Retired Dogs, But Not Yet Tired

Retire from work, but not from life.  M.K. Soni

Age, illness, or injury can be devastating to humans and dogs alike.  Making the decision to retire a dog from work or sports isn't easy or fun.  At the end of the day many questions swirl in our heads. The feeling of disappointment and sadness heavy in our hearts.  "How will we move forward?  What will our dogs do with the down time?  Will our dogs be okay?" Then there's the social aspect of competition and training. Thoughts go to our friends out there playing with their pups.  Envy aside, the decision feels like you are letting your best friend down.  Last fall I was faced with the decision to retire Chico, my 4 year old working Border Collie from sheep herding.

Chico doing weave poles in the back yard

When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.  Roy E. Disney

Just over three years ago my husband and I adopted Chico.  We picked a high drive dog because our lifestyle is very active and we wanted a dog to join in on the fun.  I was interested in agility and sheep herding, but yet didn't know much about either sport.  Although Chico was adopted to be a companion dog, his energy level is that of a working dog.  In order for Chico to really relax and rest at home he needs 2 hours of physical or mental stimulation.  He loves a job and NEEDS a job. Adding training was an easy decision for us. Herding seemed like a great choice for Chico, it's a fabulous mix of physical training and mental work.  When we tried him on sheep he was a natural, truly gifted with lots of gusto and passion.  Chico and I trained for over two years and learned so much together until August 2012 when Chico collapsed into a seizure like episode.  After spending hours researching, time with many veterinarians, and far more money than I care to admit, Chico was given the presumptive diagnosed of a syndrome called Border Collie Collapse.  The newest research from the University of Minnesota states that Border Collie Collapse (BCC) is likely a unique episodic seizure disorder that can occur in sheep-herding or ball-chasing activity in the Border Collie breed.  Because BCC has proven to be a deadly disorder for some Border Collies, I knew I couldn't lose my beloved Chico to hobby sport.  Adding salt to our wounds, in January Chico had a seizure unrelated to exercise.  He was diagnosed with Idiopathic Epilepsy. Dogs with seizure disorders are typically strong and otherwise healthy.  Chico fits this category, but he's also loving and intelligent.  Doing what's right and best for your dog sometimes doesn't seem easy, but we are finding out that there is a good life on the other side of retirement. 

Admittedly, the retirement decision wasn't all that simple for me.  I had no idea what I would do with my feisty Fido.  If you just happened to stubble upon True Dog Blog through a search engine, you may not know all about Chico's struggles.  One of the reasons I decided to do herding with Chico was because he is fearful and can be reactive to anything that moves.  The list includes runners, bikers, skateboarders and occasionally other dogs.  Herding allowed me to work Chico and not have to worry about those other scary stimulus.  With herding out of the equation I was forced to REALLY focus on Chico's behavior.  

Such a good patient at the vet

The best retirement for workaholics is no retirement at all...

With the help of many friends the past few months Chico has made amazing strides and is now able to function in normal dog training classes with happiness and confidence I've never seen from him before.  He's confidently approaching new people in many settings and all around a much happier dog.  We've also been working hard on lots of new tricks.  I've found that Chico loves to try new tricks and learns them very quickly.  Recently Chico and I have been spending time working on K-9 Nose Work and other fun scent games.  He's registered to do an Odor Recognition Test (ORT) in April. That cute red nose of his seems to work pretty darn efficient! Lastly we are doing some basic body awareness and agility training. Because Chico can't work for too long or get too excited we play plenty of self control games.

Life isn't so bad after retirement!

I've too felt the disappointment and sadness that sits heavy in our hearts when our dogs become ill, injured or old.  I've asked myself, "How will we move forward?  What will my dog do with the down time?  Will my dog be okay?" Then, at the end of the day, I knew I had to  push those thoughts aside and clearly acknowledge what is best for my heart, my soul, my companion, my True Dog, Chico.  

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Winter Wordless Wednesday

"One Kind Word Can Warm Three Winter Months."
Japanese Proverb

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What Is Dog Socialization?

