A dog's weight is generally set during training, and a diet must be created to maintain that weight. Most male greyhounds eat about three pounds of food a day, and females get slightly less, depending on their size. Dogs are usually weighed on the morning of the day they are scheduled to race. They get a small meal before the race and a full meal after they have run in competition.

After the dog has been weighed, there is an inspection to make sure there are no physical problems. After that, a trainer may choose to give the dog a rubdown with a liniment.

The greyhound gets to take it easy until about an hour and a half before the race. At that time, they are brought to the paddock, given a tag with a race number, and weighed in. The weigh-in is supervised by a veterinarian in the employ of the track or the state government. If the dog is not at the correct weight, it will not be able to race that day. The veterinarian also observes the dogs for signs of injury or sickness. The presence of fleas and ticks will also be noted so that the kennels can take appropriate pest control measures. Additionally, the veterinarian will walk the track to make sure the surface is safe.

Once the dogs have been weighed, they are taken to the "ginny pit," a kennel holding area that is usually away from the public view. Just before the race, the dogs line up at the paddock so that their tattoos can be checked by a race official. It is at this point that the public get its first glimpse of the dogs. The dogs then receive their racing blankets and muzzles.

Each dog is then led out onto the track and into a starting box. When the boxes open, the dogs move quickly down the track in order to try to win.

After the race, the dogs are cleaned and inspected for injuries. Special care is given to the feet and eyes. A rubdown may then be necessary to prevent sore muscles. After a rest, the dogs are given their main meal for the day.