Australian Shepherd Training: Typical Health Problems To Consider

Known for being exceptionally intelligent,
Australian Shepherds are supposedly less of a
challenge to train. But despite that impressive
characteristic, there are some inevitable
factors that can spoil the effect of Australian
Shepherd training. Numerous health concerns this
breed is at risk of top the list of such factors.
It is not that they are an unhealthy breed but
they normally inherit health issues 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 method
would work best for your dog without the need 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 especially
larger ones. This health problem 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 are not smooth and round therefore
causing abnormal wear and tear within the joint
as it moves. This health issue may cause mild to
severe crippling and eventually severe
osteoarthritis without treatment.

While 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
other hand affects the cartilage and the
structures surrounding it. This issue creates
pain or stiffness and sometimes disable a
sufferer. Inflammation and osteoarthritis may
also develop hence making Australian Shepherd
training more challenging.

Patella luxation - Apart from hip and elbow
problem, an Aussie could also suffer from
luxating patella, a condition that occurs when a
dog's knees are misaligned or misshapen. A dog
might not feel any ache after the onset however,
this disease that is also referred to as 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
prone 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 very important that you take necessary
steps to prevent the problem from advancing if
not completely eradicate it. Of course, you can
still continue on providing your dog with
Australian Shepherd training. Just make certain
that the activities included won't help worsen
whatever disease your pet has.

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Jennifer Powell has been sharing information
regarding Australian Shepherd training. Visit
http://www.australianshepherdsavvy.com to get
your dose of effective advice to help you
achieve successful Australian Shepherd training.

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