Greyhound Welfare and Husbandry (Certificate, L6, 10 ECTS)

Week 1                 Introduction to course and overview of industry

Week 2                RECTS

Week 3                Welfare of the greyhound

Week 4                Legislation and Codes of Practice

Week 5                Greyhound breeding

Week 6                Enforcement of welfare regulations

Week 7                 Greyhound training

Week 8                Greyhound racing

Week 9                 Feeding the greyhound

Week 10                Race night procedures

Week 11             International developments

Week 12             Marketing, PR, IT of the greyhound industry

Week 13             Finance and accounting of the greyhound industry

Week 14             Preparing for retirement and GRI welfare schemes

Week 15             Outlook for the industry

Describe the welfare legislation, welfare regulations and code of practice which owners, breeders and trainers must be cognisant of while active within the greyhound industry.

The Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011.

The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

The Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015.

The Welfare of Greyhounds Regulations 2016.

GRI’s Code of Practice.

Specific welfare standards.

Regulations regarding welfare and related matters.

Notification of Sale or Transfer of greyhound.

Restriction on breeding.

Registration of greyhound breeding establishments.

Appointment and Functions of Welfare Officers.

Issuing of Welfare Notices. Obstructions.

General welfare principles.

Responsible ownership.

Husbandry issues.

Animal Health.

Responsible use of Animal Remedies.

Display a level of knowledge and competence in the care and welfare of greyhounds.

The physical wellbeing and social environment of the greyhound.

Provision of prompt veterinary and other appropriate treatment in cases of illness or injury. Implementation of a comprehensive targeted vaccination program in accordance with veterinary advice and manufacturer’s instructions.

Display a knowledge of the welfare requirements and pre-rehoming activities necessary prior to placing a retired greyhound into a home environment and understand that the dietary requirements and the exercise regime of the greyhound will alter upon retirement.

Explain the pre-mating, mating (stud dog and bitch), whelping process and associated care of the greyhound bitch and pup

Learn about the breeding cycle in relation to greyhound bitches.

Study pre-breeding care, feeding and the vaginal culture of the greyhound bitch.

Identify the key attributes that a stud dog should have to be chosen as a mating partner for a greyhound bitch.

Understand line breeding, Rasmussen factor etc. in choosing a sire to mate a greyhound bitch with and explain the traits that Irish, American and Australian stud dogs generally have.

Understand how mating occurs and the different ways that greyhound bitches can be mated including the advantages and disadvantages of same.

Learn about the three trimesters of greyhound pregnancy.

Discover and obtain knowledge regarding nutrition for the greyhound bitch during pregnancy and the greyhound bitch and pup after whelping.

Study the importance of parasite control during pregnancy.

Study the different stages of the actual whelp and how this crucial stage can be done properly.

Describe the rearing and pre-training process for a greyhound

Understand the nutrition requirements and parasite control necessary at the different stages from greyhound pup to a young adult

Outline the handling and grooming requirements for greyhounds in the rearing and pre-training phase

Study the kennelling and schooling process for pre-training greyhounds

Study and explain the importance of physical exercise including rest and greyhound husbandry for the racing greyhound

Understand the training schedule necessary to gradually bring a greyhound to peak fitness before commencing racing which involves managing training with rest periods

Learn about the nutrition, dietary supplements, worming and parasite control required for a racing greyhound

Study the training schedule required when a greyhound is racing and understand how to manage same

Develop a virtual racing diet and understand the correct nutrition requirements of a racing greyhound based on the theory of nutrition

Identify and prepare the various options for the diet of a racing greyhound including meat, nuts, vegetables, supplements etc.

Manage the parasite control and worming of a racing greyhound

Learn about the hydration plans that suit a racing greyhound

Study and describe kennel layouts, gallops and structures, and learn different training routines from various established leading greyhound trainers

Learn about the various options re kennel layouts, gallops and associated structures

Understand the various and different training routines used by leading greyhound trainers

Explain and prepare a greyhound for retirement from active racing and/or rehoming.

Manage the transition process of a greyhound from racing to retirement

Initiate the pre-rehoming activities necessary for a greyhound to adapt successfully to a rehomed environmen.

*indicative*

Lectures – 15 weeks x 2.5 hours per week in a blended learning approach

Site Visits – 4 site visits during the duration of the program

Worksheets/Multiple Choice Question’s

Practical Evaluation

Interview

€1,000 -Students will contribute 25% of the fee, €250. 75% of the fee, equating to €750 will be covered by Greyhound Racing Ireland for eligible participants.