What Sleep Startle Looks Like in My Greyhound

Hi, I’m Steph! A DIYer, author, and podcast host. I live in Tallahassee, FL with my two adopted greyhounds. Both are retired racers adopted from Greyhounds as Pets in Jacksonville, FL.
I adopted Mac in 2018, and she was born 2014. I adopted Tosh in 2020, and she was born 2017.
Together they are Mac & Tosh (yes, that is a reference to my favorite computer, the Macintosh)!
Every greyhound is different and I am just sharing my experience with my greyhounds. This is for entertainment purposes.
”Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies" is a great resource for greyhound knowledge (affiliate link): amzn.to/3RFOEAs
I make DIY videos ‪@MotherDaughterProjectsDIY‬
Check out my memoir, Discovering My Scars by Stephanie Kostopoulos: amzn.to/2O4U5dh
I co-host the Discovering Our Scars Podcast, where we have honest conversations about things that make us different. Listen on all podcast platforms: bio.link/dospod
Join my newsletter for latest podcast and vlog: www.stephaniekostopoulos.com/

[@djsherz]

It's a lesson my Mrs learned the hard way not long after we adopted Joe. She was so used to her recently departed old lurcher Sid, you could do anything to that soppy old lad, and I think she forgot that Joe was not Sid! One night she got right up in his face to give him a kiss while he was dozing - cue a night in hospital having stitches in her face. That was a tough few days, and there was talk about giving Joe back to the dogs' home, but thankfully we persevered, realising that it really wasn't his fault. Time has passed, trust has been rebuilt, and he's a wonderful lad with not a hint of malice in him. The sleep startle has improved over time, as has our ability to respect his boundaries. If one of us is getting a bit too close for comfort, rather than snapping he'll just give a very faint low growl, and that's enough to tell us he wants his space, and everyone is happy.

[@snoopylikeshenry]

This happened to my 16yr old son with our rainbow boy greyhound. We had adopted him about 6 months previous and were aware of sleep startle but our greyhound was asleep in a dark conservatory and my son thought he was awake and leant down to him. Bit his face but luckily only superficial and didnt need hospital. Lessoned learned. Our grey grew out of sleep startle and had much better understanding of what sleep startle was.

[@jona.scholt4362]

I wish all dog owners were so loving and patient. There would be a ton of dog owners who would just give up and consider Mac a "bad" dog for something like this, not knowing it is a result of something completely out of her control and a characteristic of dogs who have survived those awful circumstances. So glad Tosh and Mac have such a great hooman.

[@nancydaly4072]

Our grey has the same reaction when approach his face when he is almost asleep. We have learned to avoid the situation rather than find him at fault. So comforting to know it’s not just him! Thanks for sharing!

[@slikrhodez3336]

My brindle girl had it when we adopted her and it was a regular thing for a couple of years. However, she stopped it completely after about four years.

[@anthonyschmieder3174]

Thank you for sharing. It's important for anyone considering adopting a racing greyhound (like me) to be aware of this.

[@rita2506]

Me too!

[@wilsonsothernames]

Although its frightening. Im impressed by how effective it is while not physically hurting the person or dog.

[@Kilzu1]

I don't find it frightening. I've lived around dogs many years and can tell you, it's pretty normal for dog to snarl, growl or even snap at you or anyone, who disrupts their sleep xD. Reason why it is something you need to keep an eye on greyhounds, is because although generally healthy breed, they tend to become more dog aggressive and/or owner obsessive as they get older. My greyhound for example never cared about other dogs, but at old age she would make it VERY CLEAR that I had no right to pet, feed, talk to or scratch any other dog when she was around and would snarl any dog, that came too close to me xD

[@gwen-of-myth7339]

Our new grey (about two months new, and our first) has sleep startle and has growled and snapped at us when we move a little next to her on the couch. She’s a complete sweetheart, and I think we just need to remember to wake her up before moving. It definitely helps to see other people dealing with the same thing. I think with time everyone will adjust

[@ellee3727]

Oh i feel so for your brindle. My eddie has to cope with Maggie, our very own iron lady! 😂

[@billmilosz]

When in the car, "Mommm.... he's TOUCHING me!"

[@josef-michaelvonbapschmier7513]

Thanks for demonstrating real sleep startle. My boy Aungier likes to have a low deep grumble when he’s interrupted by me when on my bed, but it’s nothing. There’s instances when he’s really tired he might snap the air but the poor boy usually thinks he’s overreacted and gets sheepish. I love that all greyhounds are different and special, you’re doing a fantastic job.

