Building Lurcher's Speed

[mC HULL 12,438]

25 minutes ago, Big Pow said:

Not sure how to lean him out with his muscle content. Takes away his flexibility in his front end never seems to get up to full tilt though

you can’t lean a a dog out can you it looks well you give it plenty of exercise it is what it is 

you can lean a fat dog out that’s been say about maybe but that isn’t the case with yours 

 

[low plains drifter 10,473]

1 hour ago, Big Pow said:

Not sure how to lean him out with his muscle content. Takes away his flexibility in his front end never seems to get up to full tilt though

Too much steady work can cause a dog to become muscle bound, I've never seen that happen, all you can really do is work the dog, and try to adjust the diet until the desired results are achieved

[Aussie Whip 4,097]

Can't do much about his genetics but plenty of free running, keep him fit as possible and don't overfeed. I think pulling on a lead bulks up shoulder muscles too much. I had a pit/bullmastiff that could catch roos in a short sprint, he was a super fit dog and lived until 18. I kick myself for not putting him over a greyhound.

[Big Pow 22]

16 hours ago, low plains drifter said:

Too much steady work can cause a dog to become muscle bound, I've never seen that happen, all you can really do is work the dog, and try to adjust the diet until the desired results are achieved

Define steady work?  Maybe I am guilty of this without realising. I tend to let him free run and chase on the most part

[Big Pow 22]

15 hours ago, Aussie Whip said:

Can't do much about his genetics but plenty of free running, keep him fit as possible and don't overfeed. I think pulling on a lead bulks up shoulder muscles too much. I had a pit/bullmastiff that could catch roos in a short sprint, he was a super fit dog and lived until 18. I kick myself for not putting him over a greyhound.

This is what Im thinking maybe the bull in him is defining the addition of muscle. I dont allow him to pull on a lead unless we are running together and even then I try and keep the lead slack

[terryd 8,411]

I am going to judge you now  the dog is what he is and if you wanted a slight speed machine should bought whippet. All you can do is keep him fit and thats your lot really 

[low plains drifter 10,473]

1 hour ago, Big Pow said:

Define steady work?  Maybe I am guilty of this without realising. I tend to let him free run and chase on the most part

Steady trotting alongside a bike for example,so the dog's up on his toes few mph faster than fast human walking pace

[Daniel cain 45,269]

19 hours ago, Big Pow said:

This is him. He's just naturally built. Run him off lead every day just gains mass on his front end quickly

Swear I saw that dog being  walked in Caerphilly yesterday afternoon when I was ferretting up the old Maerdy,there was 2 females and 2 males with another dog  

[Big Pow 22]

2 hours ago, Daniel cain said:

Swear I saw that dog being  walked in Caerphilly yesterday afternoon when I was ferretting up the old Maerdy,there was 2 females and 2 males with another dog  

Wasn't me maybe a similar looking hound

[Big Pow 22]

2 hours ago, terryd said:

I am going to judge you now  the dog is what he is and if you wanted a slight speed machine should bought whippet. All you can do is keep him fit and thats your lot really 

Haha that's a fair point to be honest. I just feel he has got more pace in him just an absolute tank atm put it down to he hadnt found his feet at 1st but he's 2 1/2 now so no longer think thats the issue

[Big Pow 22]

2 hours ago, low plains drifter said:

Steady trotting alongside a bike for example,so the dog's up on his toes few mph faster than fast human walking pace

Not really guilty of that. He does do a few runs with me but mostly he's free running or chasing stuff. Just feel he's got a few yards more pace naturally so was thinking there was something I could do to help or something I was doing was hindering

[Big Pow 22]

Maybe I could get him on a lure and open him up on a few longer gallops a week and see if that helps

[terryd 8,411]

4 minutes ago, Big Pow said:

Haha that's a fair point to be honest. I just feel he has got more pace in him just an absolute tank atm put it down to he hadnt found his feet at 1st but he's 2 1/2 now so no longer think thats the issue

Fine looking dog anyway I wouldnt worry about it 

[Aussie Whip 4,097]

I agree with everything terryd says about your dog, he's a nice animal and is what he is. Maybe get a faster type and work them together.

[hounddog3 744]

If a dog is naturally slow you can't put speed into him .I had plenty of coursing dogs too slow just didn't make the grade.