Frequently Asked Questions

We are currently accepting new volunteers.

We have a variety of volunteering oppurtunities available including:

- Dog Walking

- Kennel Assistant

- DIY and Gardening

- College/University Work Placements

Volunteering with us does unfortunately involve carrying out physical working in all weathers, so wellies/boots and clothes you don't mind getting dirty are recomended!  Layers are definitely a must if it's a bit colder!  We have a staff kitchen and bathroom available to volunteers including a fridge, microwave and kettle if anyone wants to bring a pack lunch with them!

Volunteers need to be 16+ years and be happy to get stuck in and get dirty!  If you are interested in volunteering and would like to know more, please call us on 01621 788315!

Yes, but please call for more information.

We are open by appointment only every day from 10am - 12pm & 2-4pm this excludes the following; Christmas Day/Boxing Day/New Years Eve and New Years day.

You can book a visit by calling us on 01621 788315.  We're always happy to help!  If we miss your call, we're probably out with the hounds, but please leave a message and we'll call you back as soon as we can!

Yes we do, but it is infrequent due to the rarity of suitably trainable greyhounds.

Rehoming Greyhounds with cats can be tricky due to their potential prey drive.  They’ve had their natural instinct to chase reinforced through their racing career, and so to find one that won’t chase a cat is very rare.  While we test all our greyhounds with a spaniel, doing well with this doesn’t necessarily equate to being accepting of cats!  So in order to ensure they are cat trainable, we take extra time and caution to make sure that the dog is suitable.

Should you have your heart set on a greyhound, your best bet is to register with us and be patient.  Just as it is very rarely that we find a greyhound that has the suitable temperament to be trained to live with cats.  Additionally, because of their rarity, it may be best to register your interest with as many greyhound rehoming centres as possible (that cater to homes with cats) and hope that you get lucky. It may be a bit of a wait, but you never know!

Just be aware in contacting any rescues or rehoming centres to make sure that they have actually tested the dogs with cats and aren’t assuming they are cat-trainable!  We are aware that some rescues advise that failed racers or unraced greyhounds are cat-trainable or in some instances refer to them as ‘cat-friendly’ because they haven’t raced, but that is definitely not the case!
Unless they have already lived with cats, they all need training not to chase the cat in the home (even the cat-trainable ones!), especially the young unraced ones as they are still puppies and often very lively!

Greyhounds and other sighthounds are wonderfully unqiue, and their training needs can be a little different from other breeds. Whether you're working on basic manners or more complex behavioural challenges, choosing the right trainer is key. 

While we don't maintain a list of local trainers, your local vet may be able to provide trusted recommendations in your area. 

We are proud to recommend our very own Aimee, a qualified dog trainer and behaviorist who specialises in reactive sighthounds. Her experience with greyhounds means she understands their specific needs, sesitivities and behaviours. 

https://www.findadogtrainer.com/dog-trainer/braintree/aimee-chamberlain

We also recommend the Billerricay Greyhound Classes, which offer a supportive environment tailored specifically for greyhounds. 

https://www.bdtcentre.co.uk/greyhounds.html 

Greyhounds have very little body fat and a thin coat, which means they can feel the cold more than other breeds. During colder months, most greyhounds will benefit from wearing a coat or fleece when out particularly in low temperatures, wind or rain. 

At home many greyhounds are comfortable without a coat if the environment is warm but some may still appreciate an extra layer especially older or those who feel the cold more.

In the warmer months coats aren't needed for warmth but some greyhounds can benefit from a cooling coat to help regulate their temperature in the hot weather. We recommend Easi Dri jackets or AK Creations cooling coat. 

As always it's about reading your dog. If they seem cold a coat will help, if they seem too warm it's best to remove it. In extreme heat cooling jackets can help.

