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Dog Chiropractics 

Lyle and I were at handling class when our trainer, Monica Park, pointed out that she thought Cara was favouring her hind left leg.  She recommended that we contact a Chiropractor that specializes in dogs.  We called Dr. Gloria Bracchetti who met us at a nearby dog show.

It was amazing, what I learned about Cara and it proved to me again why owners/breeders and handlers must have a great understanding of their dog's structure in order to understand their movement.  Cara's problems were all minor, thank goodness.  But, if gone untreated could have become more serious.  She was very tight in the pelvis which was making her favour her left hind leg. Monica was very astute to see that Cara's kick was off as an early sign.  Because Cara was favouring the hind left leg her right front shoulder was taking more weight and work and was tender.

Gloria did a minor adjustment to Cara's pelvis and then a tiny adjustment to her front right shoulder.  Immediately Cara looked more comfortable and she moved better.  Side note here:  Lyle had mentioned that Cara seemed to want to elbow out on the front right.  I have made a note to listen to him more closely when he tells me these things.  She was elbowing out because it took some of the strain off her sore shoulder.

Gloria gave me instructions on how to massage Cara's shoulder a couple of times a week and we see her again in about a month for a check up.  Amazingly, Cara played more and seemed happier after that adjustment.  I'm so happy we are building a great team around us that we continue to learn from and to make sure our dogs are in the best condition possible.

ASK THE EXPERTS
This will be a regular feature of my blog.  I will be asking a question to a cross-section of Canadian experts involved in various areas of the dog world.  If you would like to participate or have a question you would like to have asked or have an expert you would like to answer a question, feel free to contact me.

Question:What advice would you give someone interested in getting involved in Gun Dog Trials and Test?

Answer:  By Heather Brennan, Breeder of German Shorthair Pointers, Georgetown, Ontario

Heather Brennan and Spirit

I would suggest that they start by contacting their local gundog breed or hunt clubs and ask about attending some trials and tests and meeting potential mentors. Field events tend to be very casual and friendly and non-exhibitors are always welcome. Like competitive obedience, gundog tests and trials have a lot of small rules and details that might not apply to a regular day in the field hunting with your dog. Thus a good mentor can go a long way to avoiding handling errors that can reduce your score. 

Pam McClintock with Percy

Pam McClintock is in our Spot Light this week.  She is a breeder, trainer and handler that spends a good amount of time at the dog shows.  She is known for offering help to newcomers and she was caught doing a nice deed at the Burlington show in Rockton last weekend.  There was a gentleman at the show with his Bulldog bitch, but the tail just wasn't right, and Pam noticed something was just off about the tail.  She approached him and offered to show him how to groom the bitch's tufted tail.  Together they hoisted her onto the table and she explained by showing him how to trim the tail down to a reasonable size to accentuate the topline and tail set.  They talked about trimming other areas as well and how best to treat and maintain the facial wrinkles in a healthy condition.

He earned a placement in group that day and I know that Pam was as happy as the owner.  When I mentioned to Pam that I wanted to Spot Light her this week, she was very modest and said, " Little does that man know how much he brightened her day".

Thanks Pam for being a great example of Positive Professional Conduct.

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Another great week for Dogs and Life.  Please keep coming back to see what questions are being answered and who has got caught doing something nice.  Remember to check CanuckDog for the latest stats and my blog.  See you around the ring!

XXXOOO