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The Greyhound You Meet Is Not the Greyhound They Have Always Been
Guidance for New Adopters
Bringing a retired racing greyhound home is an exciting moment, but it is important to understand that the dog who walks through your door may not immediately show you their full personality.
A newly adopted greyhound may appear quiet, cautious, shy, uncertain or overwhelmed. Some may stand still and watch. Others may sleep more than expected, hesitate at doorways, avoid eye contact or seem unsure about interacting.
This does not necessarily tell you what your greyhound was like before adoption.
It tells you that your dog is experiencing one of the biggest environmental changes of its life.
This reaction is not unique to greyhounds. Behaviour in every dog is influenced by familiarity, routine, surroundings and the presence of trusted people and animals.
Your greyhound is not arriving as a blank page. They are arriving with an established personality, a history of care, familiar routines and previous relationships. Your role is to help them feel secure enough to reveal the dog they already are.
New Environments Temporarily
Change Behaviour
Imagine a confident child beginning preschool.
At home, that child may be noisy, playful, mischievous and full of conversation. On the first morning in an unfamiliar classroom, they may cling to a parent, refuse to speak or sit quietly watching the other children.
Nobody would conclude that the child had been silent and unhappy at home.
Nobody would blame the parents because the child needed time to settle.
We understand that the child is responding to an unfamiliar environment.
The same principle applies to dogs.
A confident family Labrador may become quiet when placed in an unfamiliar boarding kennel. A working dog may hesitate in surroundings it has never encountered. A puppy separated from familiar people and animals may temporarily stop displaying many of its usual behaviours.
That does not mean the dog’s personality has disappeared.
It means the dog is adapting.
When a retired racing greyhound leaves the environment, companions, people and routines they have always known, it is entirely reasonable for them to pause and take in their new surroundings.
Adoption Is a Continuation of Care
Adoption should never be spoken about as though it is the first time a greyhound has experienced care, affection or human attention.
The journey simply continues.
Before entering your home, your greyhound already had people who knew them as an individual.
They were fed, monitored, exercised, handled, groomed, weighed, trained and cared for. Their carers knew their habits, preferences and personality.
They knew which greyhounds were confident.
Which were sensitive.
Which were mischievous.
Which were gentle.
Which were dramatic.
Which loved toys.
Which were clever escape artists.
Which became wildly excited at walking or exercise time.
Which needed a little more reassurance.
Adoption does not create your greyhound’s personality.
It introduces an already-developed dog to a completely different lifestyle.
The people who cared for the greyhound before you have brought them to this point. You are now continuing that responsibility through retirement.
The Greyhound You May Not Have Met Yet
Many retired racing greyhounds are remarkably different in familiar surroundings from how they appear during their first days in a home.
In the environment they know, they may be loud, playful, energetic and extremely enthusiastic.
They may race around fields with their companions.
They may play roughly with trusted friends.
They may bounce, spin and jump at the sight of a lead.
They may steal toys.
They may charge towards a gate because they know something exciting is about to happen.
They may cover their carers in muddy pawprints or in their enthusiasm.
These are powerful, athletic dogs. A happy, excited greyhound can be quite a handful.
That exuberant dog may not appear immediately after adoption because confidence is connected to familiarity.
The quiet greyhound standing in your living room may previously have been the kennel clown, the toy thief or the dog who greeted exercise time with complete enthusiasm.
That personality has not vanished.
It may simply be waiting for this new environment to feel safe and predictable.
Understanding the Scale of the Change
Your greyhound left behind familiar canine companions, familiar fields and exercise areas, established walking routes, recognisable scents, buildings and sleeping areas they knew well, trusted carers they saw every day, a predictable canine-centred routine, familiar feeding times and methods, and a sleeping environment they understood.
They are then introduced to a human-centred home containing sights, sounds and expectations that may be unfamiliar.