It is a legal requirement that all dogs be microchipped and have a ID tag on their collar at all times.  When you adopt one of our greyhounds they will already be microchipped and we will transfer them into your name on your behalf as part of the adoption process.  It will be your responsibilty to have an ID tag made for their collar, ideally as soon as possible!  We are a registered retailer of Red Dingo dog tags, so we can organise your dogs ID tag in house prior to adoption.  Or should you want to get one elsewhere, they are readily available at most pet stores, key cutting businesses or similar.  

The ear tattoos are their racing registration/identification and cannot be used as an alternative to keeping microchip details up to date.

Most greyhounds are lead trained and can be walked with a nice loose lead.  When looking to adopt dogs, if any of the dogs are strong on the lead this will be explained in advance and some further training may be needed once in the home.  Sometimes they can be strong due to the kennels environment and settle once into a home.

Harnesses are not a necessity but can sometimes assist in dogs that pull, a harness with a chest clip is the best option as it naturally turns the dogs body away from their intended destination if they decide to pull.  This is a non-adversive method and can be easily supported with training. For dogs that are good on the lead, a harness is personal preference.  There are several varieties available on the market, we use snootfiul hound harnesses at the kennels. 

Most retired greyhounds are not initially house trained, because many have spent their lives in a kennel environemtn rather than a home. In kennels, they follow a strict routine and are usually very clean often only toiletting in designated paddock areas. 

The good news is that greyhounds are generally quick to learn and can be house trained with patience consistency and a predictable routine. 

Top tips for house training your greyhound

- Establish a strict routine 

Take them out at the same times everyday (first thing in the mornng, after meals after naps and before bed). One toilet trained this "strict regime" will loosen as you will learn your dogs toileting que or habits e.g asking to go out at the door / always toileting after dinner etc.

- Take them out frequently at first

Assume they don't understand indoor/outdoor rules yet and prevent accidents by giving lots of toilet breaks.

- Use the same toilet spot

Scent helps them understand where they are expected to go

- Reward Immediately

Praise and treat them right after they toilet outside so they can connect the behaviour with a positive outcome.

- Supervise indoors closely

Watch for signs they need to go (circling, sniffing, restlessness) and take them out straight away. 

- Manage freedom gradually 

Start with limted access indoors and increase space as they become reliable.

- Be patient and consistent 

Accidents will happen early on, clean throughly wihtout punishment and stick to the routine.

As a rule greyhounds have never encountered stairs prior before entering their forever home and often get puzzled by them!  Sometimes they can get up them, but not down, or they can't get up them at all!  

With some persistance they can be trained to do stairs should you wish it but many greyhound owners will install a baby gate at the bottom of the stairs and leave it at that!

Yes we can!  Just book an appointment to bring your greyhound to the kennels and we can do their nails for you.  We can also do teeth de-scaling, and bathing if you would like to get the whole pamper treatment!

Call for further information.

Greyhounds are very low-maintainance when it comes to grooming. Their short, smooth coat doesn't shed heavily and only needs light brushing to remove loose hair and keep it looking healthy. They don't require frequent baths, just a wash when they get dirty. Regular basics like nail trimming, ear cleaning and dental care are usually enough to keep a greyhound well groomed. 

Teeth should be brushed daily or at least a couple of times a week and nails should be trimmed every 4-8 weeks depending on how quickly they grow. 

Like with any breed of dog there is the potential for Seperation Anxiety if developing behaviours are not appropriately addressed.  It must be taken into consideration that Greyhounds have never lived in a home environment before and so its all very new!  It is important to establish a safe space for the dog (like their bed or a certain room) and build the time up that you are leaving the dog alone each day as part of their training.  This can be enforced with the addition of leaving the radio on and/or leaving Kongs or other puzzle feeders to keep their brains busy and reward them for being alone.

Crates are often misunderstood and can be viewed as being a negative environment for a dog.  However they can be benefical to a greyhound, particularly if they are shy or nervous.  As retired racing dogs they are used to being in a kennels environment and are familiar with crates and travel cages.  They can often find a small, enclosed space like a crate reassuring in the home.  The door doesn't need to be closed.  The crate can simply be somewhere quiet as a nice little den that the dog can take themselves off to when they want some quiet time to sleep.