"Socialization should be done with young pups to prevent aggression, not with dogs that already a are aggressive.  Exposing an already reactive dog to the triggers that set him off, without proper and gentle desensitization,
will most certainly intensify his fears."

Pamela S. Dennison
Quote from How to RIGHT a dog gone WRONG

Photo De Turner 

Herding Cats

"You can take the dog away from the sheep, 

but you can't take the sheep out of a sheepdog."

                                                              Amy Turner

Border Collie, Chico

Tricks Can Be More Than Just For Kicks

"Confidence comes from discipline and training." Robert Kiyosaki
For some reason, I often hear people say they don't want to train their dog because they don't want to change their dog's personality.  They love every thing about their dog.  Training your dog undoubtedly can change a dogs personality, but I would argue only for the better.  Because I have taken the time to train my dogs, they are much more calm, confident, better behaved, and simply happier dogs.  Confidence has changed both of their personalities.  Rue has a prance about her, and a tail that waves around like peacock feathers, her body simply says, "I rock." And why wouldn't you want your dog to think they are amazing?  The training I've done with Chico has made him into a dog with lots of tenacity, courage, assurance, and self determination.  I know what your thinking, training is time consuming.  But it doesn't have to be.  Many experts say two, 15 minute training sessions per day are best for a dogs memory when trick training.  Realistically, that doesn't happen in most households. Some dogs simply can't train for more than a few moments at a time.  If your dog is still enjoying the session after one, 15 minute session, I'd consider continuing, but only if both parties are having fun.  Most people find that they too enjoy training their dogs new tricks.

All smiles for training

Chico has many tricks. The exuberance he shows towards training is simply over the top. It makes training him fun, fast, and challenging.  He also get frustrated very quickly.  Sometimes, I forget about some of the tricks he knows, and many times he reminds me of his favorites... Simply by offering the behavior.  So this post is dedicated to one of my favorite, long forgotten "tricks." Which turns out not only to be a trick, but a great behavior you can teach your dog whether they are fearful, flighty, happy, grouchy, reactive or aggressive.

Tricks Can Be More Than Just For Kicks
About a year ago, I found it difficult to enter our local training facility because dogs and people would often rush or crowd the only entrance/exit.  I knew that Chico was uncomfortable with this, so I thought of a behavior that could make him more comfortable in this situation.  Aside from not entering the building when it was packed, I came up with another solution.  I taught Chico, to go "Between" my legs so we could walk forward with him safely between my legs.

Teaching "Between" Legs
1. Stand a foot or two in front of your dog. Both facing the same direction.
2. With a treat in your hand, bend over slightly, putting the treat at nose level in front of your dog, in between your legs.
3. Lure your dog to the treat by moving your arm between your legs.
4. When your dog is in position, Click with a Clicker  or mark the behavior with a word. Then treat your dog.
5.  After a few days of training the behavior, name it! We call it "Between."

When you get good at this you can add directions and motion.  I did this with Chico by asking for a "Between", then adding a step, then Click and Treat.  He now knows, right and left motion, forward and backward.  He'd probably walk a few blocks between my legs if I asked him.

Chico practicing "Between" on a hike

Why this trick is in my favorites list. 

If an unwanted guest should approach my dog, I can:

-Grab my own dog's collar easily while they are between my legs

-Close my legs to block an unwanted interaction

-Easily feed my dog treats

-Keep my dog focused on me

And lastly, my dog feels safe.  Chico often likes to lie down in between my legs if I stand and talk to someone.  I know he is safe and he knows he is safe.  Chico has even offered this behavior when he 's been stressed at the vet and more recently when our friend stopped by unexpectedly on Halloween in costume.

Although the training I've done with Rue, (mostly agility and trick training) is completely different than Chico, (classical counter conditioning, desensitization, and trick training) the outcome is the same. Because I've trained Chico and Rue, they are far more confident and happy dogs.

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Confident, Sassy, and Happy Rue! 

This blog is not intended to be used as a training tool. Please contact a positive based trainer to help you and your dog.

Click & Treat: Scaredy Dog Wordless Wednesday

                              

"We don't go anywhere with scary, spooky, haunted,

or forbidden in the title."

