Acknowledged for being highly intelligent, Australian Shepherds should be less difficult to train. But despite that wonderful characteristic, there are some unavoidable factors that can spoil the outcome of Australian Shepherd training. Several health problems this breed is vulnerable to top the list of such factors. It's not that they are an unhealthy breed but they typically inherit health concerns affecting the back, hip and eyes.
While these health diseases can indeed affect the training, knowing more about them will help you figure out as to what training approach would work best for your dog without sacrificing their health condition. Here is a list of health concerns and their descriptions you might want to be aware of:
Hip dysplasia - Hip dysplasia is one of the most common health issues affecting dogs especially larger ones. This health issue appears when the caput (end of the femur head) is not 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 an effect when the caput or acetabulum aren't smooth and round hence causing abnormal wear and tear within the joint as it moves. This health issue can cause mild to severe crippling and eventually serious osteoarthritis without treatment.
Although this disease is inherited, external factors like 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 issue causes pain or stiffness and sometimes disable a sufferer. Inflammation and osteoarthritis may also develop hence making Australian Shepherd training more challenging.
Patella luxation - In addition to hip and elbow problem, an Aussie could also suffer from luxating patella, a disease that happens when a dog's knees are misaligned or misshapen. A dog may not feel any pain after the onset however, this disease that is also called trick knee may cause the dog to skip when running and does not let one rear leg touch the ground specially when walking or running.
Eye problems - Australian Shepherds are also vulnerable to eye problems like red eye, epiphora, conjunctivitis and cataracts. Collie eye anomaly is rare but iris coloboma ought to be noted.
If your pet is affected by any of these issues, it is of utmost importance that you take necessary steps to prevent the problem from progressing if not totally get rid of it. Of course, you can still go on providing your dog with Australian Shepherd training. Just be certain that the activities included will not help worsen whatever disease your pet has.
While these health diseases can indeed affect the training, knowing more about them will help you figure out as to what training approach would work best for your dog without sacrificing their health condition. Here is a list of health concerns and their descriptions you might want to be aware of:
Hip dysplasia - Hip dysplasia is one of the most common health issues affecting dogs especially larger ones. This health issue appears when the caput (end of the femur head) is not 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 an effect when the caput or acetabulum aren't smooth and round hence causing abnormal wear and tear within the joint as it moves. This health issue can cause mild to severe crippling and eventually serious osteoarthritis without treatment.
Although this disease is inherited, external factors like 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 issue causes pain or stiffness and sometimes disable a sufferer. Inflammation and osteoarthritis may also develop hence making Australian Shepherd training more challenging.
Patella luxation - In addition to hip and elbow problem, an Aussie could also suffer from luxating patella, a disease that happens when a dog's knees are misaligned or misshapen. A dog may not feel any pain after the onset however, this disease that is also called trick knee may cause the dog to skip when running and does not let one rear leg touch the ground specially when walking or running.
Eye problems - Australian Shepherds are also vulnerable to eye problems like red eye, epiphora, conjunctivitis and cataracts. Collie eye anomaly is rare but iris coloboma ought to be noted.
If your pet is affected by any of these issues, it is of utmost importance that you take necessary steps to prevent the problem from progressing if not totally get rid of it. Of course, you can still go on providing your dog with Australian Shepherd training. Just be certain that the activities included will not help worsen whatever disease your pet has.
About the Author:
Jennifer Powell has been sharing information regarding Australian Shepherd training. Check out her site to get your dose of effective advice to help you achieve successful Australian Shepherd training.
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