Agility with DM Sheltie?

[Caro]

OK - I thought DM was degenerative myelopathy this time, in which case I would say let the dog have as much fun while it still can move (and ensure the muscles are kept strong)

If you mean dermatomyositis, well I would also be wary of withdrawing the dog from activities. A well balanced dog with lots of social opportunities and activities is generally going to be less stressed than a dog isolated and bored. Withdrawing a working breed tends to lead to neurotic dog. It works the same with humans, the more isolated you become the more anxiety this will cause undertaking everyday tasks.

But I think the same applies regardless - activity helps maintain muscle strength and overall fitness and wellbeing.

 

[Justicemom]

I would think it would depend on the dog. Not training causes Justice stress. He had to be a couch potato for 4 months due to an injury and it almost drove him and me nuts. He is retired from agility because of that injury but he goes crazy when I leave him at home. He will happily lay in the kennel and socialize with his human friends at class. Ember would be able to handle being a couch potato or not. Now trialing maybe too much, that is a whole different thing. Ember could go and power nap with the building coming down around her. It doesn't brother her, except when air guns are going off. Justice is on his toes ready to do something. He is not relaxed at shows, very reved up. He will lay down but he is not very relaxed.

If Kippy is not worried about working in public training class maybe ok. If Kippy is a worry wort about other dogs ,people, noises, being in public then it not a good idea.

 

[akpugluv]

The DM I'm talking about is dermatomyositis

I apologize if I've confused anyone by just using the initials DM in my original post. The DM I'm speaking of is dermatomyositis. I've read and been informed by our vet that it is hereditary...something in the DNA. I did notify the breeder and pray she stops breeding Kippy's parents.

From all the replys I'm feeling that Kippy would benefit from continued agility but NOT at the competetive level. If Margy starts agility with her new Sheltie pup (yes, I broke down, dipped into my savings and now we have a sable Sheltie, Chester), she can take what she learns and do agility at home with Kippy (Kippy is a tricolor). I've talked to her about this and she is very excited. I am in the process of buying and building agility equipment for us at home. By the way, my daughter is 13 years old and absolutely head over heels in love with all things Sheltie. She loves agility and obedience and now both her dogs follow her everywhere. Chester and Kippy are fast friends and in the evenings one couch in our living room is filled with my daughter and her two dogs.

Someone replied and asked if Kippy had other medical issues. The answer is yes. At seven months of age his teeth were in such bad shape that the vet had to do a dental cleaning. He told us that this is very young and that Kippy will need daily dental care. Every evening before bedtime my daughter brushes Kippy's teeth and has also started brushing Chester's teeth for good measure.

Kippy is a very active dog and I feel would just wilt away if we didn't keep him active.

Thanks to all who responded. You folks are wonderful. I appreciate you taking the time to help us.

 

[Strider]

I apologize if I've confused anyone by just using the initials DM in my original post. The DM I'm speaking of is dermatomyositis. I've read and been informed by our vet that it is hereditary...something in the DNA. I did notify the breeder and pray she stops breeding Kippy's parents.

From all the replys I'm feeling that Kippy would benefit from continued agility but NOT at the competetive level. If Margy starts agility with her new Sheltie pup (yes, I broke down, dipped into my savings and now we have a sable Sheltie, Chester), she can take what she learns and do agility at home with Kippy (Kippy is a tricolor). I've talked to her about this and she is very excited. I am in the process of buying and building agility equipment for us at home. By the way, my daughter is 13 years old and absolutely head over heels in love with all things Sheltie. She loves agility and obedience and now both her dogs follow her everywhere. Chester and Kippy are fast friends and in the evenings one couch in our living room is filled with my daughter and her two dogs.

Someone replied and asked if Kippy had other medical issues. The answer is yes. At seven months of age his teeth were in such bad shape that the vet had to do a dental cleaning. He told us that this is very young and that Kippy will need daily dental care. Every evening before bedtime my daughter brushes Kippy's teeth and has also started brushing Chester's teeth for good measure.

Kippy is a very active dog and I feel would just wilt away if we didn't keep him active.

Thanks to all who responded. You folks are wonderful. I appreciate you taking the time to help us.

I just noticed that you are from Alaska. Are you out of Anchorage? I ask only because I have a friend who had a dog with the same issues. He did a lot with him. I'm just curious if they are from the same breeder.