[gemy]

Just home from the very informative 2 day seminar with Dr Chris Zink, DVM and PHD.

I'm still organizing my thoughts and need to review the handouts, but this was a very good speaker, and the hands on part, was extremely beneficial.

The part about structure and function and the interplays was quite clear, and every participant had the opportunity to palpate for straight shoulders, and rear angulation.

Interestingly enough she did start the seminar portion on recent studies and their very concerning results about spay/neuter be it early (ie before maturity), or at maturity; when my notes are organized I will post probably under Yorkie Health, with the appropriate links to studies done/ and information on the 4500 Vizla dog health survey soon to be published.

While I know that many here do not do any performance sports with their dogs, there is one exercise that is very beneficial for all dogs to learn. This exercise strengthens their core/abdominal and back muscles. For those of you that like to teach your dogs "tricks" you may already be doing something that is very beneficial for the overall physical health of your dog.
It is called : Beg Wave Stand >> Back to beg. It is taught in the sequence and not before 6mths old. Many you tube videos I believe are available for you to see. But begging is the position where your dog is seated and you train them to lift both paws up and off the floor. Then to build up to holding this position for 15 sections. You start with a firm non slippery surface and once they are good on that surface, then to a soft surface (like a bed), then to a slippery surface, then to an inclined surface (up or down). Then wave paw out to side, same progression as above.
Then back to firm surface; see if you can get your dog to lift right up to standing on their hand legs, and then back down to beg.

It is a very difficult exercise for the dog. The dog will benefit by even just trying to do the exercise. Some dogs may take as long as six months to be able to just beg and hold for 15 seconds on any surface.
Daily only three repetitions need to be done, to effect muscular strength building.

Dogs of any age, and even with dysplastic hips, or LP can safely do this exercise.

More information to come in later days.