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Spelling

Because of the physical and mental demands involved with breaking in, it is imperative that the following occurs immediately following the process:
1. Your greyhound undergoes a medial assessment from a specialised greyhound vet
2. Any treatment prescribed by the greyhound vet is followed through
3. Your greyhound is spelled for a period of 4-12 weeks

Ensure your greyhound is not left in a paddock or long run where he can build up his speed and potentially cause more damage.

Your greyhound needs rest, so keeping him/her in a small yard without other dogs or even in your house or apartment is ideal. Exercise should be kept to walking or jogging on a lead, and if you can do so in parklands with wildlife this is a great way to trigger your greyhound’s natural chasing instincts.

The first step is for your greyhound to undergo a medical assessment from a greyhound vet, and this may include a blood test. Your greyhound will have some general soreness after such a lengthy period of intense training, and your greyhound vet will advise how to treat any sore spots.

Finding someone to ‘spell’ your greyhound at this point of their lives, and knowing that they will provide your greyhound with all their TLC requirements can be extremely difficult.

Most rearers will rear greyhounds while they are young, but once your greyhound reaches breaking-in age their place on the rearer’s property is often taken by another pup coming through the system.

This is another reason why owning a greyhound in partnership with a top breeder is beneficial, as they are likely to take the pup back after break in and spell them on their own property.

Either way, it is advisable to have your pup’s post break-in spelling phase organised well in advance.

If your breeder can’t do the spelling for you, he or she may be able to point you in the direction of someone who can. Ideally it would be someone with no more than a small number of greyhounds who can commit the time to giving them the TLC required to nurse them back to full health.

NOTE: If your greyhound has broken in really well you may be able to source a trainer who is prepared to perform the spelling and pre-training of your greyhound, with a view to eventually training him/her for you.

WHAT IF THE BREAKER SAYS MY DOG WON’T CHASE?

If your breaker has spent in excess of four weeks trying to break in your greyhound and feels that he/she cannot get your greyhound to chase the lure with the necessary intent required then some radical steps may need to be taken.

If you can bring your greyhound home, whether in a house or even an apartment, it may prove extremely beneficial. That said, it is advisable not to bring your greyhound home if you have a pet cat. Even having a domestic dog at home may pose a risk as your greyhound may confuse your pet dog with something he is meant to chase (ie. a mechanical lure). All caution needs to be taken.
If you are confident your greyhound would be ok in your home for a few weeks, all you need is:

– A secure yard with fencing at least seven foot high
– A sheltered outdoor area
– Bedding
– A rug for during the cooler months
– Supply of fresh water
– Food bowl

Greyhounds should be fed twice daily. A quick simple healthy diet for a greyhound is as follows:
Breakfast: 6-8 raw chicken necks or 2-3 raw chicken legs
Dinner: 500 grams mince meat fit for human consumption plus a large handful of cooked pasta, rice or noodles mixed with cooked chopped vegetables.

Roast chicken or steak are other dinner alternatives, but avoid giving your greyhound cooked bones.

Avoid keeping your greyhound outdoors for long periods in excessive heat.