08/11/2025
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💤 Understanding Sleep Startle in Greyhounds 💜
We want to talk about something very important — sleep startle in greyhounds.
Greyhounds have lived very different lives before retirement. In racing kennels, they’ve never had to share their space — each dog has their own private area, their own bed, and no one touches or disturbs them while they’re sleeping. This allows them to sleep deeply and peacefully without ever being startled awake.
When they retire and begin to learn home life, this is when we may see sleep startle. They’re suddenly sharing space with people, other pets, and new sounds. When startled from a deep sleep, some greyhounds may momentarily react — a quick jump, snap, or growl — as their instinct kicks in before they realise they’re safe.
💜 This is not aggression and it does not mean a greyhound should be euthanised.
It’s a normal, manageable behaviour that comes from confusion in that split second between dreaming and waking.
Not all greyhounds experience sleep startle, but for those who do, it’s often seen in the beginning — in foster care or when they’ve just come from the kennel.
At BTG, our greyhounds spend 2–3 months in foster care before they’re ready for adoption. This time allows us to learn about each dog, what they need, and how they respond in a home environment. When you adopt a BTG greyhound, we can explain sleep startle and help you learn how to manage it confidently and compassionately.
💤 How you can help:
• Always wake your greyhound gently — speak its name and ensure it’s totally awake before touching.
• Give them their own bed or safe space where they can sleep undisturbed.
• Teach family members and visitors not to touch a sleeping dog.
• Be patient — with time, trust, and routine, most greyhounds adjust beautifully.
Please remember — sleep startle is not a reason for euthanasia.
It’s simply part of a greyhound learning what it means to be safe and loved in a home environment.
💙🧡💚
