Can a Greyhound Be Left Alone (and Will It Be Happy)? 

In fact, your greyhound would even rejoice and be happy for a few hours of solitary time. They’re known for being couch potatoes, so you’ll find them enjoying a nap during the period you’re away. However, you should still be aware of some considerations if you were to leave them on their own.

How Long Can You Leave a Greyhound Alone?

Generally, eight hours is the maximum period you can leave your greyhound alone. This gives you ample time to complete a standard work shift but not enough for you to travel out of town. Of course, in the end, this still boils down to your canine’s temperament and unique personality.

Greyhounds lean more towards being social than introverted, so they’re sensitive to being on their own. Due to this, they’re more susceptible to feelings of loneliness the longer you’re out of their sight. As such, it’s best to find someone trustworthy if you’re away from your furry friend for extended hours.

Aside from your canine’s temperament, you should also consider your greyhound’s age if you’re to leave them alone. If you’re dealing with a greyhound pup under six months, it’s best not to leave them unattended for more than two hours. Puppies are a joy to have around, but you should be aware that they require more supervision than adults.

Adult greyhounds older than 18 months can thrive independently for four to eight hours. You’ll find them sleeping for the most part until you return or entertaining themselves with a chew toy. Ensure that they have plenty of food and water, though, or you may encounter several problems once you get home.

On the other hand, senior greyhounds can be left unsupervised for two to eight hours at most. It’s a different case if your hound has health issues, though, such as when they’re having bladder problems.

Can Greyhounds Be Left Alone for 8 Hours?

Eight hours is the maximum time you can leave your greyhound alone. Of course, this is only if you’ve provided them with the means for food, water, and entertainment. Also, it’s crucial to walk them for a bit and ensure they’ve emptied their bladder before taking off to do your business.

Dogs need to urinate every four to six hours, so you must take the time to do this. Failure to do so may cause discomfort to your furry friend and may even put your furniture at risk. There are other things you should be mindful of before leaving your canine home alone, such as:

• Eliminate Safety Hazards. Greyhounds are curious creatures, so they’d take the time to explore the house even on their own. As such, it’s best to keep essential belongings and hazardous objects out of reach. Also, don’t forget to cover up cables and electrical wires so your canine won’t be tempted to chew them out.
• Provide Them With a Safe Space. If you’re not confident of your dog’s behavior, consider crate training. It’s a comfortable, safe place for your greyhound if you’re not keen on giving them free rein of the house when you’re away. This is only if you’ll be gone for short periods, ranging from six to eight hours at most.
• Leave Some Background Noise. Greyhounds are no guard dogs, but they’d still react if they heard some sounds outside. As such, a television or radio is helpful to reduce your pooch’s stress if there are plenty of outdoor activities. This is especially the case if you’re not around to assure and keep them in check.

Are Greyhounds Okay to Be Left Alone?

If you’re looking for a pet you can leave alone for a few hours and still be okay, consider getting a greyhound. They’re capable of enjoying and exploring things on their own due to their hound characteristics. This independent streak is one of the main reasons they are an ideal breed for those working 9-to-5 jobs.

In fact, you could leave them lounging on your couch or in their crate for eight hours at most. Greyhounds are unlike French bulldogs or Pomeranians, so they don’t need round-the-clock snuggles and attention. So long as you provide them with enough food, water, and entertainment, they’ll behave while you’re out of the house.

The breed is also known for its gentle, quiet demeanor that does well in family communities. This means you’re safe from constant whining, barking, and desperate cries calling you back. In addition to that, greyhounds are also low-energy dogs.

You may find this confusing since the breed is made for race sprinting. However, this type of canine is pleased to spend their alone time taking a nap. Of course, they still require your care and attention despite their mellow temperament.

Don’t forget that greyhounds, in general, are social creatures. They thrive in an interactive environment, so it’s still best not to leave them alone for long. Isolating them for extended periods may cause problems, including distress and separation anxiety.

Do Greyhounds Like to Be Left Alone?

Greyhounds occasionally enjoy being left alone, unlike other breeds miserable without human company. They tend to be independent, despite their gentle, nonaggressive personalities. You won’t face any trouble leaving the house for a few hours, given that you’ve provided your canine’s every need.

