Blogging about our inspirations, DOG AGILITY, DOG SPORTS, and LUCAS the DOBERMAN, that resulted in our online store, Much About The Mutt, apparel for the dog sport enthusiast.
Recently, I observed my agility dog break his "sit" start line stay, yelping and looking at his rear end. Yelping at his rear end was nothing new, and neither was breaking the start line stay, but seeing the two behaviors together was new.Could this be a clue?
For the past year and a half, my Doberman Lucas, has been struggling with anal gland issues. These issues have been steadily getting worse. For example, after yelping at his rear end in practice and breaking his start line stay, I took him to the vet to have his anal glands expressed. The anal glands were impacted and his entire rear end was very sore.
Five days later, Lucas had a sleepless night, standing and pacing. Having not ever seen Lucas act this way before, I was very concerned. Honestly, I thought he had bloat. After taking him to a different vet. for a full evaluation, the prognosis again was impacted anal glands.
Clearly, Lucas' anal gland problem is very painful. So much so that I can not express them myself anymore. All that can be done at this point is to add more fiber to his raw food diet, and regularly get his anal glands expressed. Having the anal glands removed does not seem like a good option at this point, for it could cause fecal incontinence.
Lucas' History With The Start Line In the beginning (novice level) of Lucas' agility career he did not have a problem with his start line stay.
Months later (open level), he started to have concerns with the dogs standing behind him, resulting in him breaking the start line stay. He would run around the jump to be with me. After working on this problem, he developed confidence and was holding his start line stay.
Sometime, after moving up to the Excellent level, his anal gland problem started and his start line stay was off and on. (More off than on)
Wanting to fix this problem, I started implementing the popular start line solutions and games. I religiously walked him off the course in trials and practice if he broke his start line stay. The result, still Lucas was still breaking his start line stay. (We walked off more courses in 2010 than we ran)
My Light Bulb Moment
After watching Lucas break his "sit" start line stay, yelping and looking at his rear end last week, I realized, his anal gland problem and sore rear end, could very likely be a large contributing factor to why Lucas breaks most of his start line stays.
In practice, I have started putting Lucas in a "down" at the start line. So far, Lucas has held a solid down until his release cue is given. Could it be that simple? I think the true test will be in a trial setting.
Look for part two of "Getting To The Bottom Of My Dog's Start Line Stay, Literally" in mid March after our first trial of the year.
Note: Although Lucas' anal gland problem is painful at times, he has not exhibited any pain or discomfort running a course or playing. In fact, he is eager, happy, and energetic during his physical activity.
Living a little OCD, inherently particular, and believing my agility partner is a high maintenance dog, has resulted in keeping my 8 "Go To Products" that I can not live without, close at hand.
Product Description: A close-fit, water / snow resistant, Arctic fleece bodysuit for dogs. The 4-way stretch material moves with the dog, is easy to put on and stays in place even when the dog is quite active. Size range from pint size to extra large.
Personal Experience:K9 TOP COAT's customer service was knowledgeable and friendly with selecting the correct size for my Dog. Dobermans, not having an under coat, I purchased this "FULL BODY" coat as a tool in frigid temperatures to assist my Doberman in warming up his muscles before agility class and trials.
Crash Test Toys are Flyball and Agility motivators designed and made by Keith Lundy, near Brockville in Ontario, Canada. With a large variety of tug toys, they will also custom design tugs.
Personal Experience: This is the only training toy that I am able to play tug with my 83 pound Doberman. The custom made"Lucas Tug" is easy to hold on to, with a strong bungee, and quality sheepskin. The circular shape allows me to quickly and easily get a good grip and shift my weight to keep my balance. I have yet to find any other company to offer a combination bungee tug WITH sheepskin.
The owner of Crash Test Toys is friendly, customer service oriented, fast, innovative, and provides very reasonable prices for both pre-made and custom orders.
Product Description: Compact, easy-to-carry, sturdy water jug, with a wide base that prevents tipping. Features a stain- and odor-resistant liner for easy cleaning.
Personal Experience: Perfect size water bowl for a large dog that won't tip, fits well in a large dog crate, and is easy to carry. I never leave home with Lucas' jug of water.
4. Small Book Bag
Why a small book bag? Rather we're at a trial, class, out-of-town, or off doing other dog sports, I'm prepared to go on a walk to get connected with my dog, provide an activity, or cool down after a run with my grab-n-go book bag. Small, light weight, and pre-packed, I never find myself without what I need for my dog.
Depending upon the season, I may keep gloves, wind jacket, and a coat for Lucas in the bag.
(Note: The small book bag is a separate bag from my training bag or my trial bag.)
5. Large Kong AirDog Squeaker Donut
Product Description:Air Kong Squeaker Donut is made with nonabrasive tennis ball material that will not wear down dog's teeth. Also features a great squeak that your dog will go crazy for. 100% Pure Tennis Fetch Toy features a nontoxic felt cover and it floats high in the water for your pup's spotting and fetching ease.
Personal Experience: The Kong Donut Ring is Lucas' ultimate play toy. It is perfect
for warm up, play, or dock diving. (This is always in the small book bag.)
Product Description:The Easy Walk Harness is designed to gently discourage dogs from pulling while walking on a leash. The unique front-chest leash attachment stops pulling by tightening slightly across the dog's chest and shoulder blades. The gentle pressure steers your dog to the side and redirecting his attention back towards you.
Personal Experience: Love the harness. Great for those who have A LOT OF DOG.
7. Dog Foot Care
Tuf-Foot - Tuf-Foot's skin toughening properties is ideal for hunting dogs, working dogs, and all other dogs on the move. www.tuffoot.com
Firm Grip - Firm Grip is an all-natural rosin spray that can be applied to your dog's pads to improve traction when climbing obstacles, jumping, running on artificial turf. www.doggonegood.com
Epsom Salt - Good for soaking bruised paw pads.
Musher's Secret- Made from 100% natural waxes, I use this on cracks and dry paws. (Note: Wax stays on paw for a few days. Don't use right before competition.) www.musherssecret.net
Cleats - Best for training or trialing in mud, wet grass, or sandy surfaces.
Insoles
The Stick - The Stick warms muscle without expending vital energy stores, performs both general and segmental stretching procedures, removes trigger point barriers to peak athletic performance, enhances strength, flexibility and endurance, and accelerates muscle recovery and relieves pain. (www.thestick.com)
LOKI Midi Fleece - The Midi Fleece is ideal for winter layering and this light weight, quick drying 3/4 zip pullover. The fleece pullover comes with a built in face shield, mitts, hood, and large hand pockets. (www.lokiusa.com) DGTA8N3PJFPV