They are by no means mandatory when you have a greyhound, but some do find them beneficial.  If you are interested in finding out whether a crate is appropriate for your greyhound, just ask!

Prior to retirement greyhounds rarely, if ever encounter other breeds of dog. Because of this, they may not immediately understand how to interact with them in a home or social environment. This does not mean they are unfriendly but rather that they often require gentle reintroduction and socialisation continued once they enter their forever home. 

As part of our behavioural assessment we carry out structured dog testing to help understand each greyhound's temperament and the level of experience and confidence required from their future adopter. This ensures we can make suitable matches based on how each dog responds to other breeds and the type of home that will best support their needs. 

Some greyhounds may not pass their initial dog test but with time, patience and the right environment most go onto improve significantly. A selection of greyhounds show natural understanding of other breeds from the outset and may be placed in homes with existing dogs.

It's also worth noting that some greyhounds take longer than others to fully settle after racing life and this adjustment period can influence how they initially respond to other dogs. With consistency and support, most adapt very well to family life.

As a rule, Greyhounds travel very well.  They are used to travelling from the kennels to the race track and back so are used to the noises and motion.  It is important that when travelling you make sure that your dog is secure, wether you chose a dog seat belt or crates/dog guards in the boot. 

Yes we do.  As a rule Greyhounds love children and can, and do, live very happy lives in a home with them.  We will happily give advice and ongoing support for families adopting greyhounds with children, please ring for further information.

We do not currently have a set upper age limit for adoption due to the benefits that having a greyhound can bring to retired and older individuals.  But we do take each application on a case by case basis which are up to the managers discreation.

If it is a Greyhound and was originally adopted from Clarks Farm it is 100% welcome to come back to us at the kennels.  If the Greyhound is from the Greyhound Trust or another rescue, it will need to be returned to the rehomer/rescue that it was adopted from, should this not be possible the Greyhound Trust needs to be contacted directly and you will be advised as to the nearest appropriate Trust branch to take the dog to, or for them to contact us regarding our taking the dog in.

Unfortunately if it is not a Clarks Farm dog, we are unable to take it in but we can give advice and recomendations for the nearest appropriate rehoming kennels to you for the breed of dog it is you are looking to return or rehome.  

No, not at all!  The only noticable difference between male and female greyhounds is the size, often females are smaller but greyhounds come in a range of sizes and sometimes males are just as small as the females or vice versa!  There is often a misconception that females are cleaner in the home and easier to house train than males, but this is a myth! 

We find the boys can be more soppy and cuddly but it completely depends on the dog and their individual temperment.  There is no real comparison between males and females, each dog has its own merits and they are all as wonderful as each other.

If you are interested in adopting and are considering a female, we will do our best to find you your perfect dog...but you may need to be open minded that your perfect dog may be a boy!  

Whilst we cannot recommend specific insurance providers, we do recommend considering insurance for your greyhound. It can offer peace of mind in the event of an accident, injury or unexpected illness where veterinary costs can quickly add up.

That said, insurance is not mandatory. Some owners choose to manage potential veterinary expenses in other ways such as setting aside saving specifically for their greyhounds care.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to what works best for you and your circumstances but having a plan in place wether through insurance or savings is the most sensible approach.

Greyhounds can vary when it comes to food motivation, some are keen eaters whilst others may be more relaxed about meals, especially when newly settled. With time, routine and the right approach many become more motivated particularly when offered high-value options!

A high quality, balanced diet is key. This can include dry kibble, wet food, fresh and raw diets as long as it suits your dogs digestion and keeps them in good condition. Greyhounds can have sensitive stomachs so consistency is important and any changes should be introduced gradually.

We recommend feeding two meals per day ensuring fresh water is always available and avoid exercise immediately before or after feeding. 

The best diet is one that keeps your greyhound healthy. maintains a lean physique and supports overall wellbeing.

The all about dog food website is a great way to compare different food options within your feeding budget.