These can include televisions, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, doorbells, traffic outside windows, mirrors, glass doors, stairs, children moving quickly, neighbours, visitors, household cooking smells and a completely different daily rhythm.
Some greyhounds adapt extremely quickly.
Others require more time.
Neither response is proof of the quality of their previous care.
It is simply an individual reaction to change.
Helping Your Greyhound Settle
Keep the First Days Calm
Avoid overwhelming your greyhound with visitors, outings and constant attention.
A new home already provides an enormous amount of unfamiliar information. Give the dog time to observe and process it.
Quiet company is often more helpful than continuous interaction.
Allow your greyhound to approach when they feel ready.
Create a Predictable Routine
Dogs feel safer when life becomes predictable.
Try to keep feeding, toilet breaks, walks and rest periods at reasonably consistent times.
Your greyhound previously lived with a structured routine. Establishing a new one helps them understand what happens next and allows the home to become familiar.
Predictability builds security.
Security allows personality to emerge.
Provide a Safe Resting Place
Give your greyhound a comfortable bed in a quiet area where they can rest without being disturbed.
A sofa or raised, well-padded bed may feel particularly inviting because many greyhounds are already familiar with soft, elevated sleeping spaces.
Do not allow children or other animals to disturb a sleeping greyhound.
Rest is an important part of adjustment.
Introduce New Experiences Gradually
Do not try to teach everything during the first few days.
Stairs, slippery floors, mirrors, glass doors, household appliances and busy streets may all require gentle introductions.
Allow the dog to investigate at their own pace.
Use calm encouragement and reward progress.
Never drag or force a greyhound towards something they find unfamiliar.
Confidence develops through successful experiences, not pressure.
Allow Observation
A greyhound who stands quietly and watches is still learning.
They are taking in movement, sound, scent and routine.
Do not mistake observation for emotional shutdown or assume the dog must constantly interact to be settling successfully.
Watching is part of processing a new environment.
Avoid Creating Dependence Through Constant Reassurance
Comfort your greyhound, but remain calm and matter-of-fact.
If every unfamiliar sound produces an intense emotional reaction from the adopter, the dog may begin to interpret ordinary household events as something concerning.
Show your greyhound through your own behaviour that the environment is safe.
Calm confidence is reassuring.
Be Careful Around Doors and Gates
Your greyhound does not know that your front door, garden gate or driveway leads to potential danger.
During the settling period, use secure leads, properly fitted collars and careful door management.
Make sure everyone in the household understands that doors and gates must not be left open.
A newly adopted dog may try to follow movement or return towards something familiar without understanding the surrounding environment.
Introduce Other Dogs Thoughtfully
Your greyhound may be accustomed to living around many other greyhounds, but that does not mean every unfamiliar dog will immediately feel safe.
Allow calm, controlled introductions.
Do not force face-to-face contact.
Give both dogs space and observe body language.
Remember that your greyhound is learning a new home while also learning about new canine companions.
Do Not Rush Freedom
Keep your greyhound securely on lead in public areas.
A dog may appear settled before they fully understand their new surroundings or have developed a reliable relationship with the adopter.
Confidence in the home does not automatically mean reliable behaviour outdoors.
Secure exercise areas should be properly enclosed.
Expect Personality Changes
As your greyhound becomes comfortable, you may notice new behaviours.
The quiet dog may become playful.
The reserved dog may begin demanding attention.
The dog who ignored toys may suddenly carry them around the house.
The cautious newcomer may start performing zoomies in the garden.
The polite sofa guest may gradually attempt to occupy the entire couch.
This is not the dog becoming spoiled or changing into a different animal.
It is the established personality beginning to appear as security grows.
Confidence Returns When Security Returns
Settling is not always a straight line.
A greyhound may make progress and then appear uncertain again after a new experience, visitor or change in routine.
This is normal.
Confidence develops through repetition.
Each calm meal, familiar walk, restful night and positive interaction teaches the dog that this new life is safe and predictable.
Over time, the cautious newcomer begins to disappear.
