By Mags Hayden-Smith

I will probably annoy a lot of people with this post, especially those that think it is ‘normal’ for IG’s to break a leg or even two at the same time! Too many people are breeding from dogs whose bones are too fine and have no density. Don’t get me wrong, accidents do happen, and that is the same in any breed.

As puppies, you have to be careful but do not wrap them up in cotton wool – they need to learn that they have a leg in each corner so to speak, and to learn to control those legs.

Proprioception is what I am talking about, something that needs to be done by the owner to make the dogs aware of their individual legs and feet. Building and strengthening muscles and ligaments is extremely important and proprioception will help here.
I let my puppies explore, under supervision, different surfaces and textures, learning how to negotiate steps, uneven surfaces and wobbly surfaces. Sometimes targeting the front feet and back feet separately.

For example, an aluminium ladder laid on the grass is one of the things I use. I have the puppy on the lead and encourage them to walk through the rungs. At first, their back legs are all over the place because they have no idea of foot placement but with practice they actually learn foot placement and walk through confidentiality lifting each leg and placing it properly.

Italian Greyhounds are Sighthounds and prey driven so they should be able to chase and turn without breaking. They should also be able to do agility/hoopers/lure coursing/ jump off a settee without breaking. They should be fit for purpose!