- Location
- Argyll & Bute, Scotland
Don't advertise that bit!!Three dogs was easy....add Otter and well everything has gone to pot! In my head this little voice is saying..."Well I am a dog trainer you know!"
xx
Otter's Journey....
- Thread starter Beanwood
- Start date
xx
Beanwood
Administrator
So we are 4 weeks since our Post Op check up with the Orthdog specialist. It feels like longer...is that a good thing or bad thing? Hmmmm..
We are still in rehab, simply meaning, we are careful, Otter has her daily exercises, and good amount of lead work followed by 20 mins off lead. We still need to work on strength, both her core, and rear. We are also working hard with her external rotation, this is through prioreceptor work to really build good "memory" of the right position of her leg to reduce the tendency for it to "swing" out. This is improving, although I would like to see less "hip sway".
Otter is enjoying gun-dog training and life skills training such as recall, (not too much...) positioning, stop whistle as well as working on a reverse clicker retrieve, so just the hold at this stage. Otter has never had a ball, dummy thrown for her, because we can't risk her twisting and running for something in the air. If she is out with the gang, we work on calmness, ignoring them, or working with the others on simple things, name games, scatter, sit.
So this video for me was interesting. Otter has enjoyed hunting for things, really from day 1. To build her confidence I have often set up hidden dummies/toys at the beginning of the walk, then at the end we work together to "find it!", she then gets to carry it home. We are also clicker training a hold, ( very much a WIP! ) What we haven't done is me, or anyone throwing stuff for her. @Mr. Beanwood has on a couple of occasions, placed a dummy, item to let Otter "find it".
In this clip we walk together, she sees me tuck a little fur ball in the woodpile. On lead we mooch around, finally walking back up the paddock. I position her next to me, on lead. I wait for a moment, Otter is looking front. Then I think...oops! I have no cue! So OK.. I just say whatever comes into my head... (well I am a dog trainer you know!! ) Bless her cotton socks... her retrieve is non too shabby for a young'un! 
. It is a nice safe retrieve, a good distance, she naturally slows to a halt by the woodpile, not a "stop and start", and comes flying back to the recall whistle. (that will get faded out at some point). We have come a long way, she is a brave and clever girl, but what joy to watch her actually retrieve! 
Hmmmm..We are still in rehab, simply meaning, we are careful, Otter has her daily exercises, and good amount of lead work followed by 20 mins off lead. We still need to work on strength, both her core, and rear. We are also working hard with her external rotation, this is through prioreceptor work to really build good "memory" of the right position of her leg to reduce the tendency for it to "swing" out. This is improving, although I would like to see less "hip sway".
Otter is enjoying gun-dog training and life skills training such as recall, (not too much...) positioning, stop whistle as well as working on a reverse clicker retrieve, so just the hold at this stage. Otter has never had a ball, dummy thrown for her, because we can't risk her twisting and running for something in the air. If she is out with the gang, we work on calmness, ignoring them, or working with the others on simple things, name games, scatter, sit.
So this video for me was interesting. Otter has enjoyed hunting for things, really from day 1. To build her confidence I have often set up hidden dummies/toys at the beginning of the walk, then at the end we work together to "find it!", she then gets to carry it home. We are also clicker training a hold, ( very much a WIP! ) What we haven't done is me, or anyone throwing stuff for her. @Mr. Beanwood has on a couple of occasions, placed a dummy, item to let Otter "find it".
In this clip we walk together, she sees me tuck a little fur ball in the woodpile. On lead we mooch around, finally walking back up the paddock. I position her next to me, on lead. I wait for a moment, Otter is looking front. Then I think...oops! I have no cue! So OK.. I just say whatever comes into my head...
(well I am a dog trainer you know!! ) Bless her cotton socks... her retrieve is non too shabby for a young'un! . It is a nice safe retrieve, a good distance, she naturally slows to a halt by the woodpile, not a "stop and start", and comes flying back to the recall whistle. (that will get faded out at some point). We have come a long way, she is a brave and clever girl, but what joy to watch her actually retrieve! 
Lovely!!!