One thing to remember about greyhounds is that they’re not very active dogs. They tend to be low in energy, so they prefer peace and quiet for their nap sessions. You can find them sleeping the hours away or sprawled down on the carpet in silence.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you can leave them alone and neglect them for a day. Greyhounds are sensitive and timid, so they rely on your presence to make them feel safe. If you were to be gone for an extended period, expect some negative repercussions. Your dog may suffer from loneliness, depression, or separation anxiety.

Do Greyhounds Bark When Left Alone?

Greyhounds are not big on making noises, so they don’t usually bark when left alone. Since they’re known for being quiet, you won’t have to worry about receiving complaints about nuisance barking. This is one of the main reasons why they make great family pets, especially in tight-knit neighborhoods.

Of course, although your canine will mostly be silent when left alone, they will still vocalize when there’s some provocation. Greyhounds are not territorial, but they’ll be on guard if there’s something foreign in their space. If your furry friend is not barking due to an intruder, here are other plausible reasons why they’re making noise when alone:

• They’re Feeling Bored or Lonely. Greyhounds are pack animals, so they’re social by nature. If your canine barks excessively when alone, they may feel bored or unhappy. This occurs if you’ve left them alone for an extended period of eight hours or more.
• They Are in Pain. Your greyhound may bark on its own when they feel pain in an attempt to seek attention. This may occur if they’ve been left to explore the house and exposed to one of the hazards. It’s best to have them stay in a dog-proof room or have someone watch them occasionally, just in case.
• They Have Separation Anxiety. If your canine has a history of excessively barking when left alone, they may have separation anxiety. This is a serious problem you should immediately address since it may result in injury or home destruction.

How to Stop Greyhounds From Barking When Left Alone

It’s normal for greyhounds to bark on their own if they sense something unfamiliar in their territory. However, if the vocalization becomes excessive, you may want to put a stop to it through the following tips:

• Provide an adequate amount of exercise
• Give your pooch entertainment
• Make use of technological devices
• Get rid of barking triggers
• Rely on calming aids
• Hire a pet sitter
• Consider bark collars
• Desensitize method
• What-not-to-do method
• Set-up-right method

Provide an Adequate Amount of Exercise

Contrary to popular belief, Greyhounds are not hyperactive dogs. They may be bred to compete in races, but it doesn’t mean they’re high-maintenance when it comes to physical activities. Despite this, giving them time for short sprints and moderate walks is still best to burn off excess energy.

This is especially crucial if you tend to leave them alone for extended periods. Doing so will keep them out of trouble during the time that you’re away. Always remember the mantra that a tired dog is a quiet dog; give them plenty of exercise, and they’re sure to sleep the hours away.

Give Your Pooch Entertainment

Often, your greyhound will bark when left alone because they’re feeling bored. It’s inevitable since dogs are social creatures and have an innate need for stimulation. To counter this, you should provide your furry friend with enough means for entertainment.

For instance, leave their favorite toys nearby so they can access them anytime. You could even be creative and whip out a few canine puzzles containing their treats of choice. Not only will this entertain them for hours but it will also stimulate brain activities.

Make Use of Technological Devices

Modern technology allows you to monitor and interact with your dog even when you’re miles away. You can take advantage of this if you’re keen on putting a stop to your greyhound’s barking habits. For instance, an interactive dog camera is an option if your furry friend gets too naughty when left alone.

With it, you’re free to communicate with your greyhound to assure that they’re not completely isolated. You could even toss them a treat and schedule a fixed time for feeding routines. Some pet gadgets can also provide endless entertainment by launching a ball for your greyhound to fetch.

Get Rid of Barking Triggers

Greyhounds are generally nonaggressive and won’t react, vocalize, or growl unless provoked. Provocations can come from different sources, which you should pinpoint if you want to reduce their barking fits. Once you’ve identified and eliminated these triggers, you’ll find your furry friend staying quiet when left alone.

You can do this by observing their behavior during the times that you’re at home. For instance, you could close your curtains if your hound keeps on barking at passersby. You can also leave them with background music, be it from TV or on YouTube, to distract them from outdoor noises.