The playful personality emerges.
The zoomies return.
The toy thief appears.
The sofa acrobat arrives.
The confident explorer replaces the hesitant observer.
Adopters often say,
“This isn’t the same dog we brought home.”
In reality, it is.
You are simply meeting the greyhound their previous carers already knew.
Do Not Rewrite the Dog’s Past Through Their First Few Days
A greyhound’s temporary uncertainty in a new home should never be used as evidence that they were previously unhappy, unloved or poorly cared for.
That conclusion misunderstands canine behaviour.
A child who cries on the first day of preschool was not necessarily unhappy at home.
A dog who becomes quiet in boarding kennels was not necessarily unhappy with their family.
A retired greyhound who hesitates in a completely unfamiliar house is not revealing the quality of their previous life.
They are responding to change.
Judge the behaviour in its proper context.
Give the dog time.
Whenever possible, learn about your greyhound’s previous routines, preferences and personality. That information can help you understand the dog standing in front of you.
The Most Important Advice
Do not expect your greyhound to understand your world immediately.
Do not assume their first-day behaviour is their permanent personality.
Do not interpret uncertainty as proof of a troubled past.
Provide calmness.
Provide routine.
Provide security.
Provide patience.
Your greyhound’s story did not begin when they entered your home.
They already had relationships, experiences, confidence, routines and an individual personality.
Adoption is the continuation of that story and the continuation of the care they have received throughout their life.
Give them time to understand their new environment.
Then enjoy meeting the greyhound who was there all along.
Meeting Minutes
Irish Greyhound Owners & Breeders Federation AGM Minutes 2026
Organisation: Irish Greyhound Owners & Breeders Federation
AGM Year: 2026
1. Mission Statement
The Irish Greyhound Owners & Breeders Federation exists to represent and support greyhound owners, breeders,trainers and the wider greyhound community throughout Ireland. Working with members, affiliated associations and industry stakeholders, the Federation strives to ensure that owners have a strong voice in shaping the future of Irish greyhound racing while promoting responsible ownership, welfare and the long-term sustainability of the sport.
2. Annual Review 2025–2026
The Federation continued its work on behalf of members through regular engagement with Greyhound Racing Ireland, Government representatives and industry stakeholders.
- Protecting and improving prize money for owners.
- Promoting responsible greyhound ownership and high standards of welfare.
- Advocating for improved governance within the industry.
- Raising concerns regarding track standards and racing conditions.
- Supporting greater transparency and communication across the sport.
- Representing members on matters affecting owners and breeders nationwide.
The Federation also continued constructive dialogue with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, presenting proposals aimed at strengthening the future of Irish greyhound racing.
3. Promotion of the Sport
A key priority throughout the year was promoting the very best of Irish greyhound racing and sharing positive stories from across the sport. The Federation worked to showcase the dedication of owners, breeders, trainers and all those involved in the care and racing of greyhounds.
Members and the wider public were encouraged to engage with positive greyhound racing content online, helping to present an accurate picture of the sport, the high standards of care provided to greyhounds, and the enjoyment racing brings to communities throughout Ireland.
4. Supporting the Industry
The Federation noted that the future of greyhound racing depends on encouraging participation at every level. The continued success of the IGOBF Junior Nominator Competition was highlighted as an important initiative for introducing children and families to greyhound racing in a positive, exciting and memorable way.
The Federation also continued to support affiliated associations, communicate regularly with members, promote responsible ownership and breeding, promote Irish greyhound racing to a wider audience, and work constructively with industry stakeholders.
