Racing - Should We Give It A Go?

[Rosie]

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I'm going to be the harbinger of doom here - yep, there's always one!  Racing a whippet is not for the faint hearted, neither is it for those of us who believe that our dogs should have a dog's life - ie free running, be trained, have fun, eat for their body weight etc.  Racing a whippet is a sporting DISCIPLINE, and it is not possible to ignore the fact that to keep the dogs 'racing fit' they have to be treated differently to the way one treats 'pets'.  So anyone who says its something to do with the dogs on Sundays is not telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth! :- "

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Racing can only be like that if you choose it to be, I think everyone speaking up says it all. They are pets first :thumbsup: .

I am one of those people who think it is just something good to do with them on a Sunday and would call myself quite openly a fair weather racer when I'm in the mood and have nothing else planned. I went to Andover on Sunday to give my 8 month old puppy a try behind the lure but also entered my 4 year old for racing as she would go mental if I took her and she didn't get to have a go . The 'training' she had was her normal meals, her normal walks of about 45 mins per day including plenty of free running and that was it. She was 3rd in her first race and 1st in her second and loved every minute of it. After all a straight race is only 150 yards or so, if a 'pet' whippet can't run that a couple of times then they can't be very healthy and fit in my opinion :- " .

 

[Strike Whippets]

I'm going to be the harbinger of doom here - yep, there's always one!  Racing a whippet is not for the faint hearted, neither is it for those of us who believe that our dogs should have a dog's life - ie free running, be trained, have fun, eat for their body weight etc.  Racing a whippet is a sporting DISCIPLINE, and it is not possible to ignore the fact that to keep the dogs 'racing fit' they have to be treated differently to the way one treats 'pets'.  So anyone who says its something to do with the dogs on Sundays is not telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth! :- "

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I quite agree Carmel ......There are very few racers that are treated like a normal "pet" dog ..... Most have rigid diet and training programs during the open season so that they are fit and fresh .....I have also been told by a few people not to do obedience with my Whippets ......I think its very sad this train of thought as surely if your dogs aren't obedient, you can't free run them .....not a life I'd like for my guys ..... I also believe that the strict diets racers are on can and is detrimental to their health as they are fined off too much and have no reserves to draw on if they have a hard Sunday or are ill etc ..... JMPO though

Back to the original question .... The dogs love racing and you do meet some great people who end up great friends ..... It is a competitive sport though, so can get a bit too serious at times ....

 

[Judy]

Sorry but we've only ever done obedience with our first 2 show bred whippets but I still free run them all. They come back when called (mostly) but not because I've trained them to.

Also can't agree about their diets being detrimental to their health. Our vet always says he wished more people would keep their dogs like ours as they are healthier for it.

 

[June Jonigk]

Any responsible pet dog owner would have their dogs on a rigid diet, if they were responsible. How many fat Labradors and lap dogs do you see around - if they had a rigid diet, they'd never have got that way, and not suffer with joint and other problems when they get older.

A proper diet is essential for all dogs - not just racers :- "

All of us I think teach basic obedience, but I can see what others have meant when they've told you not to do obedience with your dogs. What they are meaning is the type of obedience done with say Collies. You only have to watch those dogs doing obedience, and they are constantly looking to their handler for instruction. You don't want that in racing dogs, as you want them to be headstrong and competitive and use their own minds, instead of looking for instruction from you. Maybe that is why some of your dogs won't run Hannah - they are looking to you for instruction. Worth thinking about. Dog psycology is a wonderful thing :thumbsup:

 

[peppermint sue]

Any responsible pet dog owner would have their dogs on a rigid diet, if they were responsible.  How many fat Labradors and lap dogs do you see around - if they had a rigid diet, they'd never have got that way, and not suffer with joint and other problems when they get older.
A proper diet is essential for all dogs - not just racers :- "

All of us I think teach basic obedience, but I can see what others have meant when they've told you not to do obedience with your dogs.  What they are meaning is the type of obedience done with say Collies.  You only have to watch those dogs doing obedience, and they are constantly looking to their handler for instruction.  You don't want that in racing dogs, as you want them to be headstrong and competitive and use their own minds, instead of looking for instruction from you.  Maybe that is why some of your dogs won't run Hannah - they are looking to you for instruction.  Worth thinking about.  Dog psycology is a wonderful thing :thumbsup:

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could,nt of said it better myself june :thumbsup:

 

[Joanna]

Yes, go to the Northern. You'll have a great time and it'll add a whole new dimension to you life with whippets  :thumbsup:

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Ah, thank you for that. Im really excited to get started now, meeting new people, & their whippets - Louie's not met many of his own kind!

