Acknowledged for being exceptionally intelligent, Australian Shepherds should be less of a challenge to train. But despite that wonderful characteristic, there are a few unavoidable factors that can spoil the outcome of Australian Shepherd training. Numerous ailments this breed is vulnerable to top the list of such factors. It's not that they have poor health but they usually inherit health problems affecting the back, hip and eyes.
While these health problems can indeed affect the training, understanding more about them will help you figure out as to what training technique would work best for your pet without having to sacrifice their health condition. Here is a list of health concerns and their descriptions you may want to know:
Hip dysplasia - Hip dysplasia is one of the most common health issues affecting dogs particularly larger breeds. This health problem occurs when the caput (end of the femur head) isn't deeply or firmly held by the acetabulum (socket located in the pelvis). It has become a loose fit or partial fit instead of the normal snug fit. Hip dysplasia may also be a result when the caput or acetabulum are not smooth and round thus causing abnormal wear and tear inside the joint as it moves. This health concern can cause mild to severe crippling and eventually serious osteoarthritis without treatment.
While this disease is inherited, environmental factors such as overweight condition and injury at a young age can also trigger it.
Elbow dysplasia - While hip dysplasia affects the femur and the caput, elbow dysplasia on the contrary affects the cartilage and the structures surrounding it. This problem triggers pain or stiffness and sometimes disable a sufferer. Inflammation and osteoarthritis may also develop hence making Australian Shepherd training more difficult.
Patella luxation - Along with hip and elbow problem, an Aussie may also suffer from luxating patella, an illness that occurs when a dog's knees are misaligned or misshapen. A dog might not feel any pain after the onset however, this disease that is also called trick knee may cause the pet to skip when running and doesn't let one rear leg touch the ground particularly when walking or running.
Eye problems - Australian Shepherds are also vulnerable to eye problems such as red eye, epiphora, conjunctivitis and cataracts. Collie eye anomaly is uncommon but iris coloboma ought to be noted.
If your pet is suffering from any of these issues, it is very important that you take necessary measures to prevent the problem from progressing if not totally eliminate it. Of course, you can still go on providing your pet with Australian Shepherd training. Just make sure that the activities involved won't help worsen whatever disease your pet has.
While these health problems can indeed affect the training, understanding more about them will help you figure out as to what training technique would work best for your pet without having to sacrifice their health condition. Here is a list of health concerns and their descriptions you may want to know:
Hip dysplasia - Hip dysplasia is one of the most common health issues affecting dogs particularly larger breeds. This health problem occurs when the caput (end of the femur head) isn't deeply or firmly held by the acetabulum (socket located in the pelvis). It has become a loose fit or partial fit instead of the normal snug fit. Hip dysplasia may also be a result when the caput or acetabulum are not smooth and round thus causing abnormal wear and tear inside the joint as it moves. This health concern can cause mild to severe crippling and eventually serious osteoarthritis without treatment.
While this disease is inherited, environmental factors such as overweight condition and injury at a young age can also trigger it.
Elbow dysplasia - While hip dysplasia affects the femur and the caput, elbow dysplasia on the contrary affects the cartilage and the structures surrounding it. This problem triggers pain or stiffness and sometimes disable a sufferer. Inflammation and osteoarthritis may also develop hence making Australian Shepherd training more difficult.
Patella luxation - Along with hip and elbow problem, an Aussie may also suffer from luxating patella, an illness that occurs when a dog's knees are misaligned or misshapen. A dog might not feel any pain after the onset however, this disease that is also called trick knee may cause the pet to skip when running and doesn't let one rear leg touch the ground particularly when walking or running.
Eye problems - Australian Shepherds are also vulnerable to eye problems such as red eye, epiphora, conjunctivitis and cataracts. Collie eye anomaly is uncommon but iris coloboma ought to be noted.
If your pet is suffering from any of these issues, it is very important that you take necessary measures to prevent the problem from progressing if not totally eliminate it. Of course, you can still go on providing your pet with Australian Shepherd training. Just make sure that the activities involved won't help worsen whatever disease your pet has.
About the Author:
Jennifer Powell has been sharing information regarding Australian Shepherd training. Visit her site to get your dose of effective advice to help you achieve successful Australian Shepherd training.
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