What should I expect of my dog when we get home?
Because everything is brand new for your dog, you should expect him or her to be a little confused. Your dog will be very curious about every niche and corner of its new home. Most dogs come directly from the racetrack and do not understand that the stove is not the proper place for those elegant feet, nor, for that matter, is the cupboard or table. They have not acquired what we call "manners". If your dog does jump on things, firmly grab hold of its collar, move him or her down while authoritatively saying "OFF!" Should the jumping up behavior be repeated, be CONSISTENT and repeat the "OFF!" process. Greyhounds are very sensitive and will respond quickly to this simple training.
If you have stairs that your dog will need to climb, prepare to be patient. Greyhounds have never seen stairs, and usually approach them in one of two ways: they either decide that stairs are completely beyond their comprehension, becoming stiff and helpless, or they attempt to leap up or down the whole flight at once. To educate your greyhound about stairs, place the dog’s feet, one at a time on each step, with your body firmly behind the dog so it cannot back down. Proceed up the stairs, one foot at a time, giving lots of encouragement along the way. Going downstairs requires a little more muscle as your dog will want to try all the stairs in ONE jump. Keep the dog on a short leash, allowing him or her to take only one stair at a time. In a few days your dog will be able to navigate the stairs on its own.
Expect your greyhound to be curious. They have been taught to be alert to quick movements, particularly those of small creatures. If your dog even looks sideways at your cat, immediately and firmly say "NO!". It may take a few times, consistency again being the key, but your dog will quickly learn what is appropriate behavior in regard to small animals.
You may find your dog is something of a shadow, following you everywhere. This is part of the bonding process. YOU are the person your dog has decided to trust first. Be flattered. To help your dog adjust, take him or her everywhere you can. These are curious and sociable dogs and they want to know all they can about their new world. The more love and attention you give your dog, the more you will get back.