- Location
- Herefordshire, UK
Fabulous x9
- Location
- Argyll & Bute, Scotland
Just brilliant xx
Beanwood
Administrator
Haven't updated this thread for a month! Oh dear....
Knee rehab
We continue with our exercises, building on rear end awareness and strength in the big thigh muscles as well as core. Off lead Otter gets around 40 mins per day, this is very low key and at her own pace, no manic running around. We will probably increase to around an hour by the end of the month. We are still working on slow on lead walking important before off lead to warm those muscles up. We are almost 6 months post op, can't believe how time flies!
At rehab this week, we managed to get Otter into the water treadmill and walking, after lots of preparation. Whilst Otter has tolerated the treadmill before, to get her actually walking in there, is a big achievement. Otter has gained strength physically, especially in her core and leg muscles. We do though see some limitation in extension of her knee, a bit of back stiffness and a bit of residual external rotation of her affected leg. Possibly as Otter had just had a very energetic weekend in Cornwall, followed by a long trip in the car.
Her injury however, has probably put paid to any field work, although we could possibly consider novice working tests, we will see in the next couple of months. I still feel sad here, as she is bursting with potential. We do the odd retrieve, these are all memories, maybe several a week. which she loves! I even restrict her recall, because, bizarrely i I just panic at seeing her bonkers face racing towards me! No tennis balls, or anything thrown for her ever. Sigh...The good news is that she is a bright spark, loves hunting, and adores training of any sort, and anywhere! Even at the vets...yeah..I said that.
Anxiety - stranger / people directed
We have had a vet visit today. A proper, in the consulting room, visit. I am so darned proud of her! The closest we have been able to get previously, was standing in the car park, in the rain, with our new vet patiently watching Otter from a distance. But today....Otter. Went. Into. The. Consulting. Room. Just wowzers!! Not one bark. No she wasn't completely comfortable, however she deigned to accept some squeezey cheese...first on her licky mat, then directly from the tube, in the vets hand, which entailed him leaning towards her a bit. We stood there talking normally while she playing on and off, on and off the scales demanding treats for being so clever! So we know that Otter weighs 25kg, spot on. She is in perfect condition, and due to her age he expects a little more muscle building, but I think would like to see her remain on the slim side of 25kg. Her medication regime is to stay the same, as although she is doing really well, we are at the stage of being out and about a lot more, plus Otter will start more formal group training soon. The vet was very pleased to her see her growth in confidence, as this is key to Otter overcoming her previous deep anxiety around people.
Knee rehab
We continue with our exercises, building on rear end awareness and strength in the big thigh muscles as well as core. Off lead Otter gets around 40 mins per day, this is very low key and at her own pace, no manic running around. We will probably increase to around an hour by the end of the month. We are still working on slow on lead walking important before off lead to warm those muscles up. We are almost 6 months post op, can't believe how time flies!
At rehab this week, we managed to get Otter into the water treadmill and walking, after lots of preparation. Whilst Otter has tolerated the treadmill before, to get her actually walking in there, is a big achievement. Otter has gained strength physically, especially in her core and leg muscles. We do though see some limitation in extension of her knee, a bit of back stiffness and a bit of residual external rotation of her affected leg. Possibly as Otter had just had a very energetic weekend in Cornwall, followed by a long trip in the car.
Her injury however, has probably put paid to any field work, although we could possibly consider novice working tests, we will see in the next couple of months. I still feel sad here, as she is bursting with potential. We do the odd retrieve, these are all memories, maybe several a week. which she loves! I even restrict her recall, because, bizarrely i I just panic at seeing her bonkers face racing towards me! No tennis balls, or anything thrown for her ever. Sigh...The good news is that she is a bright spark, loves hunting, and adores training of any sort, and anywhere! Even at the vets...yeah..I said that.