[@linkfan160]

I thought I knew everything there was to know about this breed but I didn't know about this. Thanks for the heads up!

[@missnancysdayoff]

So interesting to see this video, my greyhound Miss Nancy who I’ve had 2.5 years also has sleep startle, but it’s not quite as bad as this! It’s definitely calmed down anyway, but you have to be really careful or she might just get you 😂 She is a super sweet dog as well, she has no idea she’s even doing it I don’t think usually just flops back down again. It certainly can be really scary, and it’s important to understand it and realise they are not being naughty, and that you shouldn’t tell them off if they do this as it’s just an instinct and you don’t want to teach them there may actually be danger when they wake up! Great video x

[@beansandrunning]

Very different for most spanish greyhounds. They usually are raised with many other dogs and are very used to sleep next and on each other. My galga likes to sleep cuddled close to us.

[@Oakleaf700]

Any dog can ''Sleep startle'', even dogs who normally sleep in a pile with their friends. If a dog is sleeping deeply enough, and someone disturbs them suddenly, or lands on them, a startle bite can happen. It's instinctive. Probably hence the saying ''Let sleeping dogs lie'' . My Lurcher could sleep startle, but slept in my bed, the startle used to happen on the sofa.

[@judebrown4103]

We adopted a lurcher from the Dogs Trust here in the UK. I'd never heard of sleep startle until I tried to slide him back down the bed on his blanket while he was asleep and he went for me. Frightened the life out of me especially as I was bitten quite badly by a sleeping dog as a kid, it's amazing how those fears come flooding back out of the blue even after fifty plus years! He did it again another time and so we gave him the sofa and put a gate at the bottom of the stairs. He's quite happy but I'm a slow learner apparently...it was cold and I went to cover him with a blanket, talking to him, believing him to be awake and he snapped again. I worked out that I'd come with the blanket outstretched and the bright light from the window behind me, wondered if he'd been caught like that at some point. I have since found out that sleep startle is a thing but it's so helpful to see these videos which prove to me that is what's happening with our otherwise kind and gentle fur baby. Thanks to this dear lady for illustrating it for us.

[@stocktonmiranda]

Thank you so so much for posting this. Our pup also does this. It gets worse when we try to cover him with a blanket he will actually bite. Whenever my husband moves his feet next to his bed he suddenly barks and nips his feet. its so scary but he's never hurt us or anything. its just really scary. there isnt much on the internet about this so it was so amazing to find your video. than kyou!

[@smkauthor]

You're welcome! It is scary for sure.

[@Oakleaf700]

@@smkauthor My first ever dog, a Lurcher {Gypsy dog found abandoned as a puppy of about 4 months by RSPCA} was asleep on the sofa, her head resting on the sofa arm. She was about 7 months old by this stage. I stupidly leaned over and kissed her muzzle ..She erupted like lightning, and her teeth snapped the air near my ear with a shriek. There was no internet in those days, and no books mentioned sleep startle. I noticed if anyone disturbed her while sleeping, {Eg, sitting almost on her on the sofa if she was under a blanket} she could shriek, it was clearly ''sleep startle''. I never disturb a sleeping dog these days, but a friend's dogs {Whippets} both got injured when one of them was climbing on the back of the sofa, and slipped, landing on the Elderly girl, under blankets who nipped in startle mode, but the dog who was nipped retaliated and bit the elderly one on her face, which is now needing Vet care. {Abscess}. It can happen so fast! Both of the Whippets are normally extremely passive and good natured, but did startle/retaliate..only one nip each, but that caused an abscess .

[@caroljshepherd3848]

Thanks for this video. I've been caught a couple of times by my current greyhound and i've been wracking my brains as to what the problem might be. I've never heard of sleep startle but it explains A LOT! Many thanks. ❤

[@ad0tp]

Great video! Both of our grey's show very little startle, but we foster retired racers and I'll be keeping this video in mind for adopters...you certainly present it better than I could explain to new hound owners.

[@ellee3727]

Oh boy if my sweet girl gets woke up she will let you know!!!! 😮😮😮

[@lilfroggo96]

Thanks Steph!!!

