tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1101438868458660054.post296399784663717323..comments2024-03-04T06:54:50.622-06:00Comments on Reactive Champion: Suzanne Clothier Seminar: Structure and FunctionCrystal (Thompson) Barrerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738188430244886019noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1101438868458660054.post-61996481959735304422010-04-09T08:23:39.238-05:002010-04-09T08:23:39.238-05:00Yeah, I love those venues for that. Maisy's AP...Yeah, I love those venues for that. Maisy's APDT jump height is already pretty low- 4 inches- but it's nice to know we can go lower if needed.Crystal (Thompson) Barrerahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01738188430244886019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1101438868458660054.post-1943480821918325582010-04-08T18:44:11.999-05:002010-04-08T18:44:11.999-05:00Remember, too, that if you're concerned about ...Remember, too, that if you're concerned about her physically, in APDT and St. Hubert's you can request a lower jump height. <br /><br />Luce's bad knees have definitely been a hindrance, though I see it more in reluctance to sit and trouble with moving (sphynx) downs than in jumping. She "forgot" how to sit in the ring at our last trial, and I'm sure it was her knees-- she'd run pretty hard before we went and I didn't think to give her pain meds, since she hasn't needed them in so long.<br /><br />I was a little surprised though when she refused the 18" jump when I moved her to full height to practice the dumbbell retrieve (a la AKC Open). She's never hesitated to jump with the dumbbell at lower heights. It made me sad because I felt like that's it for my CDX dreams... I can't ask her to do something that causes her pain :(elegyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09221427243067054351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1101438868458660054.post-63105947967631815752010-04-06T12:59:28.565-05:002010-04-06T12:59:28.565-05:00This was a very fascinating read, as is with the c...This was a very fascinating read, as is with the comments as well! Thank you so much Crystal for continuing to post on this!!!M.T.https://www.blogger.com/profile/06634283082362532336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1101438868458660054.post-12022624645737257542010-04-06T08:13:25.664-05:002010-04-06T08:13:25.664-05:00I loved your book, Sara! You're welcome to wri...I loved your book, Sara! You're welcome to write one any time. :)<br /><br />That's really cool that you're going to do a video consult with Suzanne. I hope you figure something out! I thake Maisy to chiropractic and accupressure/massage once a month to keep her from limping. Even *I* can identify some of her structural issues. So much for being an agility competitor...<br /><br />I'd never thought of looking at how various mutations in people affect them, but that's a REALLY good idea. I really have no idea what my next dog will be. Or when. I generally just want Maisy, but healthy and non-reactive. Corgi seems to come closest to her looks and personality, although I think I would also enjoy a terrier quite a bit.<br /><br />I can't wait to hear how your consult goes! When is it?Crystal (Thompson) Barrerahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01738188430244886019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1101438868458660054.post-84227047127163855662010-04-05T13:48:19.720-05:002010-04-05T13:48:19.720-05:00Fascinating, thank you!
After reading this and so...Fascinating, thank you!<br /><br />After reading this and some other things by Clothier, I had a lightbulb moment. Layla has something going on with her back that no vet has been able to figure out yet. I contacted Suzanne about doing a phone/video consult to look at Layla's structure and function, and she said yes!<br />*happy dance* Hopefully this can shed some light on the issue we've been dealing with.<br /><br />As far as short-legged dogs go, have you read SOS Dogs or seen the BBC documentary on purebred dogs? Both are worth looking into. <br /><br />Remember that with any short-legged dog, you are dealing with an intentional mutation. Short-legged dogs are achondroplastic dwarfs. There are many health implications when dealing with achondroplasia in any species, including intervertebral disk disease (IVDD), Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD), hip dysplasia, vertebral malformations, disk herniation, spina bifida, and reproductive problems. An achondroplastic dog has abnormal cartilage growth resulting in shortened torso with shortened limbs. The breed standard requires this mutation and many people really like this "look", but it is a genetic mutation nonetheless. People with achondroplasia frequently complain about lower back pain and may also have problems with weakness or tingling in the limbs. Just a note that I don't have anything against Corgis or other breeds with intentional mutations (for example, Bassets have a different type of dwarfism known as chondrodysplasia) - I understand that people are drawn to a certain "look" and it's best that that "look" is bred with some understanding of structure, health, and temperament (which is what breed clubs are for). But I think it's important especially in a performance dog to take a hard look at the dog's structure and what you're asking the dog to do. Achondroplastic people generally have a harder time performing strenuous physical activity, although they are encouraged to remain active as it can help lessen the chance of later spinal/back issues. It's wonderful that all of the agility venues allow lower jump heights for genetic dwarf breeds, but the fact that they do so should tell us something. A willing dog will push through physical shortcomings to work for you, but only you can determine whether asking your dog to do so is right. <br /><br />I think it's a good idea when interested in a purebred dog to look at the human equivalent to the genetic mutations that form that breed. Is the mutation painful? Does it shorten life expectancy? What other problems could it cause? Look up achondroplastic