The purpose of a foster parent within Heart of Texas Greyhound Adoption organization is to assist the foster Greyhound in becoming acclimated to home life. At the track, your foster Greyhound was kept crated and allowed out four times daily for exercise and to relieve themselves. We highly recommend crating your foster Greyhound when it is home alone since this will help keep them out of mischief. Since a very early age, your foster Greyhound always had other Greyhounds around them for company. Being by themselves for the first time is a stressful time for them. You may find that your foster Greyhound may whine or bark slightly. Be patient. Let them know you are there for them.

CHILDREN:
Greyhounds are usually a very tolerant, non-aggressive breed and will usually allow children to handle them extensively. Basic common sense is required. Like the old adage says - "Let sleeping dogs lie." Your foster Greyhound should be left alone when sleeping. Sometimes they may tend to snap if startled awake. When your foster Greyhound is eating, keep the children away. Greyhounds can be very protective of their food. Watch both child and foster Greyhound during playtime. Never let your child and foster Greyhound together alone. Close supervision is the key to a successful relationship between ANY dog and a child. Also remember, if you have children running in and out of doors, be sure that the door latches securely so your foster Greyhound cannot push it open. It is very easy for a curious Greyhound to "nose" their way out of a unsecured door and go running down the street and possibly into traffic.

OTHER ANIMALS:
Other types of animals are foreign to your foster Greyhound. When putting your foster Greyhound in contact with your small dog, cat, bird, we HIGHLY recommend (and one will be provided to you) muzzling your foster Greyhound and keeping them on leash for the initial introduction. Keep your foster Greyhound muzzled until YOU feel 110% comfortable that the mix is working.

FEEDING:
A Greyhound is a "bolt" feeder. This means that your foster Greyhound will probably not chew their food, but swallow or "bolt" it down whole, and the food digests within their tract. This may scare you at first because it seems as though your foster Greyhound has not been properly fed, and is "starving". Rest assured that most Greyhound feed this way, and it is perfectly normal.

Feed your foster Greyhound ONCE a day – either morning or evening - a good quality dry kibble dog food, usually with at least 21% protein and at least 12% fat content that has been covered with water. Depending on the size of your foster Greyhound, you will need to feed between 4 to 6 cups at that time. It is recommended that you feed your foster Greyhound independently of any other animals or children you have in your home. Feeding your foster Greyhound in their crate is also a good idea. Remember, Greyhounds are very protective of their food.

HOME SWEET HOME.
Although, everything in your house is familiar to you, your foster Greyhound may have not be exposed to the many wonderful things you have. You will have a lot of fun watching your foster Greyhound explore your home. But your foster Greyhound is going to need your help too. Putting locks on all fence gates will help contain your foster Greyhound while outside during exercise/potty time.

STAIRS:
Your foster Greyhound has probably never seen nor had to deal with stairs. So you have to teach him/her to climb them. The best way is to get down on all fours and show him! However, most people feel a bit silly doing that. So, try standing behind your foster Greyhound and move one paw at a time  —  step by step, showing your foster Greyhound what he/she is supposed to do. Make sure you give lots of verbal positive reinforcement. Gradually increase the number of steps he/she climbs. When going down stairs, hold your foster Greyhound's collar securely and go down the stairs slowly right next to him/her. Greyhounds are quick to learn and soon become old pros at it!

MIRRORS, LINOLEUM FLOORS, and GLASS DOORS (oh my!):
Everything in your house is new and can be confusing. Full-length mirrors may cause your foster Greyhound to stare at the mysterious dog on the other side of the mirror. You may find your foster Greyhound barking at his/her own reflection! Sliding glass doors can cause a sore nose when your foster Greyhound tries to walk through it. You may find it helpful to put masking tape at your foster Greyhound's eye level for a day or two. Hardwood and linoleum floors are also tricky for Greyhounds to negotiate. Be sure you know where your foster Greyhound is BEFORE opening any outside door which is accessible to an unfenced area. Flushing toilets, TVs, refrigerators and more will provide you with lots of laughs at your foster Greyhound’s expense!

GARBAGE:
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure  -  and this applies to your foster Greyhound as well! Your foster Greyhound does not know he/she is not supposed to root round in the garbage, and your foster Greyhound finds those smells simply delightful and well worth investigating. Protect your foster Greyhound from getting into trouble or possible harm by keeping the garbage out of his way, or by using a tight fitting lid on the can. A sharp, verbal reprimand if your foster Greyhound should try to nose around the garbage will soon teach him/her not to disturb it.

COUNTERS AND TABLES:
Kitchen counters happen to be nose level with most Greyhounds. Remember they have been raised in a kennel, where every time they smelled food, it was THEIR food. Your foster Greyhound has not been taught proper manners yet when it comes to food on the counter. A sharp NO, when your foster Greyhound shows interest is usually enough to deter him/her, at least when you are around. However, a temptation such as a steak defrosting within his/her reach might be too much to ask.

FURNITURE:
If it is soft and cozy, your foster Greyhound will like it. However, for the sake of your foster Greyhound’s eventual adoptive family, PLEASE do not allow your foster Greyhound on your furniture. Let your foster Greyhound’s new family make the determination if they want THEIR Greyhound on the furniture or not. A soft blanket on the floor or in their crate will make them just as a happy, for the time being, as a soft, cushy couch!

Patience, positive reinforcement and verbal reprimands are the main ingredients you need to help your foster Greyhound adjust to your home environment.

Remember, a representative of Heart of Texas Greyhound Adoption is only a telephone call away. Do not hesitate if you have questions or concerns about anything!

We also request that your foster Greyhound be clean and well groomed before attending a Show 'n Tail. This may include a bath, manicure, and cleaning the ears of exposed dirt. Remember, your want your foster Greyhound to make the best possible impression on his/her new family!