Rely on Calming Aids

If your greyhound has a tendency to be anxious and bark to the point of self-harm, try to rely on calming aids. These can be in the form of treats or supplements that can curb and suppress stress hormones. Of course, some of these would require the go signal of your veterinarian.

There are plenty of options to consider, including pheromone-based plug-ins. They’re effective in calming down your dog by emitting pet-friendly, synthetic particles. They mimic anxiety-fighting canine pheromones released by mother dogs to calm their pups.

Hire a Pet Sitter

Consider hiring a pet sitter if your greyhound won’t stop barking when left alone. This way, you don’t have to worry about your furry friend’s health and the state of your home when you’re away. A sitter will keep your dog company and ensure that they’re fed and walked at appropriate times.

Of course, it’s preferable if you were to hire someone your canine is familiar with. Greyhounds are shy and tend to be timid around strangers, so it’s best to introduce them first. You could even find a neighbor you could set up play dates with so long as your dog is comfortable with them.

Consider Bark Collars

If you’re looking for ways to control and possibly stop your dog’s barking, you can consider bark collars. There are different kinds in the market, including those that emit citronella every time your hound makes excessive noise. It’s a quick fix, but note that there are reasons why it’s not widely recommended:

• Root Issues Are Not Solved. Bark collars don’t address the root cause of your greyhound’s barking. True, it may suppress vocalization due to the unpleasant stimulus, but it’s only a temporary fix. Your canine may find other ways to express stress, such as chewing or excessive licking.
• It Can Cause Emotional and Behavioral Backlash. Anti-barking collars function by providing negative consequences to your canine. This may cause fear and anxiety in the long run, which can manifest in harmful ways. Your dog can even associate this with unrelated experiences, like getting punished for going near the door.

If you have time on your hands, you could also train your greyhound using any of the three methods below:

Desensitize Method

This technique exposes your canine to a stimulus that typically elicits an adverse reaction. This gradual exposure would start at a very minimal level and increase slowly as your dog gets used to it. It’s the most recommended method if you want your greyhound to stop barking when you’re absent:

• Start by preparing the routine that you usually do when going out. You could make a show by putting on your boots or jingle your keys to make the act more believable.
• Guide your greyhound to a space where you want them to rest while you’re out of the house. This can be a crate or somewhere safe without any kind of dog hazard.
• Talk to your furry friend in a firm, calm voice. Assure them that you’ll be back soon and give them a little pat.
• Go out the door for a couple of minutes and spend a short period outside the door. Listen closely and check whether your greyhound is barking or making distressed noises.
• If they are being quiet, reward the behavior by giving out their favorite treat. On the other hand, if your canine is making noise, wait until they finish the barking fits.
• Generally, dogs will pause from barking after a while. During this silent gap, reenter the house. This will present them with the thought that silence will equate to your return.
• As time passes, increase the amount of time you spend outside. Your greyhound will eventually learn that barking is unnecessary for you to return.
• Ensure that you praise or provide rewards every time you come back to them being silent.

What-Not-To-Do Method

Another technique that’s proven to stop your dog from barking when left alone is the what-not-to-do method. Simply put, it’s a short list of things you should not do to prevent your dog from making unnecessary noise. Here are some of them:

• Stop excessively reassuring your greyhound before going out of the house. Don’t plead with them to stay quiet either, as doing so will send some wrong signals causing them to worry and bark. Instead, try to go out while they’re engrossed doing other activities to prevent them from feeling upset.
• Avoid making your departure routine predictable. Greyhounds are smart and can get used to your habits pretty quickly. As such, you should be spontaneous to prevent your dog from knowing that he’s about to be left.
• No matter how tempting it is, never punish or shout at your greyhound when they’re on a barking spree. Instead of stopping them, your canine will interpret the added noise as a provocation to bark more. Similarly, negative consequences will only give them stress and further anxiety.
• Don’t rush your greyhound to stay quiet when left alone after a day or two of training. Barking is an innate habit ingrained in dogs, so it will take a while for your canine to be trained. Try to be more patient and do your best to reward your pet when they stay quiet.

Set-Up-Right Method

This method has a straightforward principle: remove all the triggers that may incite your dog to bark. You address the root cause of the noise to prevent your dog from barking when left alone. Also, you make appropriate changes in your canine’s environment to minimize the chances of making unwanted noise.