[@synnevacollett9118]

Thanks for the great video! It took my grey a few weeks to really relax enough to start falling deeply enough asleep to have sleep startles. She has gotten better about strongly she reacts but we still are very careful in gauging whether or not she’s actually awake. She can be sitting up and looking at you but still be completely out. So far she doesn’t relax that deeply when guests are around. It really differs per greyhound how they react.

[@TW-ps2cr]

Fabulous job, Steph 🌷

[@coxxycabee]

Wow, this is amazing. I had no idea this was a thing. Thank god I have been yet to experience this because being ignorant I just would have thought the dog was an ass.

[@lindaname9413]

I had a rescue rat terrior. he would sleep on my pillow above my head. If I got up in the morning, he would bit my skull..... not very pleasant, but I would not give him up. I just remembered when I woke up, not to move until I called his name to wake him. He stopped doing in after about 5 years. I could not break him of sleeping on my bed, so I decided to adjust. Just a sucker for doggos.

[@katherinemurphy2762]

I just adopted a greyhound a little over a week ago, and thankfully haven't seen this. Thanks for the informative video though!

[@Woofersgalore]

Our current boy is the first of our greyhounds to have sleep startle. The first time I experienced it as I was with him on the settee it was pretty scary…..but like you I learned about it and now always give him the space he needs. I think this is an area that people new to having a greyhound in the family should be made aware of by the rescue places to help the understanding that the dog isn’t aggressive per se but this is a specific thing relating to being woken abruptly…….some may return a greyhound under the misconception that the dog is aggressive. Our boy is gentle and loving… ( as most are) and we just respect his sleeping space. I am so impressed with your passion for this wonderful breed. Thank you for your videos and sharing your life with your greys. X

[@katefromantikanueva4629]

Our boy has it. He's never hurt anyone, bit it can be loud.

[@smkauthor]

Very loud!

[@shawnheckelman7167]

Our oldest one had it bad when we first got her. It's subdued over time but every now & then she does it. We also make sure she fully alert before we approach her while she's sleeping and warn visitors to do the same. Other than that, she's perfect!

[@charlesdreadful5997]

Huh, I think I have sleep startle.

[@judebrown4103]

My wife does, definitely!😅

[@christievereide3038]

I stumbled across your videos a couple of days ago and am really enjoying them. We have 2 Greyhounds currently.

[@Clearbrite]

I love your tshirt!❤ and our first grey,a rescue and our foster hound,had sleep startle too! I’m glad they mentioned it,as he was(& is..found his forever home now) the most sweetest calmest gentleman,so loving goof,so smart! But he would startle,and a big boy so does look and seem scary but he never bit and I just calmly shooshed him,told him all ok and back to sleep again and darling again

[@andrewhill36]

Thanks that was brilliant. Your dogs are so cool

[@monlow]

This was a really good and informative video, nice job!

[@kelwrg]

Great information!

[@SandyW.Naples]

Thank you so much, I just learned tons about Sleep Startle and my Greyhound who bit my head...ouch and snaps at my other Grey. Now I realize what I am dealing with, thank you for educating me, and I am very sorry for your loss of your Mac.

[@bufferzone7088]

Great video ❤

[@jimmiepatrum]

I'm glad you have alerted people about the possibility of sleep startle in greyhounds. I'm sure that only are your dogs startled, it's very startling to those around them when it happens. Just so sad for the dogs and the people around them.

[@elainelittle9435]

Lovely

[@caroleanderson2946]

I’ve had 2 greyhounds over the last 15 years and both had sleep startle. Roxie, my first, actually got her mouth around my arm but didn’t chomp down. Just left a little scratch. My lesson was learned. My current greyhound is Harley who was sleeping with me on my bed when he suddenly awoke snarling, growling, baring teeth about 3 inches from my face. Really scared me so I screamed at him to get down…I kept screaming at the top of my lungs until he did get down. Gradually over the last 8 years he has stopped getting on my bed while I’m on it. However, if he senses any movement from me or thinks my time on the bed is over, he’ll growl and bark. I’ve tried to quietly get him to not do that but the only thing I’ve found that works is to firmly tell him to “shut up”. It’s rude, but effective. Other than this quirk, having Harley for the past 8 years has been one of the best highlights of my life. Love this boy so much ❤️

[@susancoupland1348]

That was very helpful. My boy does have sleep startle occasionally. Your video gave me some greyt tips on how to deal with it

[@susiemorris2334]

Hi Steph - I have this with my lad. Had him 6.5 years now and he's improved (slightly). He can also be a bit unpredictable when not stood on all 4 laws - but not asleep, just lying down. For the sleep aggression I go by the measure that if he's blinking then he's awake - because blinking for a dog is not involuntary as it is for us hoomans. If a dog is properly blinking then it's brain is conscious. Lovely dogs - both of them.

