Miss Simone? I was wondering if I could get some advice. One of my friends is wanting to get an Italian Greyhound, and what with your love of/experience with them, I was wondering if I could get some advice from you for him on adopting them from rescue p

They are mostly very, very easy-going dogs, and they want to please their people. It should be relatively easy. They sleep more than most dogs, and they watch for cues on how to behave.

But remember, many have never been into a home before, they have been in a pen, then the track, then a rescue facility. They don’t know what glass is, or stairs, they sometimes don’t understand affection right away.

So there is a crucial step recommended by every responsible facility…someone has to stay with them the first 48 hours in your home. It can be several people taking turns. But it’s vital. They will not know how to behave, but will be willing to learn. This gives them time to learn to pee outside, what they are allowed to sit on, what they are allowed to do with food, etc. Once they are taught something in that period, they will likely remember it forever, and their anxiety will quickly calm down.

Can’t recommend this highly enough. Leaving them alone at all in that first 48 hours when they don’t know what the rules are allows them to learn behavior you have to teach them later to unlearn. Just have someone stay with them, it will make a huge difference.

They don’t need lots of exercise, they are snoozy. One long walk or two short ones is plenty. They should not be exposed to tiny animals in that first time, unless cleared by their facility. Our dogs are super gentle, but one has no interest in cats and the like, and the other is still very much a sight hound.

That’s most of it, they are incredibly easy dogs to take care of. Rarely needs baths, sleep all day, and they are loyal and loving. I cannot tell you how lovely they are. Good luck to all!