• You could set your dog up to be quiet during the hours you’re gone by tiring them out. This can effectively be done by walking your greyhound outside for 30 to 45 minutes. That, or give them adequate time to sprint in your backyard to burn off pent-up energy and make them more relaxed.
• Expose your dog to a room filled with white noise to prevent them from barking. Doing so will eliminate restlessness and effectively mask outdoor sounds.
• When you’re out of the house, try giving your greyhound a tasty, distracting treat. You can give them a puzzle feeder containing their favorite dog food or a bone to chew on for hours on end. These will not only keep them from barking but also make them enjoy alone time.
• To prevent your dog from barking when left alone, leave them in a quiet and secure environment. You could place them in the most silent room of your house and provide them with a space full of entertainment. Making the room dark and peaceful is a bonus to further minimize stimulation.

Can Two Greyhounds Be Left Alone?

Leaving two greyhounds alone without your supervision can be a risky situation. However, it is possible so long as you consider their temperament, personality differences, and age gap. Your furry friend may not be aggressive, but it all comes down to how they behave with another canine companion.

First, if you have a greyhound with alpha tendencies, it’s not safe to leave them with a dog with a similar temperament. Rather, you should aim to introduce your greyhound to a dog with a more subdued, mellow personality. Doing so will reduce the chances of them butting heads when left on their own.

Age is also a significant factor when you’re planning to leave two greyhounds together. For instance, if your hound is more on the geriatric side, avoid leaving them with a younger canine. This will only exhaust your furry friend, especially since they are not as young as they were.

Remember that your greyhounds must be comfortable around each other while you are present. This will give you the chance to observe whether they will do well when left alone for an extended period of time. It’s better not to leave your greyhounds alone together if:

• They’re Still Not Used to One Another. It will take some time for your dogs to be comfortable with one another and establish a hierarchy. Generally, this getting-to-know period will take about three to four weeks.
• You Don’t Know the Dogs Enough. This is applicable if you’re only pet-sitting or watching the greyhounds for a friend. It’s best to leave one or both of them in separate rooms or crates.
• The Greyhounds Are Fighting or Growling at One Another. Similarly, it’s best not to leave them alone if either one shows possessiveness of food, water, or toys.
• One or Both Dogs Are Naughty and Tend to Get in Trouble. For instance, leaving your greyhounds on their own is risky if they have a history of breaking things.
• One or Both of the Greyhounds Are Not Yet Housebroken. This will lead to plenty of peeing around the house and scratching to mark the furniture.
• Either of the Greyhounds Becomes Territorial and Aggressive Around Certain Triggers. These include the doorbell, vacuum cleaner, or the sounds of the mail carrier outside. If they tend to be aggressive, they may turn that aggression to one another.

Check out some of the tips below for leaving two greyhounds alone unsupervised:

• Opt to leave your greyhound to another canine of the opposite sex. This will avoid conflict since your furry friends won’t see each other as rivals and competitors. Greyhounds are not territorial, but like other dogs, they have the tendency to be jealous.
• It’s important to introduce both greyhounds on neutral territory. This will avoid territorial riffing among your dogs.
• Spend a bit more time with your original greyhound companion and give them extra attention. This is crucial to provide them with reassurance that they’re not being set aside for the other dog. Also, reward them for excellent behavior if they show acceptance of the second greyhound.
• Ensure that both of your greyhounds have separate bowls and toys. Never force your canines to share their food and toys with one another, no matter how much you think they won’t fight over them. Also, it’s crucial to set up a space where the dogs are away from each other during mealtimes.
• If you’re going to leave the greyhounds alone for several hours, make sure that you tire them out.
• Don’t leave them alone for an extended period out of the blue. It’s best to leave them for short hours first to ensure they’ll do great with each other’s company.
• Pet technology can go a long way to give you peace of mind when out of the house. Consider installing a camera so you can check on your greyhounds during break hours.

Handling two greyhounds at once can be overwhelming and would require plenty of work. However, once you get the hang of it, you’ll find that there are advantages as well. Here are some of them:

They Can Keep Each Other From Getting Bored

Greyhounds are social creatures; they love to be in the company of humans and other dogs. As such, once they’ve gotten used to each other, expect your canines to socialize and play together. This will promote happiness, socialization, and entertainment for both your furry friends.

