Fostering a greyhound
Fostering a greyhound for GAP QLD is a valuable and rewarding experience. The transition from race dog to pet can be a challenging time for greyhounds, particularly when it comes to transition to the home environment.
During this unique time of COVID-19, many people are in a position to foster or adopt as they are now spending more
time at home.
It is important to remember that life will return to normal, with owners returning to the workforce and consequently dogs being left home alone for potentially long hours.
This can be a confusing time for greyhounds resulting in increased anxiety. Teaching dogs to be alone and rewarding
them when they do this calmly, increases their ability to cope when the pandemic is over.
Feeding
1 ½ – 2 ½ cups of Royal Canin Endurance twice a day. You will be advised by the Foster Care Coordinator on a specific feeding regime for your greyhound.
Important: To avoid the risk of gastric dilation-volvulus (bloat), feeding must occur at least one hour before or after exercise.
Walking
Ideally your foster greyhound will need two walks each day. Morning and early evening work well, as this is not in the heat of the day.
The dog must always be on a lead and wearing its green collar.
It is vital to avoid the risk of bloat and that the foster greyhound should not to be exercised one hour before or after
feeding.
Alone-time
Alone-time is vital for the successful interrogation of the greyhound into its new home and its future psychological
well-being.
GAP relies on carers to teach GAP greyhounds to remain calm during alone-time. The majority of greyhounds will be alone during work hours when they first move in with their adopting families.
Alone-time is best taught through a slow transition beginning with 30 minutes and gradually building up to four or more hours. Your Foster Placement Officer will provide an alonetime plan and ongoing advice.
How to train your foster greyhound
• Loose lead walking
• Focus on handler
• Come
• Wait
• Brushing – with a grooming mit or soft brush
• Gentle massage touching feet, ears, head and tail
• Warm bath (GAP Foster Placement Officer can assist)
Toileting
Provide gentle, on-lead walks to teach your foster greyhound
where to toilet.
When greyhounds should be toileted
• First thing in the morning and last thing at night
• After waking from a sleep or playing
• After meals (always on lead – no running)
How your greyhound indicates it needs to toilet
• Sniffing
• Circling
• Vocalising
• Standing at a door
Sleeping
Do not allow your foster greyhound to sleep on a bed or couch as this may not be preferred in its adoptive home.
GAP will provide you with a suitable dog bed.
Baby gates across a laundry or a crate is ideal to keep them contained overnight.
Thank you for considering to offer a foster home to a GAP greyhound during this time.
For further information please contact GAP on 1300 087 021 or email gap@qric.qld.gov.au