Frequently Asked Questions

Honest answers about how I board sighthounds in North London, how the residential recall training works, and what your dog can expect under my roof. If your question isn’t covered here, get in touch and I’ll happily talk it through.

About the service

What does The Sighthound Guy offer?

I offer two services, both for sighthounds only: relaxed home boarding, and an intensive five-day Residential Recall programme. Greyhounds, whippets, lurchers, salukis, deerhounds and crosses only. No other breeds, no other distractions.

Boarding is the relaxed home-from-home stay, priced per night. Residential Recall is the intensive programme, a minimum of five days from £850, where your hound learns reliable recall living with me day after day, not in a one-hour slot once a week. See services and our method for the detail.

Which areas do you serve?

North London, primarily Hampstead, Highgate and Islington. Daily walks are on Hampstead Heath. If you’re unsure whether I cover your area, just ask.

Why sighthounds only?

Sighthounds think differently from retrievers and collies. They’re sensitive, fast, and wired around a powerful prey drive. Specialising in the breed group means everything I do, from the pack walks to the recall work to the home setup, is built around how these dogs actually behave. They’re never mixed with breeds that don’t share their temperament.

How do I book?

Start with a message or a call on 0797 0287 502, or reach me on WhatsApp. Every new dog begins with a meet and greet followed by a one-night assessment, so I can see how your hound settles before any longer stay.

Boarding

How much does boarding cost?

Boarding is priced per night by your dog’s weight, with raw food included:

The minimum boarding stay is 24 hours. Residential Recall is a separate, intensive programme priced from £850, covered below.

Is there a minimum stay?

Boarding has a minimum stay of 24 hours. The Residential Recall programme runs for a minimum of five days, so the recall work has room to land. Every new dog starts with a meet and greet and a one-night assessment.

What is the boarding environment like?

A calm, climate-controlled family home with a 350ft secure private garden. Your dog stays as part of the household, with plenty of exercise, daily walks on Hampstead Heath, and proper rest. I’m licensed for up to eight dogs, so numbers stay small and the attention stays high.

What do I need to bring?

Just any medication your dog takes, along with clear instructions. Raw food and everything else for a comfortable stay are provided.

Do you collect and drop off?

Yes, within Hampstead and the surrounding North London areas. You’re also very welcome to drop your dog off and collect from my home in person.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations made at least 72 hours in advance receive a full refund. Cancellations inside 72 hours may be subject to a fee.

Recall training

How does residential recall training work?

It happens throughout an intensive residential stay, not in isolated lessons. Your hound lives with me for a minimum of five days and learns reliable recall in real situations, on real walks, day after day, which is exactly how the behaviour becomes dependable. The Residential Recall programme starts from £850.

What do you actually teach?

The Big Six commands: Recall, Stay, Wait, Sit, Down and Heel. Recall is the priority, because it’s the command that keeps a sighthound safe when its prey drive fires. The other five build the calm, responsive dog that reliable recall depends on.

Can you really train recall in a sighthound?

Yes. It’s harder than with most breeds because of the chase instinct, which is precisely why it takes a specialist and an immersive, lived-in approach rather than a weekly class. I work with the prey drive, not against it.

Will I get updates while my dog stays?

Every day. You’ll receive WhatsApp photo and video updates so you can see your hound settled, exercised and progressing. You also go home with a clear plan to keep building on the work.

Trust and safety

Are you licensed and insured?

Fully. The Sighthound Guy holds a 5-star home boarding licence, number 2023-2989, licensed for eight dogs. I’m Canine First Aid certified, fully insured and bonded.

What are your credentials and reputation?

A 5-star Google rating, recognition as a Google Selected Business, and a feature in Time Out. You can read genuine reviews on Google before you decide.

What happens in an emergency?

I contact you, or your nominated emergency contact, straight away. If treatment is needed, your dog goes to the nearest veterinary clinic or to my trusted vet without delay.

Still have a question?

If anything isn’t answered here, I’d rather you asked than guessed. Call 0797 0287 502, message me on WhatsApp, or use the contact page to arrange a meet and greet for your sighthound.