It’s beneficial when you’re out of the house for your daily work shift. Of course, this doesn’t mean you’re free to leave them for a whole day or so. Your canines will still need you to feed and bring them outside to go potty.

Serve as a Lifelong Emotional Bond

Keeping two greyhounds together is the perfect opportunity to expand their connection. You may have bought your dogs to keep you company, but you’re also setting them up for lifelong pet friendships. They can experience things together and create a bond that is pure and strong.

Helps Tone Down Separation Anxiety

If one of your greyhounds is suffering from separation anxiety, leaving them with another dog can ease distress. Having a second canine to hang out with during the hours you’re away can take their mind off things. They can play and form relationships with another dog rather than sadly waiting for your return.

However, this is only helpful if your greyhounds are well-acquainted with each other. An unfamiliar dog may only cause further anxiety if you were to leave them with your anxious canine. Note that this will not completely get rid of your furry friend’s condition.

How to Train a Greyhound to Be Alone

There’s only one thing to do if you want to train your greyhound to be alone: provide them with feelings of security. Once they are comfortable and safe in the environment, independence will follow. This can easily be done by reassuring them that you’ll be back by their side no matter what.

Here are some of the reliable methods you can do to train your greyhound to be comfortable on their own:

• Alone Training
• Routine Method
• Environment Method

Alone Training

Instead of being done at fixed hours, this technique should be performed at different times of the day. This will prevent your greyhound from associating a certain window with the period of being on its own. Doing so will keep your furry friend from being distressed or anxious once you start preparing to go outside.

Note that alone training is not a one-day method. You will need patience since it’s impossible to determine how long it will take. Here’s how you do it:

• Guide your greyhound in a crate or a safe space you want them to stay in. This should be a room without any dog hazards, such as exposed wires and cables.
• Show your canine that you’re preparing to go out. You can be extra flashy and make a show of gathering your keys or putting on your shoes.
• All throughout your routine, avoid looking and saying goodbye to your dog. It’s vital that you stay calm and low-key while acting.
• Go outside for three to five minutes and ensure that you’re out of your canine’s range. Return and avoid greeting your greyhound for two to three minutes.
• Show your greyhound that you’re preparing to relax. Take off your shoes, put away your keys, and lounge on the sofa.

You can repeat this process and gradually increase the time that you’re away. Do it daily, and make sure to give your canine some treats when they’re calm throughout the session. Once you’ve observed that your greyhound is not misbehaving when left alone for more than 30 minutes, training is successful.

You can then leave for longer hours without worrying about whether they’re feeling anxious about your return. Remember, it’s best to take things slowly, or alone training won’t be effective. Take a step back if your greyhound shows any sign of distress like whining, peeing, or pooping.

Also, it’s best to be spontaneous every once in a while. For instance, you can try leaving your greyhound alone for 30 seconds in the middle of fifteen-minute ones. Stay home for a couple of hours, go out by car or by bike, and simply try on different combinations. This will help your dog accept that you’ll be back amidst all your random coming and going.

Routine Method

The routine method is yet another technique to train your greyhound to be on its own. Simply put, you establish a predictable routine for them to be used to spending several hours of alone time. Here’s how you do it:

• Start by leaving the house for five minutes.
• After this brief period, head back home and calmly enter the door. Immediately bend down and give your greyhound some attention. It’s crucial to show them that you’re back soon and happy to be together once more.
• The next day, leave the house for 15 minutes.
• Repeat your gestures once you come back home. Give them plenty of pats and rubs as soon as you return to your house.
• Note that your greyhound may sulk or whine during the brief window that they’re on their own. It’s important to stand your ground and avoid going home unless the fifteen minutes is up. This will happen a few times, but your furry friend will quickly get used to it.
• You can increase the time that you’re gone over the next couple of weeks. However, you must ensure that you give them attention once you enter the house.
• Note that it’s best to give them the cold shoulder when you leave. Shower them with affection once you’re home instead. This will provide a positive experience they can look forward to the moment you’re out of the house.