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will be nice to meet you and louie,ive 7 he can get to know :teehee:

we are a very friendly club and enjoy our sundays having a chat and seeing our dogs enjoy themselves :thumbsup:

hope to see you soon :thumbsup:

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Sounds fab, what better way to enjoy a Sunday. I bet its wonderful to see so many whippets altogether, ahhhh... :wub:

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Hi Julie,

I started racing, as many do, by taking my pet show-bred for fun. He is now 5 and a half and still having fun. He is very slow, but that doesn't matter as he really enjoys it and so do we. We also bought a lovely little racing dog who isn't slow and we have established some wonderful friendships and have week-ends away with our friends and whippets. I have to say that on the whole, the only injuries my dogs have sustained have been off of the track doing what dogs do (chasing deer and just free running around). We don't do any-thing special with or whippets, they are pets, not under-weight, allowed to free run, and can mostly be found under my duvet. Go and meet your local lot at the Northern and see if it floats yours and Louie's boat. Please don't be put off by the negative comments, there are risks with every-thing in life and I can honestly say that whippet owners really care for their dogs and would put their welfare first. There may be isolated cases wherere a bum decision has been made, but it certainly isn't commonplace. Go along and see for yourself, you make your own mind up, enjoy :thumbsup:

 

[Strike Whippets]

You don't want that in racing dogs, as you want them to be headstrong and competitive and use their own minds, instead of looking for instruction from you. Maybe that is why some of your dogs won't run Hannah - they are looking to you for instruction. Worth thinking about. Dog psycology is a wonderful thing thumbsup.gif

I love dog psychology, its great .... If you look at my ones that don't race as real "racers" should, you'll see they are from a VERY bright bitch, and we doubled up on the brains with Obi ....I know not ideal as racers, but hey I would never starve with them if needed and I can call them off live .....Personally I found that my thickest dogs are the best racers even though they are also FULLY obedient just like my BRIGHT lot .....my bright ones ask why are we chasing a bit of plastic (w00t) .....My personal opinion for what its not worth is that some lines are real strong racers, some are racers but aren't very pushy and other lines are either too bright or too nervy .....So doing obedience with them dosen't affect their ability on the track, its the breeding and line that does this .......I'll say it again to me a normal life where my lot can free run daily and be safe as they are obedient out weighs possibly racing as best as they can on a Sunday ....but its each to their own, and just my personal opinion ...

 

[peppermint sue]

am I WRONG or was this replying to giving racing a go whats dog psychology

got to do with any think ??

we need more people in whippet racing we should welcome them its great fun

hope you do go to the northern they are lovely people and you will enjoy it :thumbsup: please let us know how you get on

 

[julie123]

Hi Julie,

I started racing, as many do, by taking my pet show-bred for fun. He is now 5 and a half and still having fun. He is very slow, but that doesn't matter as he really enjoys it and so do we. We also bought a lovely little racing dog who isn't slow and we have established some wonderful friendships and have week-ends away with our friends and whippets. I have to say that on the whole, the only injuries my dogs have sustained have been off of the track doing what dogs do (chasing deer and just free running around). We don't do any-thing special with or whippets, they are pets, not under-weight, allowed to free run, and can mostly be found under my duvet. Go and meet your local lot at the Northern and see if it floats yours and Louie's boat. Please don't be put off by the negative comments, there are risks with every-thing in life and I can honestly say that whippet owners really care for their dogs and would put their welfare first. There may be isolated cases wherere a bum decision has been made, but it certainly isn't commonplace. Go along and see for yourself, you make your own mind up, enjoy :thumbsup:

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am I WRONG or was this replying to giving racing a go whats dog psychologygot to do with any think ??

we need more people in whippet racing we should welcome them its great fun

hope you do go to the northern they are lovely people and you will enjoy it :thumbsup: please let us know how you get on 

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Thanks you everyone for your words of wisdom and encouragement. I am really looking forward to taking Louie tomorrow. Cant wait for the new experience. :thumbsup: ) :thumbsup:

 

[finalez]

am I WRONG or was this replying to giving racing a go whats dog psychologygot to do with any think ??

we need more people in whippet racing we should welcome them its great fun

hope you do go to the northern they are lovely people and you will enjoy it :thumbsup: please let us know how you get on 

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Ditto

Have fun Julie they are a very welcoming bunch at the Northern :thumbsup:

 

[Strike Whippets]

am I WRONG or was this replying to giving racing a go whats dog psychologygot to do with any thing ??

Opps sorry I was just replying to June who said dog psychology was a wonderful thing :thumbsup: .....

As for the original question ...Yes as said earlier most dogs LOVE racing ....Club level racings fun, but open level is VERY competitive..... Just enjoy your dog and the activities you do with them .... :thumbsup:

 

[naylorwhippets]

Well Julie & the lovely Louie came to the lure coursing today.

Louie really enjoyed chasing the lure & Julie said they will be back next week to have a go at the racing. :thumbsup:

Very brave lady, as the weather was terrible today BRRRRR very cold hale & rain

Just thought I might add a word of warning to all new racers. My sister Dawn came along today to run her two dogs Lincoln & Sid & didn't bring a cage :- " The result, nothing left of the two front seats (w00t) & that was after only ten mins.

No Christmas present for her now!

