leave the door unlatched. This gives your Greyhound a choice.

Be sure to have the crate on hand before you arrive home with your dog so that you can begin using it right away.

You'll need one bowl for food and one bowl for water—be sure to purchase large bowls.

Decide ahead of time through consultation with one of the GCGA representatives, your Vet, or other Greyhound owners what type of food you will be feeding your Greyhound and purchase it before you bring your Greyhound home.

During the first couple weeks, as the dog is transitioning to his/her new diet, your Greyhound may develop diarrhea.  Consult your books--switch to a diet of boiled rice and chicken or canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix). This will help eliminate the diarrhea.

You'll need to provide something soft for your Greyhound to lie on. One tip: purchase or use something that is washable. This will allow you to clean it regularly.

Greyhounds love the fleece toys with a squeaker inside or the "stuffed" animal toys—anything that squeaks.

Choose a quality dog biscuit in the Large or Extra Large size.

Raw beef knuckle or marrow bones are good for your dog’s teeth and satisfy the chewing urge. It is recommended these be chewed out of doors.

A good cleaning solution to effectively remove any "accident" spots of odors. Nature’s Miracle and Simple Solution are very effective.

Until you can trust the dog, a muzzle is essential if you have a cat or small dog in your home. Muzzles are also required if you plan to participate in an organized playgroup for Greyhounds.  We will include a muzzle.

Review the rules of Greyhound ownership with your children.  Remind them to keep outside doors closed and latched; gates closed and locked.  Remind them that when the Greyhound is sleeping or resting on his bed, or eating anything, you don't bother them.