5. Treasurer’s Report
Balance forward as at 27 March 2025: €13,210.74
| Income |
Amount (€) |
| Affiliation fees from Wexford, Northern, Limerick/Clare, Waterford, Kerry, Kilkenny and Western associations |
1,050.00 |
| Total Income |
1,050.00 |
| Expenses |
Amount (€) |
| Zoom subscription |
184.38 |
| Trophies |
244.53 |
| Sporting Press AGM advertisement |
49.18 |
| Bank fees |
77.10 |
| Website hosting and maintenance – Sean Slattery |
615.00 |
| Contribution to Northern GOBA |
500.00 |
| Total Expenses |
1,670.19 |
Bank balance as at 29 July 2026: €12,590.55
Note: All committee members serve on a voluntary basis and receive no remuneration. Travel, meeting attendance and associated expenses are personally funded by committee members while representing the Federation.
Prepared by: Helen Morris
6. Acknowledgements
The Federation thanked every member, affiliated association, volunteer, sponsor and supporter who contributed throughout the year. Their continued support enables the Federation to represent owners and breeders across Ireland and to work towards a stronger future for Irish greyhound racing.
Greyhound Industry Insights
From the First Mating to Racing and Beyond: The Life of a Greyhound in Ireland
There’s a lot said about greyhounds.
But not nearly enough said about how closely they’re actually looked after and tracked throughout their lives.
The truth is, in Ireland, a greyhound is one of the most recorded and traceable dogs you’ll find anywhere—and that starts long before a pup is even born.
Greyhound tracking in Ireland is one of the most comprehensive systems of traceability and welfare oversight of any dog breed.
All of this is overseen by Greyhound Racing Ireland and the Irish Greyhound Stud Book with clear rules and penalties in place every step of the way.
Greyhound Tracking in Ireland Starts Before They’re Even Born
Before there’s ever a litter, the mating itself must be registered.
- This has to be done within 14 days
- If it’s not done on time, there are penalties
That means from the very beginning, there’s a record of where every pup has come from.
🔗 You can find this in the Irish Greyhound Stud Book Rules:
https://www.icc.ie
Every Pup Is Accounted For
When a litter is born, nothing is left to guesswork.
Within 14 days, the breeder must register:
- How many pups there are
- Whether they’re dogs or bitches
- Their colours
It’s all logged. Nothing slips through the cracks.
Each Dog Has Its Own Identity
Before they’re even 12 weeks old, every greyhound is:
- Microchipped
- Given a unique ear tattoo (earmark)
That means each dog has two permanent forms of ID, so there’s never any doubt about who they are.
🔗 More here:
https://www.icc.ie
https://www.gov.ie
Tracked for Life
Once identified, each greyhound is entered into the national tracking system run by Rásaíocht Con Éireann.
From then on:
- Their location has to be updated every six weeks
- Their movements and ownership are recorded
- They remain traceable for their entire lives
That level of tracking simply doesn’t exist for most other dogs.
🔗 Learn more:
https://www.grireland.ie
Ongoing Care and Oversight
When greyhounds are in training or racing, they’re not just left to it.
They’re regularly:
- Checked by vets
- Weighed and inspected before racing
- Monitored under strict anti-doping rules
- Kept in licensed, inspected kennels
It’s not just about racing—it’s about making sure they’re well every step of the way.
And It Doesn’t Stop When They Retire
When their racing days are over, the story continues.
Greyhounds:
- Still have their identity through microchip and earmark
- Still have their history recorded
- Often go on to become much-loved pets in homes
Anyone who has ever had a retired greyhound will tell you how easily they take to home life. That comes from a lifetime of daily care, handling, and the close bond built between kennel hand, trainer, and dog—every single day of the year.
Why This Matters
For those of us involved day to day, this is normal.
But for many people looking in from the outside, it’s not something they’re aware of.
The reality is:
- These dogs are recorded before they’re born
- Identified in a way that can’t be lost
- Tracked right through their lives
- Cared for under clear, enforceable rules
That’s not just regulation—that’s responsibility in action.
A Final Word
It’s easy for conversations to lose sight of the facts.
But anyone who works with greyhounds, raises them, or welcomes them into their home knows the truth:
These dogs are valued, monitored, and cared for from start to finish.
And that’s something worth understanding.
