Come race time, the hounds are all business, and highly excited. As mild mannered as Greyhounds are, no chances are taken at race time. They are muzzled to make sure they do not nip at each other. Racing muzzles are very light, and the dogs wear them two to three times a week. Their thin coats are little protection against even a little nip that might take place after a hound is startled from a bump or from being stepped on by a clumsy human handler. Most handlers love the dogs, and often adopt them after their careers are over.