[@JH-bt2pg]

Great video, love the explanation about the reasoning behind it. Our boy has had it the whole time we have had him. We have about 1 incident a week cause our house is so small but it's down from the 4-5 we use to have when we first got him. We have fostered prior to getting him and he has been the worst for it. Would love to get a second dog but considering the size of the house, I think the sleeping arrangements would be too much of an issue.

[@hekatoncheiros208]

My greyhounds were never anything like as bad as this, but I must say neither of them respected the others space at all. If a sleeping greyhound was in the way, they would simply walk over it. I miss those two.

[@JustMeUpNorth]

Our girl grey has it too. She’s actually bitten me a few times, but I’m not the fastest at getting out of the way 😂. It did really scare me at first, especially as they’re big dogs. Often, though, our girl would beg for fuss immediately afterwards, or nuzzle and lick us, as if to say “I still love you, just not in the mood for you touching me right now”. As time’s gone on she’s learnt to snap less, and that a growl is always respected as her requesting space, peace and quiet. As we all sleep in the same room at night, though, she can still be ‘borksnappy’ if one of us turns over in bed and it disturbs her. It really upset me at first, but learning how her moods change, usually with times of day and sleep cycles, I’m just glad we adopted her when we did. She’d been at the greyhound rescue for a good few months longer than the other dogs, I think mostly because she was also so reactive to other dogs. I get the feeling she may never have been adopted, or would’ve been taken back to the rescue, if someone who didn’t understand sleep aggression had adopted her. Thank you so much for talking about sleep aggression. It’s sometimes hard to imagine such cute and gentle dogs can act so frighteningly, but it’s also important to understand that it’s an issue that can be worked around reasonably simply. Most people don’t like being disturbed when they’re sleeping either, after all!

[@mrmouse7642]

Doesn't matter what the animal is, they are all capable of hurting you. They need to know you are there. That's why you talk to them. Whenever you go up to them, speak/sing/make them know you are there. If they're asleep and look awake, it wakes them up. Although greyhounds are incredibly gentle, they are also dogs - that's why we never let them be alone with our baby all those years ago. I forgot once, years ago, and our fairly new greyhound at the time was startled and bit me (not badly - it needed no treatment). I've also had a shovel kicked out of my hands by a cow too, all because she didn't know I was there. Remember, a greyhound, is a dog, a dog is a wolf and a wolf is a wild animal which can hurt you. They are none of them much different. So, it's not rocket science: be careful around animals - including greyhounds. So gentle, nearly all of the time, but have you seen what they can do to a hare or a cat? - it's in their genes. Respect them and they'll respect you.

[@juliehunt2047]

I agree 💯 with you there. The only comment I'd add is that when my greyhounds asleep, she's really out of it, so to speak. She sleeps very soundly. Every other dog I've had would be aware of movement around them while they were sleeping. They'd open an eye if if got up and went into another room, especially the kitchen lol. My greyhound on the other hand would sleep through anything, so it's no wonder she'd be started and snap if I touched her without giving a warning I knew she was aware of.

[@davidquerry8869]

My 3rd had it severely. It is scary when it happened with him. But then a second later, the ears would go down and he would drop his head, when he realized he was barking at Daddy. And my 4th had it mildly. Like you said, just call their name to wake them before you approach. Once your used to it, it's really no big deal.

[@1389Chopin]

Our stella has it. She is almost 10 and had a full 2 year racing career. We've had her immediately after her retirement at 4. Unfortunately for us she does tend to go the extra inch or 2 and has caught us a couple of times. Nothing serious. Our other vader - has a mild case but as you point out once you know you can make decisions and change your behavior to reduce risk. We allow vader to sleep in hour bed and it has been 5-6 tears since a serious incident - but obviously would not recommend this unless you are prepared for consequences. We have 2 issues - 1. The dogs cuddling us and falling asleep on us making for some tense wake-up/move scenarios. 2. Taking a nap ourselves only to find one or both ended up napping next to us - but we dont realize they are there. Our awareness of this issue is supremely helpful - to be careful. Regardless we adore our sassy/scary babies

[@smkauthor]

Sounds very much like my situation! But I totally agree. Love my sassy/scary grey! 😆😊

[@patriciasutherland923]

My girl Berty definitely had that. She would do it to humans, so we had to be cautious when guests were over to our home.

