[deonk1]

Originally Posted by gemy

Yes definitely tell the breeder. If it is only in one leg and a low grade 1/2, intelligent exercise - especially some specific ones to strengthen the leg muscles, would be a very good thing to start. Pre stretch prior agility, after stretch after practice too.

Swimming is just an all around great activity for any dog, but particularly one with joint issues.

One good exercise which is great for training the leg muscles, is: Sit Beg Stand back to Beg. Teach it in steps. It is a difficult one to do. Sit to Beg - practice this 5x per day, on firm surfaces, until the dog can steadily do the beg and stay in the beg position for 15 seconds. Then teach to stand from beg, and back to beg position. This will strengthen the whole back muscles, plus the rear leg muscles

Teach downward dog pose, the once dog is i position have him lift one paw up to either shake hands with you, or slap hands with you.

Crawling is another great exercise/trick.

Joint supplements/additives are an excellent idea as well.

This sounds like fun! I'll try some of these stretches, he LOVES to crawl! In agility we also do rear end strengthening where they step the front end on a bench and then they're supposed to spin their rear end around the bench. Harley uses a CD case :P Should I work hard on this as well to help his legs?