7 years ago, a less grey Little Man with his 1st place qualie. At 11, he’s back training agility with Ginger and loving it, he’s the fittest he’s ever been, still super motivated and I’m positive he is executing his skills better now too. He has however developed some slight arthritis in his left hip so the activity he does is appropriate for him and he's maintained well by me as his body worker and given excellent anti-inflammatory nutrition and supplementation.
Little was retired from agility due to a cruciate injury when he was past middle-aged. At the time, I didn't have the availability to commit to him the time and effort required to have him sound again for a return so I choose to retire him - you either do it properly or you don't do it at all...that is in the best interests of the dog.
𝗔𝗴𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 - physical and mental health does and of course leaving ego at the door, it’s about them not us when we make the choice to retire them.
𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗴?
Are they fit and appropriately muscled?
Are they getting annual Vet wellness checks so the Vet can check them over including joints, heart, etc.?
Do they like what you're asking them to do or do YOU need them to participate?
Are they stressed, reactive, or show clear anxiety at the sport that has been left to get worse or simply not worked on?
Do they display good techniques to keep them safe?
Do they pull up ok after?
Has their performance dropped off to a level that needs to be investigated?
Have you had a bodyworker go over them?
Do you have them on a joint supplement?
𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁.
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