Scooby-Doo

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Border Collie Collapse (BCC) Syndrome

The Collapse of the Collie
Imagine yourself outside playing with your dogs on an unseasonably pleasant mid-70's summer day. Your dogs are running off leash in your residential fenced yard, chasing each other, chasing balls and doing so with their typical excitement. Your dogs are taking drinks and resting in between bursts of moderate play. After an hour you bring the dogs inside for some rest and relaxation. After the dogs are inside, they are panting and resting. Then one of your dogs stands up, only to collapse into some strange trance of quivering muscles, curled back toes, and their back end dragging flopping from side to side on the ground like a fish out of the water as they attempt to walk. Their face is frozen in a stare of unknowing with a tight jaw, pulled in a straight line. They seem to know you, but their cognition is that of a drunk. Just moments after Chico ran, played, and "herded" Rue, he collapsed into this state.

Panicked Dustyn and I swooped to Chico, having a distressed discussion on what was going on with him, we instantly thought, heat stroke. I carried him to the shower, and hosed him with cold water from head to toe. Chico was still unable to stand, so we made the decision to rush him to Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine (ranked as one of the top 20 best Veterinary Medicine schools in the nation.) Sitting in the back of our hatchback car with Chico on my lap, I told Dustyn to drive fast and crank the air as high as it would go. The phone number to the hospital was programmed in my phone. When I was connected, I told them staff we were on our way. In my mind I didn't want to have to say it, but I did, I told the staff to have a muzzle ready, Chico is fearful of people, and I didn't know how he would react to the situation. The student told me the costs, and I agreed to pay whatever the cost was.

Chico taking a break prior to his collapse

We arrived to the clinic approximately 15 minutes after Chico's collapse. He appeared a little better, but still unable to walk. I carried him in the clinic and the student had several muzzles waiting. Chico was zoned, not concerned with the situation, and I told the student the muzzle wouldn't be needed, he wasn't his fearful self. She carried him back while Dustyn and I waited together....

After waiting what seemed to be an eternity, Dustyn and I met with the veterinarian and student. They informed us that Chico’s blood pressure, heart rate, CBC, and basic blood panel were all normal. The only abnormality was a fever. In addition Chico was back on his feet and enjoying being spoiled by the staff sitting on their laps and showing off. They asked, “Is this normal?” This is normal for Chico, he warms up to people very quickly, but he is fearful and reactive in some settings towards new people. I always approach the vet and other situations with extreme caution. I've never left him at the vet, so I honestly had no idea how he would react. After detailed discussion, the veterinarian informed us that it’s possible that Chico had a seizure or heat stroke. Frightened we asked every question imaginable, but the mysterious and sudden episode left the veterinarian unable to answer the questions we were desperately looking for. After 2 hours, Chico’s fever was normal, physically, Chico was checking out perfect so we paid our bill and took him home. Leaving less than two hours after Chico's collapse, he pranced out the door with joy and confidence, as if nothing had ever happened.

Border Collie, Chico, playing a half hour before his collapse

Border Collie Collapse

On the car ride home, I said to Dustyn, there is something about what happened to Chico that just sounds familiar to me. I remembered someone telling me several years prior about their border collie that would get hot then “collapse.”  I couldn't recall the details at this point, but I promised Dustyn I would look into it the next day when my head was clear and I wasn't exhausted. The next day I started on my quest for more information. It didn't take long, within a few minutes of research I found what I was looking for, a disorder called Border Collie Collapse. According to the University of Minnesota, "Border Collie collapse (BCC) is an episodic nervous system disorder that is triggered by strenuous exercise. BCC is recognized throughout North America, Europe, and Australia and is observed in dogs used for working stock, as well as dogs participating in agility or fly-ball competitions or repeatedly retrieving a ball." 

The descriptions of symptoms on the University of Minnesota’s website were strikingly similar to what happened to Chico. Take a look at the videos posted below from the U of M’s website, particularly at the 2 minute mark on both videos. (Note: the videos may be difficult for some to watch.) The collapses shown in these videos was what we witnessed in Chico. I wanted and needed answers about this bizarre disorder, so I reached out to the University of Minnesota for more information and our regular veterinarian. 

