SCHOOLING
Proper schooling of saplings is something that is often over looked in the development stage of a greyhound. Owners have a young dog and often want to see him on the track as quickly as possible. Here at Drumscraw we run a schooling programme that suits the individual dog rather than ourselves. Some dogs can be fully schooled in 4/6 weeks and others can take anything up to 12 weeks but rest assured when they graduate from school here they know their job.
Saplings are kenneled up at 11/12 months where they get used to kennel life and routine. After they have settled we begin galloping them to built there fitness levels and introduce them to the drag lure. Once they are chasing the lure satisfactorily they can progress to the track but not before we are happy that they are physically mature.
We primarily school at Joe Hurleys track , Field of Dreams, which is situated in Gulladuff Co Derry. First timers will be taken to watch a trial session first and taken home without being put round. Once that has been done we take them back a week later and give them a handslip at the third bend so they ease into the bend and have the full length of the home straight to stretch themselves and ease into the pick up. On their next visit we handslip them further up the backstraight, almost from the sprint traps, which gives them a nice gallop into the third and fourth bends and the home straight again.
The next step in their education is to introduce the traps to the equation. First time in the traps we leave the back door open and hold them to ensure no drama or bad experiences. On their next visit the back door of the traps will be closed and the vast majority take them well, if they don't we give some extra trap work at home. After two satisfactory solo trials we introduce another dog to the trial to ensure that the pup will pass and is chasing 100%.
Depending on what exactly an owner is aiming for with their dogs schooling that may be the process complete. Some prefer them to go to their trainers a little greener than others whilst some like to know exactly their capabilities before deciding where to sent them to race. Either way we can give guidance on the potential of the pup and what type of track will suit its style of running best.
We use Field of Dreams track for the following reasons;
(1) It is very well designed circuit with excellent bends and good galloping straights.
(2) The running surface is maintained to an exceptionally high standard.
(3) In our opinion the Starmat surface that is used has cut out a large proportion of the schooling type of injuries that can be prevalent with young dogs. ie. metacarpal soreness , toe injuries and hocks problems
(4) The timing system used allows for sectionals at either bend and both finish lines which gives a useful guide to the potential distances that will suit.
Feel free to contact us if you wish to place your dog with us for schooling. Places are limited and are generally booked well in advance.
Saplings are kenneled up at 11/12 months where they get used to kennel life and routine. After they have settled we begin galloping them to built there fitness levels and introduce them to the drag lure. Once they are chasing the lure satisfactorily they can progress to the track but not before we are happy that they are physically mature.
We primarily school at Joe Hurleys track , Field of Dreams, which is situated in Gulladuff Co Derry. First timers will be taken to watch a trial session first and taken home without being put round. Once that has been done we take them back a week later and give them a handslip at the third bend so they ease into the bend and have the full length of the home straight to stretch themselves and ease into the pick up. On their next visit we handslip them further up the backstraight, almost from the sprint traps, which gives them a nice gallop into the third and fourth bends and the home straight again.
The next step in their education is to introduce the traps to the equation. First time in the traps we leave the back door open and hold them to ensure no drama or bad experiences. On their next visit the back door of the traps will be closed and the vast majority take them well, if they don't we give some extra trap work at home. After two satisfactory solo trials we introduce another dog to the trial to ensure that the pup will pass and is chasing 100%.
Depending on what exactly an owner is aiming for with their dogs schooling that may be the process complete. Some prefer them to go to their trainers a little greener than others whilst some like to know exactly their capabilities before deciding where to sent them to race. Either way we can give guidance on the potential of the pup and what type of track will suit its style of running best.
We use Field of Dreams track for the following reasons;
(1) It is very well designed circuit with excellent bends and good galloping straights.
(2) The running surface is maintained to an exceptionally high standard.
(3) In our opinion the Starmat surface that is used has cut out a large proportion of the schooling type of injuries that can be prevalent with young dogs. ie. metacarpal soreness , toe injuries and hocks problems
(4) The timing system used allows for sectionals at either bend and both finish lines which gives a useful guide to the potential distances that will suit.
Feel free to contact us if you wish to place your dog with us for schooling. Places are limited and are generally booked well in advance.
