|
|
Post by Robert on Nov 28, 2010 14:43:15 GMT 10
Hi Tom
I am about to embark on my first attempt at training.
I have a bitch 12 months who will come back from the breakers in a fortnight.
All things going well she will be on the road to a racing career under my guidance.
I have built a set of greyhound kennels (x 2) in my back yard & I am just wondering the rough time line from when she arrives to when she begins racing (barring injury, etc)
First off...Am I right in thinking I should take her to the vet to give her a check over?
Most of my dogs have had time off between the breaker & going to the trainer. I am wondering what would be my routine with her before I started trying to get her fit & ready for trialing etc in a few months time.
Also would be grateful if you could give me an idea of when to put them over certain distances & after how many trials to step them up further in distance etc.
Any advice would be well appreciated.
|
|
|
|
Post by Tom Meulman on Nov 28, 2010 16:42:40 GMT 10
Hi Robert, mate I would really like to help, but the problem really is to provide the information you need to know is going to fill at least four pages of typing and really beyond the scope of this question and answer section.
The most important points are this:
12 months of age is too young to start with any training routine and it should be spelled for at least 2 months.
Ensure the dog’s diet has the right balance in regard to protein, carbohydrates, fats, and additives. (Personally I’m not real keen on any of the complete food high protein dry foods.)
Before you do anything with the dog make sure it is free of worms, fully immunised, and have a blood profile done to make certain that there are no underlying health issues that are going to interrupt the training program, such as a low blood count, or a low grade infection.
Get the dog's health right first, and then make sure it is sound every time you run it behind the lure.
Don’t increase the distance the dog is running over, unless it pulls up from each run reasonably sound, and recovers easily and quickly.
It may be worth reading the post in the top section of this site called “Stress what is it? What does it cause? And why?” to give you a better idea how quickly to step a dog up in distance.
Cheers,
Tom
|
|
|
|
Post by Robert on Nov 28, 2010 17:25:48 GMT 10
Thanks Tom
In that 2 months spell (until the pup is say 14 months), what kind of fitness regime would you stick to, bearing in mind I'm in suburbia. Is a good walk on the lead each day sufficient or should I do more?
|
|
|
|
Post by Tom Meulman on Nov 28, 2010 18:10:44 GMT 10
Hi Robert,
First two weeks walking only, sort out the worming, immunisation, and any injury or health problems.
Next two weeks walking and one free gallop during the week anywhere that you can safely let her have a run around.
Next two weeks walking and two free gallops each week.
The following week walking and if possible a trip back to the track where she was broken-in or the nearest safe trial track, out of the boxes and no more than 200 to 250 metres, drop her on the arm and tow her back to the pickup point.
At this point in time you get to find out how well she was broken-in, or if there is more work you need to do in regard to both boxing and chasing.
The week after that you give her a 250 to 300 metres trial, or start doing whatever is required to bring her up to standard as far as boxing or chasing is concerned.
Cheers,
Tom
|
|
|
|
Post by Robert on Nov 28, 2010 18:18:28 GMT 10
Thanks Tom.
|
|
|
|
Post by Robert on Dec 28, 2010 8:01:00 GMT 10
Hi Tom
Apologies for posting over the top of another thread. I would like some advice on the following:
a 12 month bitch of mine is losing hair on her neck. Where the hair is missing (about the size of a 50 cent piece, the skin is hard & flaky & slightly raised. any advice for treatment would be appreciated.
|
|
|
|
Post by Joe on Dec 28, 2010 20:14:09 GMT 10
|
|
|
|
Post by Tom Meulman on Dec 29, 2010 5:08:34 GMT 10
Hi Robert,
Joe is absolutely correct with his ringworm diagnosis as from your description it is most likely to be a fungal infection, and the link he has provided is certainly worth a read.
There are lots of cures for fungal infections that have been used on greyhounds with varying degrees of success. The two that I have found the best are Quit Itch lotion which is an iodine based treatment available from most pet shops, and Clotrimazole cream which is an antifungal skin cream available from any chemist.
The Quit Itch lotion can also be used as a shampoo for washing the whole of the dog to minimize the spread of the infection, and is then applied undiluted to the infected area twice daily until it has cleared.
The Clotrimazole cream is also applied twice daily to the affected area, and is very effective clearing most infections in about a week.
Cheers,
Tom
|
|