 

[June Jonigk]

Well Julie & the lovely Louie came to the lure coursing today.Louie really enjoyed chasing the lure & Julie said they will be back next week to have a go at the racing. :thumbsup:

Very brave lady, as the weather was terrible today BRRRRR very cold hale & rain

Just thought I might add a word of warning to all new racers. My sister Dawn came along today to run her two dogs Lincoln & Sid & didn't bring a cage :- " The result, nothing left of the two front seats (w00t) & that was after only ten mins.

No Christmas present for her now!

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So glad she came and enjoyed it - knew she would. It is cold up there in the North mind - the wind whistles across that field. She must be tough if she's back for another go next week :thumbsup: Seeing the dogs doing what they enjoy is brilliant - glad your coursing went well today.

What happened to Dawn's car happened to my friends car too, but it was her steering wheel that took the punishment (w00t) Foam everywhere :lol: Good job we can laugh about it eh? :teehee:

 

[Trish]

was nice to meet you today julie and the lovely louie,what a greeting that boy gives :huggles: he went very well on the lure and didnt he enjoy it :thumbsup:

see you next week :thumbsup:

diane i couldnt believe the damage lincoln and sid did in such a short time

i felt gutted for your sister when they saw the damage

 

[naylorwhippets]

Well Julie & the lovely Louie came to the lure coursing today.Louie really enjoyed chasing the lure & Julie said they will be back next week to have a go at the racing. :thumbsup:

Very brave lady, as the weather was terrible today BRRRRR very cold hale & rain

Just thought I might add a word of warning to all new racers. My sister Dawn came along today to run her two dogs Lincoln & Sid & didn't bring a cage :- " The result, nothing left of the two front seats (w00t) & that was after only ten mins.

No Christmas present for her now!

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So glad she came and enjoyed it - knew she would. It is cold up there in the North mind - the wind whistles across that field. She must be tough if she's back for another go next week :thumbsup: Seeing the dogs doing what they enjoy is brilliant - glad your coursing went well today.

What happened to Dawn's car happened to my friends car too, but it was her steering wheel that took the punishment (w00t) Foam everywhere :lol: Good job we can laugh about it eh? :teehee:

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Don't think she can at the moment June Give her 12 months & she might. (w00t)

She was going to have a new flat screen tv for crimbo. Just wondering if her partner Tony will wrap the new front seats with a big red bow! (w00t)

 

[June Jonigk]

Well Julie & the lovely Louie came to the lure coursing today.Louie really enjoyed chasing the lure & Julie said they will be back next week to have a go at the racing. :thumbsup:

Very brave lady, as the weather was terrible today BRRRRR very cold hale & rain

Just thought I might add a word of warning to all new racers. My sister Dawn came along today to run her two dogs Lincoln & Sid & didn't bring a cage :- " The result, nothing left of the two front seats (w00t) & that was after only ten mins.

No Christmas present for her now!

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So glad she came and enjoyed it - knew she would. It is cold up there in the North mind - the wind whistles across that field. She must be tough if she's back for another go next week :thumbsup: Seeing the dogs doing what they enjoy is brilliant - glad your coursing went well today.

What happened to Dawn's car happened to my friends car too, but it was her steering wheel that took the punishment (w00t) Foam everywhere :lol: Good job we can laugh about it eh? :teehee:

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Don't think she can at the moment June Give her 12 months & she might. (w00t)

She was going to have a new flat screen tv for crimbo. Just wondering if her partner Tony will wrap the new front seats with a big red bow! (w00t)

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She won't forget it in a hurry that's for sure. Hope it doesn't put her off coming again :unsure:

 

[peppermint sue]

so glad you enjoyed yourself julie :thumbsup: if you can cope with the weather

in winter you will love the summer louie seems to have enjoyed himself

Ibet he sleeps tonight :huggles:

 

[trac]

was nice to meet you today julie and the lovely louie,what a greeting that boy gives :huggles: he went very well on the lure and didnt he enjoy it :thumbsup:
see you next week :thumbsup:  

diane i couldnt believe the damage lincoln and sid did in such a short time  

i felt gutted for your sister  when they saw the damage

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we hope to pop over next sunday trish :huggles:

 

[Trish]

was nice to meet you today julie and the lovely louie,what a greeting that boy gives :huggles: he went very well on the lure and didnt he enjoy it :thumbsup:
see you next week :thumbsup:  

diane i couldnt believe the damage lincoln and sid did in such a short time  

i felt gutted for your sister  when they saw the damage

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we hope to pop over next sunday trish :huggles:

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about bloody time too :huggles:

 

[trac]

was nice to meet you today julie and the lovely louie,what a greeting that boy gives :huggles: he went very well on the lure and didnt he enjoy it :thumbsup:
see you next week :thumbsup:  

diane i couldnt believe the damage lincoln and sid did in such a short time  

i felt gutted for your sister  when they saw the damage

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we hope to pop over next sunday trish :huggles:

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about bloody time too :huggles:

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sorry miss