Transition a Retired Racing Greyhound Dog Into a Home With Another Dog

Introduce the dogs at the greyhound rescue. Most retired racing greyhounds have never seen another breed of dog. While many retired racing greyhounds will adjust to another dog without issue, some might be frightened by a larger or stockier breed or be aggressive toward a smaller breed. Greyhounds are accustomed to chasing mechanical rabbits, so it is possible that a particular greyhound might want to chase a dog that is the size of a rabbit rather than bond with it. See how your dog and the greyhound interact before selecting a particular greyhound.

Reintroduce the dogs on neutral ground. Leave your dog at home when you drive to the greyhound rescue to pick up your new dog. When you arrive home, have a friend walk your other dog on a leash outside of your house. Place a muzzle on the greyhound and put him on a leash as well. Reintroduce the dogs on neutral territory so that your other dog does not feel threatened.

Introduce the greyhound to his new home with the other dog following behind. Because your other dog lived in the home first, he will view himself as the alpha dog (the pack leader). Inviting the greyhound to enter the home first communicates that you, as the true alpha dog, are accepting this dog into the pack.

Keep the greyhound in his crate for most of the first 2 days. This is to help the dog adjust to the new sights, sounds and smells of your home. Allow your other dog to visit with the greyhound from outside of the crate, where the dogs can become acquainted while the greyhound feels safe in his crate.

Supervise the dogs' interactions. Do not leave the dogs alone with each other until you are certain the neither is a threat to the other.

Feed the dogs separately. Fights over food are among the most common causes of dogfights. Feeding the greyhound in her crate will ensure that the dogs do not come into contact with each other while either is eating.

Give your other dog lots of attention. Most people get excited about a new dog, which can make the other dog jealous. Give the other dog lots of love and praise for accepting the new family member.