Meeting Minutes
IGOBF Delegates Zoom Meeting
DATE: May 21st 2025
TIME: 9pm
Meeting was opened by Chairman Damien Matthews.
Apologies from Theresa, Claire, Cian.
Members reviewed key logistical elements of the upcoming AGM, scheduled for Wednesday, May 28th at 7:30 Pm, in Thurles greyhound stadium, emphasising the need for strong attendance.
Final nominations for officer positions must be confirmed no later than Monday by email to igobfsecretary@gmail.com
Supporters from the Mullingar track expressed interest in joining the Federation. The group agreed that the proper next step is for Mullingar stakeholders to establish a formal Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association and submit an official membership application for consideration.
There was consensus on the necessity of establishing a more robust lobbying effort, including engaging a dedicated full-time lobbyist who can meet directly with politicians to provide accurate, compelling information about the greyhound racing industry. As part of this effort, several supporting materials are to be developed: an informational booklet showcasing the positive impact of greyhound racing on families and local communities; a profile series highlighting the post-racing lives of retired greyhounds to underscore welfare commitments; a comprehensive listing of countries where greyhound racing remains active; and a historical archive of benefit night data from 2014 onward, detailing funds raised, allocations, beneficiary organisations, and visual documentation.
Damien reported to the delegates that Deirdre and himself had a brief informal meeting with Tim Lucey on May 21st.
They presented him with a summarised outline of all the ongoing industry issues along with proposals to help, that the IGOBF have brought to meetings with GRI and little has improved. They explained to him the frustrations of stakeholders because of this
The ongoing difficulties in staffing and maintaining racing venues were discussed at length. GRI continues to face challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled maintenance and technical personnel—a problem that reflects wider labour shortages across industries. Concerns were also raised about who is ultimately responsible for overseeing track maintenance across GRI-managed venues, with ambiguity surrounding accountability and leadership in this critical area.
Additionally, the recent track assessment report, which was expected to guide improvements, has yet to be shared with stakeholders. This lack of follow-through has caused frustration and confusion among members eager to address safety and performance issues on their tracks.
To ensure a consistent standard across the country, the group emphasised the need for standardised equipment and uniform training programs for all grounds personnel.
Special attention was given to the Kilkenny redevelopment project, where vital funding has not yet been released by the Department of agriculture to GRI.Damien briefed the group on his meeting with Michael Lowry, who was very surprised at this and promised follow up with the Department of Agriculture.
The Federation reiterated its commitment to improving its online visibility and storytelling capacity. Each affiliated GOBA is expected to designate a representative to curate and forward content to the Federation’s Public Relations Officer, Jeannie. These efforts aim to streamline content creation and ensure consistent, compelling messaging across platforms.
Jeannie continues to actively promote the industry on social media but emphasised the ongoing need for fresh, diverse content from within the community. To support this, the Federation will explore opportunities to include interactive elements such as QR codes and story snippets on race cards, inviting public engagement and promoting transparency. Additionally, the Deirdre will coordinate with GRI to develop a standard advertisement for race cards encouraging attendees to contribute stories, photos, and other materials suitable for online platforms.
Hughie Kelegan explained how well Galway circuit is running under James Murray’s management. James will now also managing Limerick, where he is responsible for both race card preparation and supervision of track maintenance across Galway and Limerick.
Tommy Hegarety detailed that Limerick have an additional Friday night fixture each month, designated to help manage SIS runner demand.
Thurles is expected to benefit from an SIS meeting, possibly due to Limerick losing a prior fixture.
Damien Matthews reported that the SIS-streamed racing in April, which included major events like the Easter Cup, resulted in GRI receiving a €48,000 bonus from SIS. He also noted that SIS viewership figures for Kilkenny races have performed particularly well in Australia, indicating strong international traction.
Damien also informed the group that he has been working closely on resolving issues facing the Waterford Groups. These matters look most likely to be resolved, and this progress was acknowledged by Helen.
Meeting concluded
