Saluki Puppy Checklist

Before Puppy Comes Home

Saluki Puppy Prep: Fence First, Vet Brief Second

Before your Saluki puppy arrives, two things are non-negotiable: confirming your fencing is secure, and briefing your vet that your dog is a sighthound before any anesthetic procedure. These are not routine precautions — they are breed-critical safety issues.

Fence Security Check

• Minimum 5-foot fence, 6-foot strongly preferred — Salukis are athletic and motivated jumpers when something interesting is outside the fence
• Check all gate latches — secure with carabiner clips or padlocks if there is any play in the latch mechanism
• Check for gaps at the fence base and corners
• NEVER use invisible/electric fence for a Saluki — a sighthound in pursuit of prey will run through the correction and then be unable to return without repeated shocks
• Ensure fence panels have no footholds that make climbing easier

Essential Gear Checklist

• Crate (36-inch is usually right; use a divider panel for puppies)
• Orthopedic dog bed or padded mat — Salukis are bony dogs with minimal fat padding, and pressure sores on elbows are possible on hard surfaces
• Stainless steel food and water bowls
• Flat collar + ID tag (engrave immediately on arrival)
• Martingale collar — ideal for sighthounds, which have necks wider than their heads and can slip a standard collar when startled
• 4–6 ft leash
• Hound glove or soft bristle brush
• Wide-tooth comb (if feathered coat)
• Mild dog shampoo
• High-value training treats
• Dog coat for cold weather
• Enzymatic cleaner

First Week Setup

First Week: Vet Visit and the Anesthesia Conversation

First Vet Visit — The Sighthound Briefing

At your first vet visit, explicitly inform the vet that your dog is a sighthound. This conversation matters for every procedure that might involve sedation or anesthesia — routine spay/neuter included. Ask your vet to note sighthound status in the dog's file so the information is accessible in emergencies. Many experienced vets already know this; some do not. The responsibility is yours to mention it every time.

• Full physical exam
• Vaccine schedule continuation
• Parasite prevention
• Microchip if not done by breeder
• Discuss spay/neuter timing — waiting until 18 months for bone and joint development is increasingly recommended for medium-large breeds
• Enroll in pet insurance before this visit or immediately after

Socialization for an Aloof Breed

The socialization window (8–16 weeks) matters for all dogs; for Salukis, which are naturally reserved with strangers, it matters more. A well-socialized Saluki is neutral and calm around unfamiliar people. An under-socialized one can be fearful or reactive.

• Expose to diverse people in positive contexts — different heights, clothing, hats, children, elderly
• Introduce to varied environments: city sounds, vehicles, crowds, different flooring surfaces
• Arrange positive, calm interactions with friendly, vaccinated dogs
• Do not force interactions with strangers — let the puppy approach at its own pace with treats to reward calm curiosity
• Enroll in puppy socialization class early

Training and Management

Building Good Habits for an Independent Sighthound

Training Approach

Salukis respond to gentle, positive reinforcement. Harsh corrections produce shutdown and avoidance rather than compliance. Keep sessions short — 5–10 minutes maximum — and end on success. Salukis learn quickly but have an independent streak; they perform reliably when they understand what's asked and find it worthwhile.

• Sit, down, stay, come, leave it — establish all core commands from puppyhood
• Loose-leash walking is critical — a Saluki that pulls can generate real force when spotting prey
• Martingale collar for all leash work — standard collars can be slipped
• Recall indoors and in fenced areas can be very reliable; never expect it to override prey drive in an open field

The Chase Reflex: Understanding, Not Fighting It

Salukis were bred for thousands of years to independently pursue prey at full speed. The sight of a small animal running at distance triggers a pursuit reflex that is not trainable away. Understand this as a breed characteristic rather than a disobedience problem. Manage it through containment — never through trust of recall in open spaces.

Exercise Rules for Puppies

No forced running until 18 months — growth plates in medium-large breeds close late. The 5-minutes-per-month-of-age rule applies: a 3-month puppy gets 15-minute sessions. Free play in the yard is fine; jogging alongside a bike is not until the dog is fully grown. A Saluki pushed into hard running too young risks joint damage that compromises the athletic career ahead of them.

Cold Weather Prep

Order a dog coat before the first cold weather arrives. Salukis are genuinely intolerant of cold — their lean body and thin coat offer minimal insulation. Having a properly fitting coat ready before winter means you're not scrambling when the temperature drops.