A few random things today. First, I think we may have solved the mystery of Thunder’s limp. Last Friday we trained marks and blinds and then did a bunch of short retrieves into the water. In the last test Thunder was a bit sloppy with his return and delivery, so we were working on that. Here is an idea of what we did, (all pictures on this post were taken with my iPhone…not bad huh?).
We probably did half a dozen of these. Each time Thunder had the same crazy water entry. Saturday morning he came up limping, only it was his right rather than his left leg. The last time he came up limping we were doing similar work in the same pond. We think he is probably banging it on the bottom when he launches himself.
We rested him on Saturday. At the WDQ on Sunday we hoped that he would take it a bit easier. The pond was a kidney-shaped pond with a drop off. It was a nice clean pond perfect for launching. The marks went down and Thunder launched himself off the edge. He even had hang time. Yikes just what we didn’t want! (Wish I had a picture, but I don’t.) He limped a bit that night and Monday (not as bad as on Saturday), by Wednesday he was fine.
I don’t know how we can stop him from launching. He has always done it, especially when a duck is involved.
For what seemed like forever this summer, our pal Basset Momma was dealing with a complete redo of her street. Well now it is our turn. Lucky for us they are only replacing some of the concrete and I think the area right in front of our house is safe, but boy it is going to be a pain getting a dog trailer in and out since most of the rest of the street in both directions is ripped up. When they finish one side, they will be starting on the other. All of this is just in time for when hunt test season gets into full swing.
Speaking of dog trailer, I had to revise my plan for my shameless blog promotion bumper sticker. I was planning to get a magnetic bumper sticker, but it won’t stick on diamond plate (doh!). I have to get one that actually sticks so I need to do a bit more research.
Storm came home on Sunday with a whole list of do’s and don’ts. 😐 It will be a bit before we know if she is pregnant. For right now she is catching up on her sleep.
Tomorrow an attempt at a Freighter photo shoot. 🙂
It’s good that you figured out WHY Thunder is turning up limping, but I have no idea how to stop it either. 🙂 I think just what you are doing, rest him when you can.
That stinks about the work on your street, I imagine with your winters you are similar to us, the roads take an awful beating and have to be replaced every so many years. It seems like there is always construction going on in this state.
When will you know if Storm is expecting?
Isn’t that funny how Thunder just has to launch himself. It seems to be just what he does and that would explain his limp after. Good to hear that Storm is home and resting, fingers crossed she’s pregnant. 🙂 As for your street, I feel for you. That is going to be a pain with your new trailer for sure! These things always happen at the darndest times too! Our street is done but they still have a port-a-potty chained to the tree out front. We have no idea why! LOL!
Good job sweet Thunder and we are sure happy you are fine now after another limp. That was a terrific splash picture. Hugs and nose kisses
putting a sticker advertising your blog on your bumper is a great idea! Especially on the trailer that will be visiting all your hunt-testing events. Hope it works out.
Our dawgs are full of duck excitment! Not sure if it bothered Grace as I didn’t have her. 🙁
Is the Freighter man entered in JH soon?
Hoping all is GREAT with Storm, I will keep her in my thoughts.
Hope all goes well getting in and out. I love to read your stories
We have Freighter entered in Flyways and he will be entered in Backwater. There are so many Master entries at Flyways (114), they are shifting around judges.
Yuck construction 🙁
I’m glad you may have Thunder’s leg situation figured out 🙂
Here’s hoping there are little Stormy’s in there 😉
Try this place, I used them before and they are pretty reasonable and the stickers are supposed to be removable.
http://www.bumperpetdecals.com/
Hi Y’all!
So glad to hear you may have the mystery limp solved…though it is never easy to deal with a limp.
Y’all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog
I unfortunately have no recommendations for preventing the launch. Or, my suggestions would involve backing up several steps on his “enter the water” process, which would likely make no sense and just be confusing!
fingers crossed for Stormy puppies!
You just can’t keep a good dog down, especially one like Thunder!! Paws all crossed for your girl Storm!!
Don’t worry about the construction, in another month you’ll have snow and they won’t be able to work. 🙂
Glad you found out why Thunder is limping, but where he’s competing at a high level like he is, slowing him down on his water entries may mess up his testing. You might consider giving him alfalfa tablets, which you can get at any pharmacy or health store. We give them to Sophie after a hunt, and they really help – 1000 mg tablet per 10 pounds of weight.
Have you been able to pinpoint the pain? If it’s not in the joint, it could be a stress fracture or something along the lines of a shin splint.
Another limp! Be careful out there!
I love to watch him launch, but not if it’s hurting his legs. I don’t have advice. My Newfs, except during rescue, will not do anything but walk into the water. They won’t jump off a dock, they have to feel the dirt under their feet before sliding in. Been working since 4 mos. cannot change that!?
I’ve just come from Jodi’s This ‘N That Thursday – I thought I was seeing double 🙂 Glad you found out why Thunder is limping. The splash one is great! Your iPhone takes very good pictures.