Dr Sarah Heath FRCVS, a leading veterinary specialist in behavioural medicine, was recently invited to share her insights into the behaviour of racing greyhounds through a series of GBGB-run webinars which have been attended by trainers from across the country.

The primary focus of her sessions has been the emotional health and wellbeing of racing greyhounds, and what trainers can learn from their greyhounds’ behaviour. The final session, which will take place on Wednesday 3rd April, will explore the emotional aspect of greyhounds’ transitioning between racing and retirement.

Dr Heath, who has over 36 years of veterinary experience specialising in behavioural issues, runs her own referral practice specialising in behavioural medicine and is a visiting lecturer in this field at both the University of Liverpool and the University of Central Lancashire.

Throughout the first two sessions, Dr Heath provided invaluable insight into the reasons behind certain behaviours which present in racing greyhounds and how trainers can respond to these.

The first session served as an introduction to general canine emotional health and was followed up by a second webinar which delved into further detail about the emotional life of a racing greyhound. The final session of the series will focus on the emotional aspect of the crucial transition period between racing to retirement.

Meriel France, Learning and Development Manager at GBGB, said:

“It has been wonderful to see such a great turn out at the first two sessions in Dr Heath’s fascinating webinar series on greyhound behaviour and emotional health. Sessions such as these are crucial for linking the racing community with experts who can support our trainers to provide the best possible care for their dogs.

“I would like to thank Dr Heath for taking the time to share her expertise with our trainers through her engaging webinars and would encourage all trainers to attend her final session on 3rd April.”

The final webinar in Dr Sarah Heath’s series on greyhound behaviour will take place on 3rd April. You can register to attend the event by emailing: meriel.france@gbgb.org.uk

All three webinars are being recorded and will be uploaded to the GBGB website for licenced personnel to view after the sessions take place.