Comments on: Myth 8: My dog knows when to stop

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sat, 05 Jan 2019 00:06:52 +0000

In reply to Andrew Wadsley. Hi- you are probably right with the observation that dogs raised on a farm to be agile can continue to do so without injury. However, these dogs are very rare in the pet sphere. I would also say that my experience in South Australia with yard dogs is that they are usually Kelpies weighing around 15kg rather than Border Collies. Our experience with pet dogs is that they can invariably be injured by excessive ball throwing and that this type of play must be managed. As for frisbee throwing, the idea is to have a fetch toy that does not bounce, but lands predictably. There is no way we recommend the dog catches it in the air, and if this is happening, it is a bad choice of toy.

By: Andrew Wadsley

Andrew Wadsley — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 21:18:50 +0000

I really don’t understand what you are saying, particularly having a working dog not chasing a ball. Have you ever seen a yard dog in action? They twist and turn on a sixpence, accelerate to cut off a sheep – the stress on their joints and bones must be immense. But they can cope with this if during growth they get appropriate exercise, which must include building sufficient bone mass to anchor their tendons and ligaments properly. And the only way to do this is to exercise and start some working while young.
In the human sphere, how many extreme rock climbers tear their muscles because, as children or teenagers, they never built the bones required to carry the muscle they develop once they take up the sport? Bone stress injuries in young adults are increasingly common, due to a childhood which does not prepare their bodies for later exercise stress.
I believe that dogs are the same. If a dog is to be an effective working dog, they must start exercising “hard” when young, which will include ball chasing, but probably not catching a frisbee as this leads to “high” jumping which could cause impact problems when they return to the ground.
My farm bred border collie was introduced to sheep at 7 months and never looked back,though now at 13 yrs she is getting stiff in her hind legs but still active chasing a ball.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 09:12:41 +0000

In reply to Margaret Neate. Thanks so much Margaret – it’s feedback like this that keeps the content coming!

By: Margaret Neate

Margaret Neate — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 05:59:28 +0000

Dear Andrew,

I am so pleased that I have discovered your extremely helpful blog. I have two rescued dogs: a greyhound and a small mixture, and in just an hour or two I have read a great deal of very helpful, interesting and useful information. I thank you sincerely for presenting this for people like me who want the best possible care for their pets.