[@gamerboyethanwalker1528]

So cute mac and Tasha cuties are big girls for greyhounds.

[@rosabella4440]

Nice video. We have a Jack Russell with very bad sleep startle:/ I got bit yesterday bc I let my guard down. She’s a very good dog other than this issue. Hoping she’ll outgrow it. She’s 2.5 ❤️❤️

[@trishalafleur9517]

We had a Greyhound with sleep startle and yes, it is very real!! Our boy Snapshot, actually bit both me and my husband when startled in sleep. With time he got a little better and we just called his name or just gave him plenty of space until he woke up.

[@overpower68]

Bel video brava. Ciao

[@philhough3596]

Ours when we direst adopted our grey surprised us with sleep startle. But over the past few years the times it’s happened have decreased to the point I can’t remember the last time. Part of that was almost certainly us adjusting, looking for the signs he’s asleep or awake and approaching the right way. We’ve another arriving at the weekend.

[@user-tm3se1rz9j]

My greyhound startles as well. He likes to sleep on my lap and in order to be able to move or get up I've got into the habit of gently tickling the sole of his nearest paw while quietly saying his name. This works well and causes him to look at me in a drowsy way and starts stretching his legs and back. So cute ! He always likes to have his nose and eyes covered as well when sleeping, don't know why that is, though. Thanks for your videos. Love to mac

[@koreyb]

Wow, I had no idea this was a thing with greyhounds. Fortunately, mine don't have it. They sleep with us in bed and this would be a real problem at night.

[@vincentlaiyk]

My greyhound likes to sleep with her head rests on my wife's thigh. So cute and she looks like a baby.

[@jaclynnschaefer]

Thank you for this video. I have a greyhound that was a return because her previous family gave her up because the woman put her face up to her while she was in her bed. she was probably just waking up, and snapped at the woman. And they returned her thinking she was aggressive. Now I understand what was going on. She’s never done this to me because I’ve never put my face in hers, especially when she’s in her bed or while she’s sleeping.

[@Angi_Mathochist]

I was heartbroken when I discovered that my current Greyhound had sleep startle. I had actually been discouraged from one dog I'd inquired about because that one had been returned from a family with children due to sleep startle. I need a cuddler to sleep with. That's important to me. So I was scared. But I did some reading and learned that sleep startle DOES get better if given a chance. The issue is simply that they're not used to sleeping near anyone else, but they can get used to it. I learned that Faolan would startle, snap once, but quickly realize where he was and who I was and settle back down. I would simply reassure him and all was well. It was very scary when it happened in the night when I would move a bit in my sleep and that would startle him awake and then his snap would be what woke me. That is NOT fun. But I quickly learned to respond with reassurance and not anger or fear. It's not his fault. He's asleep when it happens, how could it be? So no blame, ever. Just "hey, it's okay, it's just me, you were dreaming. Sorry I woke you. Let's settle again." It was always very quickly over and fine. He's been with us a year and a half and his sleep startle is 99.9% a thing of the distant past now. VERY rarely he'll have a very brief startle bow, but these days it is extremely rare -- maybe once every two or three months, if that. In early days, it was more nights than not. (We alternate nights in different rooms -- because reasons -- and the nights we are set up to cuddle, he has the choice of being with me or not, there are many other places for him in that room, so it's always his choice when we are sleeping cuddled up together, and it was never EVERY single night, so I wasn't worried it was an overwhelming fast change for him.) So yeah, if you keep them sleeping alone because of the sleep startle, they will have it forever. But they CAN get over it by getting used to sleeping in proximity with other people (whether 2 or 4 legged variety people). In most cases, bite inhibition is good and the startle sounds scary but they never cause injury or even really make contact, so it doesn't need to be AS scary as it sounds.

[@SecretCollage]

This is very interesting, cuz I've lived with a greyhound before and they don't have that issue, just sighs when I wake em up lol. But good info!

