Zeddicus

Well I've been thinking alot about Zedd and his back issues. I love this little guy, and he has taught me so much. He's a cool little dog, and a wonderful lap dog. I have many concerns about his ability to continue to do agility at 16ins. First, he has mild hip dysplasia. Second, he has now thrown his back out two times possibly three times. His jumping style is not the most effienent. (personally, I think he has ETS) I keep wondering/obessessing if his back problems aren't a result of his jumping style, and if his jumping style isn't compension for his mild hip dysplsia. I have made some decisions concerning my handling, regardless of what the "gurus" say. Foreinstant, I choose not to race him down a line of straight jumps, and where I can, I rear cross. I will not jam a front cross in anywhere on course. For Zedd that is an injury waiting to happen. As of now, he has 175 points, 1 QQ, his MXJ, and 3 Q's towards his MX. My delema is whether to keep him at 16in and continue till his MACH or drop him to 12in and start all over. (I'm hoping it wouldn't take us long to get to exc.) He could still be competive at 12in, he would still get titles, and he could even quilify for the nationals, and possibly invitationals. Lets face it, I run border terriers, not world team dogs, but I still want to do well within my breed, and I still have goals, just like many other agility competitors. The real question here is, who are the goals for and who are the titles for???? Zedd enjoys the games and he wants to "work". Being a couch potato would not make Zedd or me very happy. Oh the trouble he would get into!!!
12ins it may be for the overall health of my dog.
More to come on this topic I'm sure!
Today I am gratful I completed my "honey do" list. ;)