* Make sure your dog is wearing a collar that is properly fitted.
* ALWAYS have identification tags on your dog with your phone number. If you do not like the sound of tags, tape or rubber band them together or buy a tag-bag or silencer but ALWAYS keep them ON.
* Consider using a second collar for tags and other identification that will not be attached to the lead in case the first collar is slipped.
* Keep your dog on a leash at all times and always hold the leash around your wrist.
* Leash and secure your greyhound BEFORE opening the door. In addition, teach your hound to stay until he is given a command to head out the door.
* NEVER use a flexi lead. If you drop the handle and your dog takes off, he will be frightened by the plastic handle chasing behind. In addition, a greyhound can reach full speed in 3 strides… a much shorter distance than the length of a flexi-lead.
* NEVER let your greyhound run loose unless in a fully enclosed fenced area with at least a five foot high fence.
* If you are running your dog in a fenced in field, check the perimeter is secured and free of holes before taking your dog off leash.
* Check that all gates to your yard are closed PRIOR to letting your dog out.
* Consider having gates that can only be opened from the inside so that people/neighbors cannot simply enter. Also, consider pad-locking gates that can be opened from the outside.
* Place signs on your fence letting strangers know that you have dogs that may be in the yard.
* If you are traveling with your dog, consider temporary identification including where you are staying. “Vile” tags are great for this.
* Teach your hound to sit or stay whenever the doorbell rings or someone knocks. Consider a baby gate as an additional barrier if you are entertaining.
* Anticipate the season: Fireworks on the Fourth and thunderstorms can be terrifying to dogs.
* NEVER leave your dogs outside alone. Dogs can do some pretty amazing things if they become panicked including scaling a fence.
* Consider alternative means of identification such as micro chipping. This may not be effective in preventing a lost dog; however it may be useful as a means of identification if your dog is turned into a vet or animal control officer.
**Original document idea and tips credited to www.greyhoundadventure.org. Tips have been modified and added to represent Greyhound Welfare.