We all start somewhere Billy, from my experience it is always best to let a good greyhound vet or well respected checker do the needling especially when you don't really know what sort of effect the needle will have on a dog. Over time alot of "trainers" will tell you to give the dog this or that but you have to feel comfortable yourself with it as after all your the one responsible for its wellbeing. My advice would be to find a vet or checker that you can have a good repor with and bounce the questions off them 9/10 they are more than willing to help out I have found! Good luck mate, I hope he wins for you real soon!!!