Anxiety - stranger / people directed
We have had a vet visit today. A proper, in the consulting room, visit. I am so darned proud of her! The closest we have been able to get previously, was standing in the car park, in the rain, with our new vet patiently watching Otter from a distance. But today....Otter. Went. Into. The. Consulting. Room. Just wowzers!! Not one bark. No she wasn't completely comfortable, however she deigned to accept some squeezey cheese...first on her licky mat, then directly from the tube, in the vets hand, which entailed him leaning towards her a bit. We stood there talking normally while she playing on and off, on and off the scales demanding treats for being so clever! So we know that Otter weighs 25kg, spot on. She is in perfect condition, and due to her age he expects a little more muscle building, but I think would like to see her remain on the slim side of 25kg. Her medication regime is to stay the same, as although she is doing really well, we are at the stage of being out and about a lot more, plus Otter will start more formal group training soon. The vet was very pleased to her see her growth in confidence, as this is key to Otter overcoming her previous deep anxiety around people.
- Location
- Argyll & Bute, Scotland
I'm sorry you feel sad and that your hopes of working her are not possible, but Kate you will do other activities/training that suit Otter, of that I have no doubt. As you always say "work with the dog in front of you". Otter is well. Had she not been your girl I doubt the outcome would have been as positive as it is. Be proud of yourself and Otter. xxx
- Location
- Essex, U.K.
Sounds like she is coming on very well, good girl Otter, you should be very proud of her 
I feel your pain Kate, and your sadness that your plans have not worked out how you expected. However, you will find things that make you both very happy together, and the main thing is that she is healthy and pain-free, with a fulfilled life (even if not what you had planned).
Beanwood
Administrator
Just a quick update.
Since my last post Otter has been able to participate in a gundog group training class, which was amazing!
This morning Otter managed a water treadmill for 6 mins. This is an incredible achievement, and took a lot of courage from Otter. She is not hugely comfortable, however she is walking well and happy to take food. Tamsin is in with her to ensure her affected leg is doing all the work and not associated musculature which can happen with leg injuries and may lead to an "off-set" gait. It also gives our rehab vet a great opportunity to feel how everything else is working. Otter is doing well, her muscles developing equally. Her weight seems be stablising at around 24.8kgs.
Since my last post Otter has been able to participate in a gundog group training class, which was amazing!
This morning Otter managed a water treadmill for 6 mins. This is an incredible achievement, and took a lot of courage from Otter. She is not hugely comfortable, however she is walking well and happy to take food. Tamsin is in with her to ensure her affected leg is doing all the work and not associated musculature which can happen with leg injuries and may lead to an "off-set" gait. It also gives our rehab vet a great opportunity to feel how everything else is working. Otter is doing well, her muscles developing equally. Her weight seems be stablising at around 24.8kgs.
Candy
Biscuit Tin Guardian
- Location
- West Yorkshire, UK
Well done Otter! Six minutes is a long time in a water treadmill. Solstice had the same after her cruciate ligament surgery. I seem to remember the longest she did was five minutes. It did help though, so was well worth doing. I hope it's equally effective for Otter.
- Location
- Andorra and Spain
Well done, Team Beanwood!!
- Location
- Malvern Worcestershire
Great. I see no reason why she cannot do gundog training now.
Naya
Moderator
- Location
- Bristol, UK
. Well done 
Well done, soon she will be be running around like a crazy dog (if not already)...
Lisa
Moderator
- Location
- Alberta, Canada
Beanwood
Administrator
She does this already...luckily I get a warning just before she has an attack of the bonkers zoomies!
Beanwood
Administrator
Goodness! I see I haven't updated this thread since February, and has it been only January that we completed her rehab?
I must post a more recent video of her in training, her zest, drive and sheer joy is lovely to watch. Lots of work on her resilience around people, which has been a real worry.
Anyhow, will just pop this vid up for now. Taken a week or so ago. With a complete stranger who agreed to help out with a bit of training with Otter.
So proud of how brave she was, in particular, note she chooses to come forward, no pressure and she is not asked to do anything. After this exercise she just mooched quiet around him and his super cute little pug before we headed off.
I must post a more recent video of her in training, her zest, drive and sheer joy is lovely to watch. Lots of work on her resilience around people, which has been a real worry.
Anyhow, will just pop this vid up for now. Taken a week or so ago. With a complete stranger who agreed to help out with a bit of training with Otter.
So proud of how brave she was, in particular, note she chooses to come forward, no pressure and she is not asked to do anything. After this exercise she just mooched quiet around him and his super cute little pug before we headed off.