Start agility again....

[Duke'sMommy]

I was wondering what some of you think. I had started my dog in agility for a few months. During this time I really enjoyed it and so did he. After about 3 months I found out he has hip problems. I stopped the agility right away after I found this. Lately Ive been thinking about how I miss it and all teh fun we had together and possibly starting back up. He shows no signs of any problems. I only know he has hip problems because we had xrays done. I was talking to this woman on the weekend and we started talking about agility and I told her I use to have Duke in it but stopped. She then told me that she competes and 2 out of her 6 dogs has hip dysplisa and they still compete. And most people dont even know her dogs have it. This got me thinking. Was I just being an over paranoid person and pulled him out to quick. Is it wrong if I do agility with him knowing about his hip problems. What do some of you think.......

 

[Dekka]

I don't know much about HD. Does exercise make it worse, or does being fit help?

I know there are many dogs out there playing the game with issues. Its a matter of knowing how much your dog can/should do.

 

[MafiaPrincess]

Scroll down to 'to work or not to work' half way down the page. Gives some good advice. http://www.agilitynet.com/health/hipdsyplasia.html

 

[Duke'sMommy]

Thanks MafiaPrincess for that link.

I still am so confused with what to do. lol.

Half my battle again will be to find another trainer. I woman I was going to only does privates on days that I work. But Ill worry about that when I do make a decision.

I take Duke to the vet tomorrow for another round of shots and Ill see where we stand then.

 

[Dekka]

Where abouts are you in Ont?

 

[Duke'sMommy]

Im Mississauga area. I was driving out to Caledon. I need someone who can do privates because Duke is aggressive. Group classes just arent the right thing for him right now.

 

[adojrts]

I would like to say, that I am very proud of you for putting your dogs well being first, because so many people don't.

I agree that you can get a second opinion and I also agree that it depends on whether it is actually hurting him at this time.

The great thing about agility is how we can modify it to suit each dog/handler needs for training and even competing to some degree.

One thing you should consider and talk to with a good instructor is Contacts and which would be best for him. Taking into consideration his size, weight, running style and which one provides the less stress to the back/hips, esp. the frame.

I would also look into providing him with the best exercise to keep him in condition which in theory should help. Swimming him should be an excellent way and you are lucky in the fact that there are many swimming places for dogs in your area. Also know and do all the exercises that keep the core abdominal muscles strong, those help support the back/hips etc.

Personally I wouldn't stop training at this point after another opinion from a vet, esp if you and he really enjoyed it. Keep the frame and jumps low. Consider if you are going to compete or not, if your not, don't train the weaves.

Good luck and keep us posted, we'll be wondering now how he is doing.

Listen to your dog, dogs that are hurting will avoid doing what makes them hurt, they can shut down, they can slow down or be very sore the next day.

 

[DaVinci]

My boy DaVinci has hip dysplasia and I still do agility with him. He loves it and I watch him close so see when he starts to get tired. I keep the jumps low and I don't do all of the jumps either. He does the dog walk and the A frame to and does them with ease. I give DaVinci calcium and MSM plus a couple of other supplements that help the joints.

 

[Brandyb]

Would you be willing to drive to Georgetown (I suppose it might be a little closer than Caledon)? I train at a great facility out there, and they offer privates, and can possibly work around your schedule.
The facility is called Campaign Dog Academy, and they are really great with dogs who have "special behavioural needs".
Campaign Dog Academy

 

[Duke'sMommy]

Funny thing Brandyb, this just so happens to be one of the places I was looking it. You just answered the question I was trying to find if they are accepting and good of "special needs".

 

[Duke'sMommy]

Duke had his visit at the vet today for another shot of cartrophen. After talking to her about starting up in agility again. She said to go for it but to be careful. He's joint are doing so much better in the time we have done the shots and hes been on shark cartalige. No more cracking and great extensions. Her suggestion was to do another xray and then start the agility and in 8 months - a year do another one and compare to see if hes getting worse or if its still sitting at the same stage. I thought that is not a bad idea and would probably put my mind at ease as well.

 

[DaVinci]

That does sound like a good plan. I hope you enjoy the agility class and this group will work with your DA dog. Good Luck

 

[Duke'sMommy]

After much time of going back and forth with the decision. I finally decided on what to do....

Duke starts back up in agility next wednesday.

Im so excitied. Ive been thinking about this for 3 months or so. Since my hours got cut at my part time job as well I can go back to where I was training before so I dont have to find another place.

 

[adojrts]

That is awesome, I really look forward to hearing updates.