[@mararoxa2275]

Your video is very interesting. Our greyhound Jon had to be adopted with somewhere where there is no children as he attacked the child from his last home however the child jumped on him while he was asleep. The child’s parents fortunately said it wasn’t Jon’s fault or he would’ve been put down. It’s taken a year & a half for Jon to trust me but he’s still jumpy but he sleeps on the bed with us :)

[@ianhatten2177]

I had never even heard of this before but I now know why my lurcher/greyhound will sometimes wake up with a snarl/growl in the middle of the night.. She sleeps at the foot of the bed and if I move the wrong way she will snap and growl. She was a rescue pup that I adopted when she was 3 months old. She and three other pups from the litter had been surrendered to a dog rescue charity.

[@rickwarren8161]

Late to comment here: learned this from a specialized dog trainer on how dog's communicate. Only the pack leader dog has affection (submissiveness to the pack leader) shown to it without "earning" it. By going to him when he tells you to pet him, he is enforcing his leadership over the humans. His sleep aggression will significantly reduce/go away once he feels safe and secure in the human leadership so he doesn't have to always be on guard to "protect" the pack. Other things I learned: never let dogs go in front of you (humans) without giving a command of "release" or some specific word; never allow dogs to go through a door/entrance first without giving them same "release" command. When on a lease, never let them chose where to relieve themselves/sniff (it's OK to observe their desire to do so, but the human makes the decision to stop and again, says "release." Never let a dog get on furniture without earning it and giving an "OK" command. (when humans are on a couch the dog jumps up to show leadership as being on the ground shows submission.) Something very hard for me to do was never the let sleep on your bed as dogs in the pack never, ever invade the sleeping space of the pack leader. (I cheat and give the "OK" command . Mine growled once when I went to move him while I was in the bed and I calmly has him leave the bed and let him sleep in the living room with my bedroom door closed. The trainer said never to scold, not that you do, a dog for growling as that's a warning before biting, and scolding will make it just snap without giving the warning. Good luck!! These things and much more resolved all my dog's issues when I got a pound dog that I didn't know how to have as a pet in my home. The trainer helped me to make him feel safe and secure in dog language as a pack leader so he didn't always feel he had to take on that role and then act out when I constantly did things that only the pack leader can do...such as leave the pack (the pack cannot leave the leader, as only the leader can do that). Oh yes, put down the dog's food and put the dog in sit/lie down position while the humans eat their meal, then the dog can eat. Never give treats without making the dog "earn it." Never use the dog's name when telling it "no." Just give a "unt unt" or something similar, then praise when the dog stops what ever it was doing. When teaching a dog this, everytime you say it's name, give a treat. Also, something that was immensely helpful: have the dog stand/sit in front of you using high value treats without giving any other commands. Meanwhile, every time it moves an eye, looks away, etc, etc. give it the high value treat. (I loved this one!) Bless you for taking in these beautiful furbabies.

[@weatherviewer]

we had a grey just like this, he's passed away now but you couldn't get near him in his bed or he's let you know VERY LOUDLY to go away! We have 3 more greys now and they couln't care less! Funny how they all have such different personalities!

[@smkauthor]

Yes, it is so interesting to see the difference!

[@vintagelady1]

Greyhounds are "mouthy" by nature. But I have to say, my retired racer's version of sleep startle was to open one eye & give the disturber the ultimate stink eye. But when she first came to me, she would actually bite anyone who came to the house & tried to pet her---in fact, she was an adoption fail for that reason when I got her. Took 2 years to get rid of that. She did snap if she was hurt unexpectedly, but never connected on that, & I always told her "NO!" Good that your pup has never actually bitten anyone, but I would still discourage this behavior very strongly, for example, if she snaps while lying on the couch, off she goes, no attention or pets for 10 minutes. She may be able to learn to curb that response.

[@breevans5219]

We've had our greyhound 2 and a half months and we just had two incidents where he was startled and aggressively went after our guest. We noticed he'll do a growl and single bark at us and we seem to have a better handle but with them he wouldn't stop until we pulled him out of the room. It was pretty scary because he loves people and just wants affection usually. I know things won't change overnight but we're hoping with time he'll overcome it but we'll see.

[@Bessie66]

We’ve rescued 2 lots of greyhounds - never disturb a sleeping greyhound. I also have to add they are so apologetic in there manner afterwards - you really don’t know what some of these poor dogs have been through too. Shouting there name as you approach them also helps

[@houndmother2398]

Mine does that too come all the way it's gotten better over time. She's 7 years old. The thing is is that she sleeps in my bed and Although she's gotten better sometimes I can set her off.