dwarfism in people, and pay attention to how people who suffer from this condition describe daily life. What issues do you think would cross species? <br /><br />It's also a good idea to research similar breeds and see if they have similar problems. Brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, etc) are known to have breathing problems and are less heat tolerant. Doliocephalic breeds (Borzoi, Collies) are more prone to nosebleeds and destructive rhinitis. If I'm looking for a future sports prospect, I'm going to look for a dog with normal skull structure rather than an excessively shortened or elongated nose, because that will give me the best chances of ending up with a dog who does not have breathing problems. I may think Pekes and Borzoi are nice dogs, but their abnormal skulls could cause problems. If I just wanted a pet dog, it wouldn't matter so much, but since I want to compete in dog sports I want to set my future dog up for success by ensuring that he's physically capable of doing what I ask! <br /><br />Okay, I didn't mean to write a book. Sorry! Stepping off the soapbox and slinking away... ;)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1101438868458660054.post-79186347816215605442010-04-05T08:55:11.388-05:002010-04-05T08:55:11.388-05:00Well, bear in mind that she discussed the short-le...Well, bear in mind that she discussed the short-leggers for about 5 minutes total, so I'm sure there's a lot to be learned about how various dogs are put together. I bet if either of us understood enough about structure, we could learn why some dogs are so highly successful and others aren't... my definition of successful being "with few injuries." What would be really interesting is to see a list of breeds and the incidence of career injuries. Too bad there aren't statistics for that.<br /><br />On top of that, I have no idea what Suzanne's threshold for injuries is, either. Mine is quite low (although I bet most people's is), but hers could be lower. There is also something to be said for teaching the obstacles well and for conditioning the dog to his peak capability in order to reduce the likelihood of injuries.<br /><br />So far as breed comments- those were really 5 seconds on each breed, and I suspect quite general impressions. And really, how many Tollers are around? I've met, well, Vito... so any impressions I have of the breed are based on him. And he seems quite manageable. :)<br /><br />Which all means that when it comes down to it, I'm glad I have Maisy.Crystal (Thompson) Barrerahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01738188430244886019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1101438868458660054.post-78562427003292627452010-04-04T19:55:35.899-05:002010-04-04T19:55:35.899-05:00huh. I don't know much about structure so can...huh. I don't know much about structure so can't really argue against that, but there are many highly successful corgis of both types in agility and I'm assuming the norm is injury free. But either way, I agree that teaching proper jumping is important.<br /><br />Tollers do tend to be more way reserved then goldens or labs, but they in no way should be shy. Basically they just aren't outgoing with strangers and are usually indifferent, not shy. So I have no idea where she got that impression of the breed, absolutely none of the tollers I met were that way and the breed standard speaks out against them being shy. Even Vito with his "stranger danger" is more of a reaction to the environment then being shy.<br /><br />Pyr sheps on the other hand are shy and need tons of socialization. They can make awesome agility dogs (as obviously Silvia's La attests to) but you really have to be careful to <br />socialize them heavily as a puppy.<br /><br />There are just so many great breeds out there though!Laura and The Corgi, Toller, & Duckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06437492165453445126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1101438868458660054.post-67409986015677062362010-04-03T19:07:20.100-05:002010-04-03T19:07:20.100-05:00Both. Maisy has already had some issues- reluctanc...Both. Maisy has already had some issues- reluctance to jump, intermittent lameness, etc., so I already know she probably won't hold up to high intensity and long term jumping, which is why Suzanne said I ought to think about it a bit more carefully. However, because corgis have short legs, the front feet tend to turn out slightly, which means they really need to do everything perfectly in order to avoid injury. Basically, if we choose to compete with the short-leggers, we need to make sure we're teaching excellent jumping skills.<br /><br />I asked her which smaller dogs would be able to hold up to a performance career. She said Border Terrier and Lowchen. If I want to go the corgi route, she said the Pems are a bit better structured than Cardis (to which I moaned, "but they don't have a tail." She replied, "well, I can't change that"). I asked about Duck Tollers, cuz I love Vito and I love the look, but she said they have a tendency to be shy, which can be tricky with trial sites and such. Any thoughts about that? She said the same thing about the Pyr Shep, though she seemed to prefer Tollers over them. She said Papillons are hit and miss, some are good some are not, but its much more variable than in other breeds.<br /><br />Good thing I'm not looking for another dog any time soon...Crystal (Thompson) Barrerahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01738188430244886019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1101438868458660054.post-49501501822008480952010-04-03T11:52:27.070-05:002010-04-03T11:52:27.070-05:00This is a topic that I know nothing about but am r...This is a topic that I know nothing about but am really interested in! I wish someone could point it all out to me as I need to really see it on dogs to get it. <br /><br />Now was Susan's comment on not jumping Maisy a reference to all short legged breeds or Maisy's individual structure?Laura and The Corgi, Toller, & Duckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06437492165453445126noreply@blogger.com