INVITE A GREYHOUND TO BE PART OF YOUR LIFE Would you like to become part of the exciting sport of Greyhound Racing ?

WHO CAN RACE A GREYHOUND ? Any person over the age of 18 years who is looking for a thrilling and personally satisfying challenge. These people must be registered by the Greyhound Racing Authority of Queensland and must not have had a previous criminal conviction. HOW, WHERE AND WHEN TO BUY A GREYHOUND ? They can be bought at 2 months old as a puppy, 18 months old, or as a mature performed dog. Before buying, get someone with knowledge to advise you. HOW DO I  LEARN ABOUT CARING AND TRAINING A GREYHOUND ? The Greyhound Racing Authority conduct Basic Training Courses for new licensees, some of the topics covered are Anatomy of the Greyhound, General Health Care, Overview of the Rules of Racing and Local Government (Council Requirements), Training Methods. Contact the GRA to get a copy of their "Starters Kit". HOUSING THE DOG Young puppies can be reared up to 14-15 months exactly the same as any pet dog, except that they must be allowed to run a lot more to allow the development of co-ordination of movement. Usually puppies are reared by professional rearers. Once they reach 12-15 months they must be more confined in a kennel and run of their own. This relative boredom makes them easier to "break in", that is, regimented road walking, walking machine, chasing artificial lures and learning the fundamentals of racing. Kennels must be constructed according to the Qld. G.R.A.'s Housing & Kennelling Standard - this ruling can be obtained from the Qld. G.R.A. FEEDING PUPPIES     2-14 months Requirements for growth with emphasis on protein and calcium, for example:- Breakfast: Formulation, puppy mince or minced chicken, milk. Lunch: milk and formulation. Dinner: meat, chicken, formulation, vitamins and calcium tablets or calcium powder. ADULTS: 14 months to end of racing career Requirements vary, depending on 1. Body Weight, 2. Climate. 3 Nervous temperament. 4 Exercise. Average Racing Diet: - 30kg greyhound: Breakfast: milk, water, sugar or glucose or honey, 4 x 2 biscuit. Dinner 1 ¼ to 1 ½ lbs meat, 1 cup kibble, vitamins electrolytes etc. HEARTWORM TREATMENT Heartworm treatment should be commenced at 6 weeks of age and given on a daily basis. Once the puppy is 4 months of age treatment can be given on a monthly basis. WORMING Routinely done every month with a broad-spectrum wormer. TRAINING This consists of slow exercise, (such as walking or walking machines twice daily), and fast exercises, (such as free galloping in a large area, beach or park, or straight galloping behind an artificial lure). Fast exercise is usually done at least twice weekly or as much as every second day. Greyhounds are not normally spelled unless they have injuries or in the case of bitches when they come in season (heat). WALKING MACHINES 2-6 dogs, 15 minutes equates to 45 minutes road walking. Benefits are all-weather use, no sniffing and stopping, continuous and relentless. The hounds must be emptied prior to machining. HYDROBATH Pressurised, heated water containing shampoos and insecticides. Used for cleanliness and flea control. Also used after racing to reduce effects of minor injuries incurred during the race. MUZZLES AND OTHER ACCESSORIES Muzzles must be worn by greyhounds in all public places. This is mandatory under the G.R.A. rules. Muzzles serve to prevent accidents happening to cats and small dogs while exercising. It does not imply that greyhounds are vicious. Other accessories include leads and collars, coats; kennel mats (to take to the races) nail clippers, brushes, combs, ultrasonic machines and lasers. TRANSPORT Back of the car or station wagon, panel van or dog trailer. The hound must be extremely comfortable and relaxed when traveling to races to give a better performance. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q    I want to buy a greyhound to race, but don't know who to approach. A     You can either contact Q.G.B.O.T.A. or the G.R.A. of Qld. Q     What must I do to race a greyhound ? A     You must first register as a Licence Holder with the G.R.A. You may wish to race the greyhound with your friends. You can do this by forming a confederacy. The number of confederacy members that can race a greyhound is unlimited. Q     Can I train my greyhound ? A     Yes. Once you are a registered owner/trainer. Q     Can I have someone else train my greyhound ? A     Yes. There a number of public trainers registered with the G.R.A. in most areas of Qld. It usually costs approx. $60 a week to have a greyhound trained. Q      When can my greyhound start racing ? A     Not before 13 months of age for bitches and 15 months of age for dogs. Most greyhounds start racing between 18-20 months. The greyhound's racing career usually does not extend beyond 4 years of age. Q     How do I know where to nominate ? A     All nominations must be sent to the Central Grader at G.R.A. Q     Are greyhounds subject to drug swabbing ? A     Yes. Random and pre race swabs are conducted at all meetings. The stipendiary stewards can order any greyhound to be swabbed at his discretion. Q     Where are the Race Tracks in Qld ? A     Albion Park, Beenleigh, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville and Capalaba - straight track. For more information on these tracks CLICK HERE. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to complete the form below, and we will answer your questions to the best of our ability, as soon as possible.