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Post by Rob on Sept 18, 2015 13:57:21 GMT 10
Hi Tom
I`m currently pre training my dogs and cant always get access to a slipping track is it just as benerficial to give them a run in my galloping paddock or is this too much of a risk of injury ( twisting and turning etc,) as one has already had some minor problems with shin soreness
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Post by Tom Meulman on Sept 18, 2015 19:29:58 GMT 10
Hi Rob,
While certainly does depend on the size of the galloping paddock, obtaining exercise beneficial to the muscle tissue is difficult under those circumstances. Being let out in a large yard is more beneficial to a dogs mental attitude than anything else. The problem of course is when there are two or more out there they will play chasey, twist and turn, and do themselves damage.
In my own case I did have a yard that was just over half an acre, with a good surface and finely cut grass that my racing greyhounds went out into everyday, two at a time, four times each day, and I did go of crook at them if they got too stirred up and started tearing around the area. In addition to that they either raced approximately every fourth day, or when it was a matter of getting them fit enough to race, a run behind a lure over a suitable distance for their work stage every third day.
Unfortunately for many people while going to work in order to pay the bills and keep food on the plate, training greyhounds in the manner that is required to get them to their peak is extremely difficult in the early stages, however it does get easier once they are race fit.
While as you say it is difficult to regularly get to the right facility to give them a worthwhile hit out, keep in mind that you can increase the benefit of each hand slip session by giving them a rest for 45 to 60 minutes and then running them over the same distance again.
Cheers, Tom
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Post by Rob on Sept 19, 2015 15:59:49 GMT 10
Ok maybe I should just trial them each week because the grass is fairly long,Or do they need the extra galloping in between trials (slipping Track)? Or is walking (twice a day) and trialling(once a week)enough to get them fit for racing?
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Post by Tom Meulman on Sept 19, 2015 19:32:38 GMT 10
Hi Rob,
One run a week behind the lure plus a 300 meter handslip will just about maintain a greyhound at its current state of fitness. To increase fitness enough to be ready for racing will require twice that much work, and then race fitness itself will only be reached when the greyhound has raced at least twice and has competed successfully against other greyhounds.
The real guide to fitness, and good health to a certain extent, is recovery rate. A greyhound that has reached the right stage of health and fitness will virtually bloom with work, will be looking for more each day, it's coat will be shiny and become finer with muscle tissue clearly defined, and at its peak will also show veins on its spinal muscle tissue.
Cheers, Tom
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