252 THE BOOK OP THE DOG. 



reverse sometimes, for many a Greyhound who has afterwards turned out to be a veritable 

 flyer has, in his infancy, shown little of that thirst for blood which afterwards marked his career. 

 Owners should not therefore be disheartened if their puppies do not at once take to their work 

 with kindness, but should remember that time must be given them to improve their ways. 



Many experienced persons advocate the running of a puppy at first in the company of an 

 old dog, in the hopes that the latter will act as schoolmaster, and instruct his pupil in the 

 path in which he should walk. For our own part, though we are well aware that many 

 authorities differ from our opinion, we totally disapprove of this arrangement, as the chances 

 of the puppy receiving much benefit from the example of the old dog are more than counter- 

 balanced by the certainty that, unless a most exceptionally game dog, his heart will be broken 

 by the superior power of his preceptor. If a puppy has the making of a good dog in him, 

 his merit will surely display itself sooner or later without the assistance of an older dog ; but, 

 on the other hand, there should be every chance given to the dog's natural qualities appearing 

 in a natural manner, without risking the chances of disheartening him by pitting him at too 

 early an age against a better dog. 



On his return from exercise the Greyhound should have his feet and legs carefully over- 

 looked, in order to discover if any injury has been done them by thorns, stones, or strains. If 

 necessary they may be washed, but as a rule, a careful rubbing down with a dry brush or 

 glove will be all that is required to make him comfortable. On his return to the kennel, 

 precautions must be taken to prevent him from taking cold when heated, and most particularly 

 should he avoid all draughts and damp. Many a good dog has suddenly taken cold and been 

 prevented from running, merely on account of the carelessness of a kennelman who has 

 provided him with a damp bed, or injudiciously let him stand about unclothed or unprotected 

 in a cold wind or rain. 



Having thus briefly alluded to the exercising of the Greyhound, the important subject of 

 food must come to be considered. Here there are, as on other points, a variety of opinions, 

 some advocating an almost entirely farinaceous, others an equal liberal meat diet. It appears 

 nevertheless that an amalgamation of both is more likely to benefit the dog, as so much 

 depends upon what is the amount of his daily exercise and the purposes for which he is 

 intended. Oatmeal thoroughly boiled is undoubtedly a good food as the staple commodity, 

 and the addition of meat, and liquor in which meat has been boiled, can always be easily 

 effected and proportioned out. Sheep's heads and large bones of all sorts form excellent 

 occasional additions to the ordinary diet, and the frequent substitution of Indian meal for 

 oatmeal is desirable. The latter meal has often an ill effect on the bowels of some dogs, 

 and therefore must be discontinued if it is found to purge them too freely, and thus reduce 

 their strength. As in other breeds, a periodical dose of cooling medicine must be given, and 

 due attention must be paid to this subject three or four days previous to a course. 



The hour of feeding and the number of meals a day, are also subjects which are eagerly 

 discussed, and many practical breeders and trainers argue strongly in favour of a morning as 

 well as an evening meal for the dogs when being trained. Though a few mouthfuls after 

 exercise, like the traditional chip in the porridge, may do no harm if it does not do any 

 good, we are decidedly of opinion that those authorities are right who argue in favour of 

 one substantial meal a day. A bone may be given the dogs when in the kennel in the earlier 

 part of the day, to amuse them and prevent ennui during the long hours which ensue between 

 exercise and dinner, but we do not advocate a meal at that time. 



As in the case of other dogs, Greyhounds do better when fed in the late afternoon, as 