Videos of Border Collie Collapse

Currently researchers at the University of Minnesota, University of Saskatchewan, and the University of California, San Diego are involved in a large-scale project to investigate this disorder. Researchers invited me to fill out a questionnaire and work with our regular vet to have a blood sample taken and sent to them as part of the study. In addition they encouraged me to tape any "collapse" episodes Chico has and submit it to them.

Through this project the researchers hope to identify more about BCC by establishing clinical, hematologic and biochemical parameters for normal Border Collies participating in a standardized exercise protocol. They also want to evaluate dogs with BCC participating in a standardized exercise protocol to determine clinical markers for BCC at rest, or after exercise, that will help veterinarians diagnose BCC and help researchers understand the cause of collapse. They also want to fully describe the clinical features of BCC, evaluate the heritability of BCC, determine the genetic cause of BCC. Lastly to develop a genetic test for BCC to aid diagnosis and to allow breeding decisions to be made to avoid producing affected pups.

What Research Shows Now About BCC
BCC is currently diagnosis of exclusion, if it looks like Border Collie Collapse, and veterinarians can't find anything else wrong with your dog it is presumed to be BCC. Video can be helpful at this time in diagnosis and viewed by one of the researchers. Although we don't know for sure that Chico has Border Collie Collapse, our vet has recommended that we treat Chico as if he does have the disorder. 

Chico's tongue big and red prior to his collapse 

Although the study isn't complete there was an update posted in July of 2012 from Dr. Jim Mickelson at the University of Minnesota. This link will take you to the full article, however, the main points state:

1. BCC is likely a unique episodic seizure disorder that can occur in sheep-herding or ball-chasing activity.
2. Parents, litter mates and half-siblings of dogs with BCC are often affected, which, with the apparent clustering within the breed, supports a heritable basis.
3. A genome wide association study should be conducted to map chromosomal loci contributing to BCC.

After speaking with the researchers at the University of Minnesota, they informed me that they are expecting to send samples for the genome scan at the end of September 2012. Depending on how this data looks, they may be able to move to sequencing and mutation identification fairly soon, or it could take months to more than a year, or it could require additional samples before they can make a definitive conclusion about the location of the BCC gene. (This simply means that  they will be looking to find the gene mutation causing BCC.) Results will be made available to owners of the pets that have submitted blood samples for the study only when they are confident that they have the correct information to pass along.

Managing BCC

Unfortunately, restricting participation in trigger activities, especially when your dog is very excited and/or when it is hot outside are the only sure fire way to decrease episodes of "collapse". If the dog does have an episode it may be desirable to lower their body temperature somewhat with cool water (taken internally and wetting their groin and feet). 

Right now we are managing (or in Chico's opinion restricting) his exercise. He is allowed to run in the yard for 10 minutes or 10 ball throws to Rue. (whatever happens first.) We have been doing low level exercise when it's coolest outside. We've also cut back on the distances. In the past Chico would typically would run 3-8 miles per day on leash with me. Now he run/walks 2 miles on leash per day. We are being permitted to add leash activities such as running and walking as he tolerates slowly. Since deaths with BCC have been reported we are moving forward with extreme caution. Our vet has recommend that I hold off on taking Chico herding until he is episode free.

Admittedly this presumed diagnosis has been a shock to us. Chico is my running buddy and his joy of running has kept me running daily for 3 years. Taking away one of his biggest joys in life is heartbreaking.  With a reactive, high drive dog, activities can sometimes be limited when they can't exercise. However, I refuse to feel sorry for Chico or myself.  We've found many ways to burn energy (which I'll write more about later) and it's allowed me to really focus on helping Chico feel more confident around people.  We've started a structured program to help with his fear of people, which already is helping beautifuly.  I've always found so much inspiration in my True Dog. He's wonderfully complicated.  His ability to overcome some of lifes worst circumstances and now a bizare medical twists continues to make me proud of his resilience.  Like always, we share our story to help others.  More on BCC in the coming months. 
 

Chico (L) prior to his collapse, Rue (R), also a border collie does not have BCC

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