How to Prepare Your Home for an Italian Greyhound Puppy – A Step-By-Step Guide

House training IGs is an ongoing ordeal that only ends once your IG crosses the Rainbow Bridge. Many families use doggie diapers, washable cloth pads that IGs wear to catch accidents, and for dogs with incontinence issues.

When IGs are not under direct supervision, they should be kenneled to prevent accidents. Kenneling can be an extra-large crate or an exercise pen (four feet x four feet with a cover to avoid climbing).

Clean Up

Italian Greyhound puppies are curious and will follow their human family around the house. They enjoy being active and will join their owners for jogs, walks, and hikes, but they also love to cuddle up on the couch for a movie.

Because of their short hair, these pups do not require much grooming. However, brushing their teeth twice weekly and trimming their nails monthly is crucial. Weekly inspections of the ear for odors or other issues are also recommended.

Regarding a dog’s bedding, please ensure it’s appropriate for the puppy’s size and age. For example, wood shavings or sawdust should be avoided as they may contain toxins that could harm the little puppy. Instead, choose a soft blanket or a pet bed that will not be too big and have no loose threads or other items that the puppy might be able to get tangled up in.

Italian Greyhounds are generally healthy dogs that live 12-14 years, but like all breeds, they have certain inherited conditions that can be passed down from parents to their offspring. If you are concerned about the health of your new Italian Greyhound, we recommend seeking a veterinarian who specializes in this breed for advice. These dogs are sensitive but will become loyal companions with the proper care.

Crate Train

Italian Greyhounds are brilliant dogs. They respond well to positive reinforcement and training. They also learn very quickly. However, they can be stubborn and may not obey commands that contradict their instincts. It is essential to use consistency, reward based training, and verbal and non-verbal cues.

It is vital to crate-train your dog. It will help you control the dog and keep them safe when you are not home. It will also help to prevent accidents and damage to the house and your furniture. A kennel should be large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around quickly. It should have a bed, a litter box, and a water bowl inside. It should be lined with a product designed to eliminate odors. This will discourage the pet from soiling in the same spot over and over.

When a young puppy is first created, it should be done for only four hours a day. Do not crate the dog if you are away for 8 hours or more. If you must, you should provide them with a sheltered area outside to eliminate, such as a covered exercise pen or a doghouse. These dogs do not like cold, wet, or windy weather, so they will be more likely to “go” in a sheltered area.

Socialize

Italian Greyhounds are very social dogs that thrive in homes where they get plenty of attention and exercise. They do not do well left alone for extended periods and can express their unhappiness with destructive chewing.

Proper socialization is critical for Italian Greyhounds, as they often display fear and nervousness if not given the appropriate exposure to people and environments early on in their lives. Introducing them to new people and animals slowly is essential, allowing them to sniff each other from a distance before getting too close. Enrolling in obedience classes can also help acclimate them to being around humans and other dogs while teaching them basic commands.

It is also helpful to have indoor activities for your dog when the weather gets too cold or you cannot go on regular walks. It can prevent them from becoming bored, leading to destructive behavior in other ways, like chewing up their toys.

Finally, watching for your Italian Greyhound’s signals when they need to go outside to potty is a good idea. Rather than barking, they usually give a specific indication you can learn to recognize so you know when to let them out. Some people also find success by placing a large plastic container lid or boot tray with potty pads by the back door, making the transition between indoors and outdoors easier.

Exercise

Italian Greyhounds enjoy running, learning tricks, and playing games like fetch. However, this breed can have prey drive issues that must be addressed. An adequately fenced backyard and gentle training will prevent the dog from chasing small animals.

This dog breed is brilliant and eager to please. It can be quick learners and quickly pick up commands if you are consistent with your training. Your pup will learn very soon using a treat-based reward system. A positive attitude and firm yet gentle training methods are best for this calm, sweet-natured, family-friendly hound.

Your new IG will need daily exercise to burn off energy. This can be a fun game of jogging, a nice walk around the neighborhood, or even a short run at the dog park.

Taking your Italian Greyhound outside frequently is also very important so they can be trained to potty outdoors. Keeping them in the house all day can cause indoor accidents, especially if they feel the urge to go outside and are not taken out soon enough. For this reason, many people choose to crate their Italian Greyhound or confine them to an area of the house with a gate so they can be monitored more closely. This way, if your IG starts to sniff and squat, you can take them out before they have an accident.