[@joellekenyon6258]

My grey Willow has some sleep startle too, although definitely not as severe as Mac's! For Willow, it only happens in the specific scenario that she wakes up from pain, like if I lay or sit on her foot/tail, which I think is very understandable. if I sit on her feet while she's awake, no aggression! Only when she's woken up. I have learned that practice actually helps a lot in my case. Willow sleeps on my bed with me at night, so the foot sitting is pretty common. I found that if I can catch her napping during the day, I can wake her up by calling her name, and then I roll onto her feet. She realizes she's not in any danger and goes back to sleep like that. I also try playing with and squeezing her feet and tail while she's in/out of sleep and she has gotten used to the sensation! I noticed a significant decrease in her sleep startle reactions with the desensitization. It still happens, but so much less. It was difficult in the beginning, so many online sources say to punish or time-out your dog if they ever show any aggression, but sleep startle is a whole different story. They don't know where they are or what's happening, only that they're in pain. As soon as they know they're safe, they're the sweetest dogs. How can you punish them for fear? Just respect the dog and educate the people in your home :)

[@phalanxcuthalion9664]

Great video. If you don't mind me asking, what's that scar on Mac's side from?

[@smkauthor]

She had it when I adopted her. My vet says it looks like a dog bite. Could have been a sibling bite when she was young. I was told her sister was "crazy" so that is my best guess.

[@procrastinates]

My labrador also does this. He tends to sleep in my bed and whenever I move my leg, he barks loudly which also startles me awake. He's never bitten me from being startled awake, but I just can't move a muscle when he's asleep in my bed or he'll wake up my family members.

[@markam67]

My Labrador that passed away last year had a thing called Night Time Owner Aggression and he would be the same way. I had had a lab before and she didnt mind us getting down and lay with her near her bed even if she was asleep but I would never trust Skipper like that he could come up snapping at anytime.

[@gmgmg9124]

Thank you very informative. I have a bull terrier that does the same things bur more aggressive. She will be in the red zone and it does not matter even if she know you.

[@Ilovedogs0204]

My little chihuahua who weighs 8 pounds has the same problem…lol

[@twilightingX]

I wonder if Saluki’s can get this? My Saluki puppy growls if I disturb her while sleeping.

[@ayame316]

Yes, it is a sighthound thing so I’ve heard. Borzois also have shown it.

[@1991LMR]

Ive had my saluki since 3mths old and she has always slept in my bed. She's now 3y.o and sometimes if i move even the slightest bit, literally like my toes, she will jump up. She doesnt get aggressive but very jumpy. I say "its okay, its okay" and she will usually lie down again, but i dont know why she does it.

[@dogshome7110]

The thing about growling, showing teeth and snapping is that it isn't biting. I've not seen sleep sleep startle in any of my dogs, but I have seen 'agression' as a warning. Generally it's a good thing to other dogs. To humans not so great at they should see you as apex dog. Obviously something frightening from the past (as you say), so don't tell them off. Just good boy/girl once it subsides. I've had two of my previous girls go for it (totally my fault) by throwing the ball for no2 and not no1 first. They can do serious harm in that state, but once split, it's gone and forgotten immediately. I guess I've been lucky. My current male dog was 12 months in the resue and would back up snap at anyone who came near him. I got his sister initially and could not believe he was still there each time I returned. He's no trouble to me now to me or or his sister, but has a very strong prey drive and kids or small animals have to be kept away. Mostly the dogs I have had have been very easy,m prdictable and passive. My first greyhound told my 7 year old son off for hanging over her (growl) and he learned not to do that. He's 33 now and we still have greyhounds 🙂

[@rhyanonstuddert7384]

I'm so thankful my girl isn't like this. I still try to not disturb her while she's asleep because she does 'jump' as if she is scared, but she's never been aggressive.

[@An-hv1nt]

It wouldnt be her fault if she did have sleep startle

[@Trump2024FJB]

When I first got mine out of the shelter he was abused he bit me once I got mad but I could tell he felt bad.

[@houndmother2398]

The other thing is they don't like being approached when they're laying down because it puts them in a vulnerable position. I'm on my 3rd greyhound, cory, and I did that today and she jumped up and snapped at me. I bet over her to move her blanket and she didn't like that. So that's potentially another issue.

