Racing on sand?

[RealMadYid]

Ockendon greyhound schooling track is about 10 minutes from where I live so I took my young dog there this morning. I wasn't gonna let him have a go, but the owner called me over and said have a go. Well, there's no racing in the South till Fordingbride, so I thought why not. Some had said don't try the bends untill the dog is older. But, the sand was damp and soft, and apart from a slight hesitation at the 1st bend the dog ran great (in fact a few greyhound owners came over and asked about him). My opinion was that it was safer to give him a lap on the sand than free run him on hard turf? Anyone like to comment? As I have noticed even pups don't really strech out unless they are chasing....

Paul

 

[kipper fluke]

Our bitch pup Waterford had her first run round the greyhound stadium at 6 months old and has been exercised on the beach at Morecambe with our other dogs from an early age.

We like sand work/exercise, some may think its too young but at the end of the day you have to do what you believe in

Our adult dogs have not come to any harm in fact they have thrived on it.

Karen

 

[jade scott]

No problem giving young dogs a solo round the bend, but dont get carried away and start racing him over this distance untill he is at least a year old, and yes i agree with steve on the safety of sand, you dont see many nocked up toes on the bends.

 

[Fleesh]

Well not living near anything sandy such as a beach I cannot comment on the effect it has upon a dogs running ability, my dogs however enjoy a good chase round the cricket pitch as often as they like. Kerri had her first trial on the bends at 11mths old and her 1st race at 13mths, she didn't do extremely well on her 1st time but the second bend even to she went to she managed to make the second places at just 14mths old (not I don't know if this is meant to be good or not). But then silly Kerri came into season, it's a pity she didnt get to run the bends more often as she just loved the last 160m. I think free running and running on sand as a youngster can be good for building up stamina ready for the bends, my pup is a mad little thing and never stops running when we are out. Now the only test of my theory is to see how she does when she is running on the bends.

 

[mutley]

greyhounds start schooling at about 12 months ??? long way for a whippet puppy at a young age as growth plates are not fully formed ,works for some others are not so lucky, but best of luck to all.

 

[Terry Smith]

I would agree with Mutley about age & distance. I like to run ours on sand though, much safer IMO and they always seem to go better on it. Be sure to give their feet a good rinse after though, ingrained particles can lead to inter digital cyst's & corns.

 

[RealMadYid]

Thanks for all your comments...I would reckon it depends on the dog...Mine has wanted to run and chase since it was 12 weeks, and has never had to do anything twice. The biggest problem is getting him back on the lead after he's done some free running, an absolute nightmare, and also amusing to passing other dog owners who me seem chasing after this little disobedient dog Also will not the comments on washing paws after he's run on sand, but perhaps that should apply at all times, not only when they're dirty and wet...

Paul

 

[jade scott]

i agree there paul but nobody seems to wash there dogs feet oher than at bend racing, my dog is useless round the bends and as i havent had a good bend dog i think my advice would b useless