What Your Sighthound Wishes You Knew

Living with a sighthound is a bit like sharing your home with a long-legged supermodel who dabbles in poetry and panic. Sensitive, soulful, slightly dramatic – and an absolute dream once you learn to speak their language.

Here’s what your greyhound would probably tell you… if they could stop sighing long enough to type.

1. I Speak Fluent Sighthound
I might not bark much, but I’m always saying something. If I freeze mid-walk and strike a statue pose, I’m not being bold – I’m overwhelmed or unsure.

Watch for the little signs: tucked tail, lip lick, shake-off. That’s me trying to communicate. I’m learning your funny human language too, so let’s meet in the middle.

2. Be My Advocate
Busy places and over-friendly dogs can stress me out. If I’m scanning for the exit or hiding behind your legs, please notice.

Pop me in a quiet room with a chew. Guide me away from the drama. You’re not just my human – you’re my safety net.

3. My Stress Can Build Up Quietly
One scary thing? I’ll manage. Three in a row? That’s me shaking in the boot.

It’s called anxiety stacking. Sometimes I don’t need a walk to calm down – I need a cosy bed, a Licki mat, and a chance to decompress.

4. Loud Noises Freak Me Out
Fireworks. Thunder. The hoover. They all sound like incoming doom. I might look fine, but inside I’m having a full meltdown. A quiet space, a bit of white noise, and some gentle reassurance work wonders.

5. My Tummy Has Opinions
Some of us are iron-stomached bin divers. Others, not so much. Greyhound guts can be delicate, and not all kibble suits us. Sometimes plain food does the trick, but always check with a vet if you’re making changes. (I’ll still eye up your toast either way.)

6. Help Me Navigate This Mad World
Training isn’t just about “sit” (good luck with that as greyhounds aren’t really built to sit). It’s about building my confidence and helping me feel safe.

Sniffy walks, gentle socialisation, fun classes – that’s how I learn and grow. The world’s big and strange. Let’s explore it together.

7. Meet My Real Needs
I wasn’t made for pottering on a lead all day. I’m built to run, sniff, chase and snooze. But never too much and never in one go! Sometimes I might even skip the whole outdoors thing is I think it’s raining!

Let me sprint (safely), sniff the hedgerows, and make a few decisions. I’ll be calmer, happier, and far less likely to nick your sandwich.

8. I Need Proper Padding
My bony bits are not friends with hard floors. As I age, I’ll need softer beds, cosier corners, and all the blankets.

That’s not pampering – it’s basic sighthound care. And yes, I’ll take your spot on the sofa if it’s fluffier than mine.

9. Exercise My Brain Too
I don’t need hours of walks, but I do need mental stimulation.

Puzzle toys, sniff games, gentle training – all brilliant ways to wear me out without wearing you out. A tired brain = a calm hound.

10. I’m Learning Too – Let’s Figure This Out Together
 We’ll get it wrong sometimes. You’ll misread me. I’ll spook at a bin. But if you keep learning and loving me for who I am, I’ll give you my whole heart.

And maybe one day, I’ll even attempt a proper sit. No promises.