Environment Method

The concept behind the environment method is simple. You only have to tweak and tailor the space in which you want your greyhound to reside when they’re alone. Set up the environment to help them identify the place as somewhere safe and comfortable.

• When leaving your greyhound alone, ensure that they have a comfortable bed to lie in. As a bonus, you can position the bed near the wall to give them a stronger sense of security.
• Leave them plenty of food puzzles for entertainment. Greyhounds are intelligent, so there’s no doubt your canine will enjoy mental stimulation. This will keep them distracted for hours on end while also feeding them with their favorite treats and kibbles.
• Aside from puzzles, leaving your greyhound a toy or two while you’re away is best. It could be a new toy or something that they grew up playing with. You could even go the extra mile and provide something that has a strong whiff of your scent to put them at ease.
• Also, your greyhound must get their daily walk before you go off on your own. Aside from spending energy, this will also ensure that they are done with potty business before you leave them alone.
• You should also spend a few moments playing with your dog. In particular, greyhounds enjoy rope toys and playing fetch. This way, you give them much-needed attention while also burning pent-up energy.

To further help your greyhound get used to being on its own, check out the do’s and don’ts below:

Do Greyhounds Have Separation Anxiety?

While greyhounds are known for enjoying their windows of alone time, they can still suffer from separation anxiety. This occurs if your dog has attachment issues and would be distressed if you’re not in their vicinity. Your canine is prone to this if they are not properly trained or if they’re overly dependent on your presence.

Check out some of the common symptoms of separation anxiety to watch out for:

• Urination and Defecation. Your dog may suffer from anxiety if they uncontrollably poop or urinate once you’re out the door. They may also have the urge to consume excrement, a condition known as coprophagia. Note that doing this while you’re with them rules out the possibility of separation anxiety.
• Persistent Barking or Howling. Your greyhound’s excessive barking is another symptom of separation anxiety. Of course, this is only applicable if they’re not reacting to a certain trigger and would only do so when left alone.
• Chewing and Destructive Behavior. This only applies if your greyhound is chewing furniture or household objects without your presence. If they are biting things while you’re with them, it may only be a call for attention or stimulation.
• Desperate Attempts to Escape Confinement. This is one of the more apparent symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs. If your canine is guilty of trying to escape to the point of injury, immediately have them checked by a vet.
• Displays of Anxious Behaviors. Separation anxiety can also be characterized by pacing, whining, or trembling. This usually happens during the time your greyhound is left on their own.

If your greyhound shows one or more of the symptoms above, schedule an appointment with a veterinarian. You must do so with urgency to avoid any dangers from happening to your furry friend and obtain the correct diagnosis. Separation anxiety may easily be mistaken for other conditions, so it’s crucial to get expert advice.

For instance, your greyhound may be dealing with separation frustration. That, or they may feel frustrated and confused about you leaving. Check out how the two situations differ in a brief table below:

Do Greyhounds Grow Out Of Separation Anxiety?

Unfortunately, greyhounds do not grow out of separation anxiety. This is not exclusive to this particular breed and applies to all dogs in general. If you neglect, fail to address, and treat the condition, it will only worsen with time.

Since greyhounds are social animals, it’s uncomfortable for them to be away from their social group for an extended period. They’re independent to a certain degree but it’s in their nature to seek companionship and safety from humans. As such, separation anxiety is not a phase that your canine will simply grow out of.

Instead, it’s a progressive condition that will only spiral downwards the longer you leave it alone. However, since it’s a behavioral condition, there are plenty of ways to remove it from your dog’s system. There is a variety of training and techniques that address the problem at its roots.

However, you should be aware that curing separation anxiety is a lengthy process. Your furry friend will require you to give extra effort, patience, and attention during the training period. Check out some of the truths regarding this condition to help you tackle it efficiently:

• Getting a second dog won’t cure separation anxiety
• Crate training only keeps dogs safe
• Exercise does not eliminate separation anxiety
• Separation anxiety can come creeping back in

Getting a Second Dog Won’t Cure Separation Anxiety

One of the common misconceptions about canine separation anxiety is that it’s simply due to the lack of companionship. However, this is not the case at all. Dogs that suffer from this condition are not lonely just because they’re alone – they’re distressed because their owner is not with them.

