The Puppy Diaries: Twelve to Eighteen Months of a Greyhound Puppy’s Life

Have you ever wondered how a racing greyhound starts its journey? Before they hit the track, these incredible athletes undergo months of careful breeding, nurturing, and early development. The foundation for their future success begins from the moment they are born, with dedicated care ensuring they grow into strong, healthy, and well-socialised young dogs.

In this instalment of The Puppy Diaries, we explore the twelve-months to eighteen-months stage of a greyhound puppy. If you missed our last article about the early life of a greyhound puppy, you can access it here https://www.greyhoundracinguk.com/article/the-puppy-diaries-twelve-to-eighteen-months-of-a-greyhound-puppy-s-life

At one-years-old, greyhound puppies begin to mature both physically and mentally. They have now developed to their full height but over the next few months muscle will still begin to form and grow.

Socialisation & Daily Routine

While socialisation and enrichment remain essential, their routines start to include more structured exercise, early race training, and stamina-building activities. Greyhounds are moved into smaller enclosures, often paired with a sibling where they can be monitored and handled more closely.

Each kennel will have a daily routine to ensure consistency and structure. Greyhounds thrive on predictability. A set routine reduces anxiety, helping them feel secure in their environment and making transitions—such as moving into training—much smoother. Greyhounds have daily let outs (usually 5-6 times per day) in exercise fields where they can run and play with their kennel mate or simply relax in the sun! Regular enrichment is had through toys, bones and play.

Grooming & Health Monitoring

Greyhounds are groomed 4-5 times per week dependant on their trainer. Grooming includes brushing of teeth, descaling of teeth, combing, brushing, clipping of nails and cleaning ears. As a young pup, greyhounds coats tend to be coarse, thick and fluffy, this requires regular grooming and bathing to keep it healthy and manageable.

Greyhounds are regularly monitored and checked for minor injuries, muscle strains or any signs of discomfort by their trainer, vet or a specialised physiotherapist.

Their diet is carefully managed to support muscle development and overall health. They have between 1-2 meals per day depending on the trainer. High protein foods such as chicken, raw meat and fish are often fed with specialised biscuit. Nutritional supplements are also provided for joint and muscle health.

Introduction to Training

Depending on trainer and each individual greyhound, they will begin training from 12 to 16 months old. Exercise such as walking, swimming and gallop exercises are introduced gradually, to prevent overexertion or injury.

They begin chasing behind a lure (a moving object, often mechanical), encouraging greyhounds to develop their natural instincts. Training is never rushed, as each greyhound develops at their own pace. The goal is to build confidence, not pressure performance.

As a greyhound progresses, they begin “schooling” which involves them learning how to run around an oval track behind a lure. Their first introduction usually involves a “hand slip”, where a handler holds the greyhound and releases them as the lure passes.

Once they gain confidence running around bends, they will gradually be introduced to starting traps, an essential step in their journey toward formal race training. 

Rest is just as important as training. Scheduled downtime allows for muscle recovery, preventing fatigue and injury. Greyhounds are naturally good sleepers, and having designated rest periods ensures they recharge properly.

The Road Ahead

As greyhounds reach the 18-month mark, they are now fully developed young athletes, having built the strength, stamina, and discipline needed for the next stage of their journey. While some greyhounds will soon make their track debut, others may require additional time to build confidence and refine their skills. Each greyhound develops at its own pace, and patience is key to ensuring their long-term success and well-being.

For those who do not go on to race or whose careers are short-lived, a bright future still awaits. Many retired greyhounds transition into loving pet homes, where their gentle nature and affectionate personalities make them wonderful companions.

From curious three-month-old pups to confident young athletes, their journey has been one of growth, learning, and transformation. Whether on the track or in a forever home, their story is only just beginning.