Dog throws head around up straight

Hi Ellen,

I do not know of any specific injury that is likely to cause this without also causing an awkward galloping action.

The most likely reason is some hesitation in chasing hard all the way causing the head to bob around a bit more than usual.

Cheers,
Tom

Hi Ellen,

When you watch a greyhound run up a straight a lot more of it’s galloping action is available to be analysed compared to watching the same greyhound running the same distance on an oval or circular track, and while an experienced person watching that greyhound can pick existing injuries, in some circumstances it can be quite deceiving.

For instance it can be quite normal for a young greyhound educated to chase on a circular or oval track to lose focus when running up a straight the first few times after about 100 metres because, one, they are expecting a turn to come up, two they are running away from the person that normally handles them and with whom they feel safe, and thirdly because they are having to drive on the left hind leg for longer than they are used to, and its getting tired.

All of this can make them lose coordinated galloping action, not quite chase as hard, and make them look as if they are just about broken down.

Cheers,
Tom