As such, getting a second dog won’t do much to cure your first canine of separation anxiety. Regardless of how many companions your greyhound will have, they’ll still feel anxious once you go out of the door.

In fact, getting another dog may only yield another negative situation. Instead of making your furry friend a little less lonely, the second dog may learn that being stressed out when you leave is normal.

Crate Training Only Keeps Dogs Safe

Crate training can help secure your canine, but it’s not a guaranteed fix for separation anxiety. It’s a 50/50 gamble that depends on whether your greyhound feels comfortable and safe in their crate. If they’re not up for it, chances are, their anxiety will only skyrocket and get worse.

If you’re adamant about keeping your furry friend in a crate, it’s best to acclimate them first. Ensure that they associate the space with positive experiences, like receiving treats and kibbles.

Exercise Does Not Eliminate Separation Anxiety

Physical stimulations are definitely effective in toning down destructive canine behaviors when alone. However, it is not enough to completely cut down separation anxiety. It may reduce its symptoms, but you’d need to do more to manage the condition successfully.

For instance, after spending 30 minutes walking your greyhound, distract them with another activity. You can give them a kibble puzzle to solve while you’re busy preparing for your day out. You can even whip out their favorite toys and position them in a safe space where they are comfy.

Separation Anxiety Can Come Creeping Back in

Once you’ve successfully managed your greyhound’s separation anxiety, you may think it won’t reoccur. Unfortunately, the condition will not be gone forever, even after you’ve taken it under control. Your canine may show symptoms once again if you’ve failed to do proper maintenance.

Specific triggers may be the reason why separation anxiety reoccurs. For instance, changing living situations may make your greyhound distressed without your presence. In this case, you’d have to train them once more to manage their condition better.

How Do You Train a Greyhound With Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a behavioral condition easily managed through the proper training method. Here are the tricks and techniques on how you do it:

• Confidence building
• Provide a safe place
• Independence training
• Get your dog used to alone time

Confidence Building

If you’re eager to eliminate separation anxiety in your greyhound, work on building self-confidence. Doing so will make them feel less distressed and closed off in their environment. This will also provide them with safety and security to deal with daily life stressors.

To do this, spend a brief training period to work on your dog’s compliance with basic commands. It can be as short as five minutes daily – just enough to provide mental stimulation. Rewarding them every time they do well will build confidence and also stimulate brain activity.

Provide a Safe Place

To eliminate your greyhound’s separation anxiety, they must feel safe and secure in their environment. This way, they won’t be on the constant lookout for your protection and become distressed when you’re not around to provide it. An effective way to do this is to get them used to a particular space that they can consider their own.

This can be a dog-proofed room or a crate, depending on your canine’s preference. Start by teaching them a ‘go to your space’ command and reward them for following through. It’s crucial that you do this while your furry friend is in their space to associate positive experiences.

Independence Training

Greyhounds have a streak of independence; however, some may refuse to leave their owners’ shadows. If your canine exhibits this type of behavior, it’s time to let them undergo independence training. Simply put, you’ll make your bond a bit more flexible by discouraging them from following your every move.

To do so, teach them the down or stay command. Once your greyhound has learned to follow instructions, command them to go ‘down’ and add some distance between the two of you. You can start by moving one step away while keeping them in a ‘down’ position for thirty seconds.

Gradually increase the distance until you eventually leave your greyhound’s vicinity. Note that you should return to your greyhound before they express distress. Avoid assuring them when they get upset to prevent the reinforcement of anxious behavior.

Get Your Dog Used to Alone Time

Generally, greyhounds love to have some hours alone for undisturbed naps. However, it’s a different case if your canine is suffering from separation anxiety. Instead of enjoying the time sleeping, they will only do disruptive behaviors until you come back.

To counter this, increase their inclination for alone time. You can begin by leaving your greyhound in a room or a crate you’ve prepared. Stay out of the room for a few minutes and increase the duration you’re away as time goes by.

It’s best to distract your dog while you’re preparing to leave the room. The best thing to do is hand them a chewy toy that takes some time to consume. You can even provide them with their favorite puzzle treat to further give you time to get away. Simply put, create ways for your greyhound to enjoy their alone time so he won’t cry for you as much.