Hi Michael - some dogs don't respond to anything I am aware of. Sometimes it helps to try combinations. I had two over in SA that were much better in late races when I used both 5HTP and Adaptil on their bedding.

Others no effect and no benefit at all. I have one now Heidi Intention that is such an over the top kennel stresser that she cannot even have bedding as she destroys it waiting for her race. Saliva everywhere and nothing has solved it. Every dog is different and all you can do is try different things and different combinations. In my example with above girl I would never contemplate a compression suit as I know she would end up with acidosis after the run. The mere heat generated by her in a suit in a kennel house would be the end of her.

I never mentioned something that has never worked for me ever although I have tried it - its called Rescue Remedy - homeopathic stuff (flowers and herbs)... although its never worked for me ever to calm a dog it has worked quite well on a few that get motion sickness and travel sickness so it is doing something to help the dogs. Just I havent seen it work on a kennel stresser. Still its something else worthy of a try. Good luck.

I am accutely aware some reading this thread would be wondering why I am trying to be helpful in de-stressing chasers before a race - so just to clarify that... it doesn't do anyone any favours having stressers in the kennel house. Yappers and stressed dogs increase anxiety in placid and calm dogs particularly if they are right next door to the stress head waiting for their race. Calming stressers helps every dog achieve their best - on the track - not the kennels.

I did send Michael a PM which im sure i mentioned. In that i was more specific.
I would have explained it more if you asked.
But i won't bother.
So rather than explain more now, ill let you do your own research rather than read the ads in your playboy magazine.

howard moshinsky wrote:

L ARGININE YOU MIGHT WANT TO AVOID IT SEEMS TO HAVE APHRO DISIAC PROPERTIES USED IN MANY ED ISSUES \

Now if you have a working combination going, take one element away and see if the dog reverts back to bad behaviour. Only then will you know what works for that particular dog.

I do it the other way - try one thing if it doesn't work, add the next element. If there's a change I remove the initial element. I don't like to combine elements unless I find they need both to work in tandem.

As a very general comment on Adaptil, the younger the dog the more likely they'll respond to it. Kinda makes sense when you consider what it is emulating. But I have seen it work even on 4 year old stressers, but with them generally there is something else with it whether it's 5HTP or even simple Vitamin B6. Sum of the parts sometimes needed to calm a dog and sometimes it's just one element. Good outcome anyway by the sounds of it.

If you can get it down to just one thing required that is best for the dog and the trainer. Not to mention you'll probably save some $$$

It is what it is, and it ain't nothin' else... Everything is clearly, openly, plainly delivered

Yes somehow a greyhound racing participant in australia admitted fault.

Take care

port still works for me until they start swabbing trainers. Yeah port very good still for pretrainers and out of comp trials. Would I risk it in comp these days, nup.

Then again just to elude to Howard's comments about pharmaceuticals would I even try Reconcile (Prozac) on a stresser out of comp, sure I would why not.. if the dog has talent and you can get it to stop stressing why not indeed. But port and reconcile in comp - again heck no. These are educational apparatus and that's all.

For any anti-racing advocates reading this posting with glee - think again - at prescribed dosages the use of stimulants and sedatives is entirely appropriate so long as it is outside of competition. Anything suggested here is no different to what a vet will prescribe for a pet with behavioural disorders. Clearly here I am talking of legal substances not permanently banned and prohibited substances. In terms of legal and responsible usage - They'll either take the edge off or enhance focus, to solve a problem. At prescribed doses and sane and safe - if in doubt - ask a vet.

Every dog is kenneled in a small race kennel of 8 per bay some spending up to 4 hours this way .
Some dogs run their race before it's even started

Some never settle and this has a huge impact on the performance and how a dog pulls up after a hard stressful day and a hard run.

I think you've explained the issue heaps well for people in the industry. For those not aware - it comes down to dogs stressing so badly while waiting for their races that they often fail to present their best at a race track on race day.

The whole purpose of this message thread is to discuss ways highly nervous and anxious dogs waiting for their races can perform at their best.

"Stress heads" - those that can't cope with being held captive in waiting pens before their race are a massive problem to all dogs in the kennel house at the track. They drive up anxiety even in the most calmest and normally placid kennel dogs. It's an understated matter.

There are some people delighted to see a stresser in the kennel house as they believe "that competitor" has given up its racing ability before it even goes out to compete.

It's short sighted - any and all stressers in the kennels raise the anxiety levels in neighbouring dogs. It's not good and more work needs to be done by the racing administration to reduce this.