[@vicki5043]

We have a 10month old English bull terrier that does this

[@aliiiiibaby]

Hi! What is the gate called in your bedroom? I would like to order one for my grey

[@smkauthor]

Frisco Steel 8-Panel Configurable Dog Gate & Playpen from Chewy.com

[@waynetaylor5227]

as a cat guy who likes other peoples dogs...hey' i don't have to walk em.. this is good to know

[@kellydgz5227]

I have a 3 year old dobie that just started this -

[@sheerkhanful]

Does this issue exist with greyhounds raised from puppies?

[@georgielancaster1356]

I've rescued for 40 years - including a few greyhounds. Never had an experience of this! From chi's to deerhounds. Very interesting. I had a permanent pack of nine. I had a bit of rivalry between a couple, but never any sleep problems. At times, they had cats sleep on top of them, poddy lambs curl up with the dogs. No sleep problems - just the deerhound and greyhound both wanting my bed as soon as I was out of it - and if one got it, if they got up to pee or drink, it was GONE.

[@JustMeUpNorth]

I thought I was imagining the ‘hogging the warm spot’ our girl grey does! So she’s not the only one! It’s gotten so we keep dog treats by the bed, to convince her to move so we can actually get back in ourselves 😂

[@riya3693]

Hey! My dog has sleep startle however for the last week I have been giving my dog greens CBD oil and since I started he has not sleep startled once, you have to give them CBD consistently for the best results so I will come back in 1 month and let you know how it goes but thought I would comment now just in case you want to try it out. Good luck! 😊😊

[@ishansharma2]

Hello. Has the sleep startle been resolved by the CBD?

[@SaltiDawg2008]

*My 12 1/2 year old Spayed Female Greyhound shows absolutely none of these symptoms. Period!*

[@HappyHoney41]

I would put a muzzle on, for the trips in the car. Being in a confined space with that happening, would be too much for my nerves.

[@ayame316]

This looks very much like a reflex and that they have little control. It seems like your dog has more sleep startle against dogs than people, which makes sense. But I guess when a greyhound is asleep, they don’t know if it is a dog or a human touching them, therefore the startle response.

[@gigglyminer72]

my dog has this, my gf tried to give him a kiss when he was sleeping(yes she was told about his sleep aggression) he bit her lip right off. she had to undergo plastic surgery and it was traumatic for her. he’s bit me on the lip but not nearly as severe. it’s very scary this is new for him only started a few months back. he’s the sweetest boy with good temper when he’s awake. I don’t want to give him up but it’s becoming a real danger.

[@smkauthor]

Wow...it was scary for sure at first with Mac. But we just learned to stay away when she was sleeping (even with eyes open) and it became less of an issue. But she did have sleep startle her whole life. Just something I had to be really mindful of.

[@mikeodonnell6799]

Lord Alfred Wagglesworth

[@rocfella]

how common is this? and what about galgos and lurchers? since these dogs sleep 22 hours a day and if there are little kids in the house this could be annoying and maybe dangerous.

[@kristalynfernandez3350]

This information alone, I'm thinking Greyhounds aren't recommended for small children lol. I could see this being an "experienced dog owners only" kind of deal

[@mythicgreyhound]

Mythic and his predecessor both have sleep aggression; for me, it's about letting them know where I am, and that snapping at me is not an approved thing. It does seem to lessen over time as the houndies get used to you and their environment. "Don't be a grumblebutt" used to be my term for telling my first houndy that he was safe and I was there, but not to snap at me, and it's now ... "don't be an asshole" with Mythic . With dog #1 a lot of the time he'd look at you, realize he was ok, and go back to sleep before his head hit the bed again; but talking to them calmly does seem to help a lot -- even if they are asleep.

[@iamhim399]

Or my greyhound when he is sleeping or just laying down dose not want anyone near his head

[@justsixxx]

My red nose pitbull has sleep aggression. Scared the shit out of me an kinda hurt my feelings 😐

[@smkauthor]

It hurt my feelings too the first few times! The more it happened, and the more I learned about it; I realized it's just part of who she is and not a reflection of how she feels about me.

[@JustMeUpNorth]

Same! I felt awful about it. Now I just figure our girl is grumpy when woken up, a bit like her human dad 😅. It’s nothing personal.

[@MissyYoko]

I don’t know…my Gal did that when I let her on the bed with me the first few times. I flipped out and seriously corrected her. DONE AND OVER. Total sweetie after that. Swift and terrible. They will get in line quickly because it is unacceptable behavior and they need to know that.

[@antoniodeb94]

Welp, this made me not want a greyhound now

[@mikeodonnell6799]

that dog needs weed