TRAINJNG GKEYHOUNDS. 251 



course tends to cool them after the excitement of running in public and amongst strange 

 dogs, whilst the rest must be beneficial to them after the exertions they have undergone. 



As regards the preparation which Greyhounds require for the description of coursing we have 

 alluded to above, it may be briefly said to consist of two most important items viz., proper food 

 and sufficient, though judicious, exercise. As the amount of the former must usually depend in 

 a great degree upon the latter, it will suit our purpose better to allude to exercise first, and 

 defer any observations on feeding until that subject is completed. The quantity of exercise 

 naturally enough varies when different constitutions and circumstances have to be considered 

 for some breeds of Greyhounds will get into condition with a far less amount of physical 

 exertion than is required by others. The description of country which has to be gone over, 

 also, must influence the trainer considerably, but under any circumstances all superfluous fat 

 must be removed from the dog, and his wind must be improved by exercise. Many Greyhounds, 

 if permitted to run loose, will of their own free will give themselves enough exercise to keep 

 in good health and fair condition ; these, as long as this fondness for running about remains, 

 will not require more than a few gallops to get tolerably fit for the class of coursing in which 

 they are likely to take part. On the other hand, many Greyhounds are lazy, and disinclined 

 to exert themselves, and are therefore compelled to take exercise under the immediate super- 

 vision of their trainer, whoever he may be. Most practical persons are strongly in favour of 

 giving their dogs a large amount of exercise on the high road, as it has the undoubted effect 

 of hardening the feet. The best hour for this sort of exercise is, for two reasons, the early 

 morning first, because the roads are less likely to be crowded by carts or passengers ; and, 

 secondly, the heat of the day is avoided. 



It is always most desirable to muzzle Greyhounds when at exercise, as there is then no 

 chance of their injuring themselves by fighting, or by picking up poison or injurious food. 

 Another advantage to be gained by following this rule is, that it goes a long way to prevent 

 their killing sheep, which is a fault to which some Greyhounds are particularly prone. The 

 use of clothing, when training is being carried on, is a matter for the consideration of the 

 head of affairs ; although heavy sheets are invariably used when gross and high-conditioned 

 dogs have to be got into condition, it does not consequently follow that lighter-fleshed ones 

 require the same treatment. When, however, Greyhounds are likely to be compelled to stand 

 about after taking exercise, or preparatory to a course, it is most desirable that a cloth 

 should be used to protect them from the chances of a chill, the effects of which may be very 

 serious. 



Some trainers like the Greyhounds they wish to get fit to run after a dog-cart for several 

 miles a day, and this, in the case of certain dogs, may be a judicious system. It has, 

 however, its disadvantages, foremost amongst them being that it is difficult for the trainer to 

 keep his dogs in order if he has a horse to control as well. Another objection is that there is 

 always the risk of the dogs being injured by the horse or wheels of the trap, and in fact, 

 unless under exceptional circumstances, exercise directed by a man on foot is considered the 

 most preferable. This latter system, if carried out under the control of a conscientious trainer 

 who does not shirk a daily walk of several miles along the road at a steady pace, is sure to 

 benefit the majority of Greyhounds, if accompanied by a periodical gallop on a field or 

 common for the benefit of the animal's wind. A too frequent sight of a hare is apt to injure a 

 dog as a courser, for many Greyhounds get cunning, and refuse to do their best if too often 

 treated to a hare. It is, however, absolutely necessary that young dogs should know their work 

 in time, and, as a rule, they are not slow in picking up what is required of them. This is the 



