Indica Staffords

We have owned a 3-year old female staffy (Missy) for one year, and I walk her twice a day - each walk being about 3.5 Kms long. She first developed a limp 4 months back on her front right leg and the vet put her on a course of Metacam with no walking for 2 weeks. At the time I used to throw a tennis ball for Missy when she was on an off-leash section of the walk but gave this up after she started to limp again after I started walking her again. She has been good until the last week when she developed the limp again in the same leg. I took her back to the vet and she is now having another 2-week spell from walking and was put on Metacam for 3 days. The vet checked her out pretty thoroughly and said she doesn't have any foreign objects in her paw nor does she have evidence of any bruising or broken bones, but I did not get her x-rayed. The vet believes it is soft tissue damage in her shoulder region, and I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience like this with their dogs and if they have tried alternate therapies to overcome this problem. My neighbour is blind and has a guide dog. He suggests that I get a second opinion from the vet he takes his dog to, but my vet seems genuine and I have o problem with her.

Any advice would be appreciated.

The vet say's no walking and your throwing balls to it? Maybe try not doing that next time.

What systems/strategies are currently in place now to avoid the rogue cowboy-type individuals who abuse what training they receive at these clubs?

They dont let the "cowboys" join...I have never known of any innapropriate persons being allowed to train at any of the AUS affiliated clubs.....so if there are its news to me.

Bryan Haus Mecki, a Malinois and his handler Reg Worth, Queensland Policeman did well at the World Championships in France - scored 253 in IPO. This was against the top SchH handlers.

Reg Worth is a Canine Development Officer not a Police Officer, yes Bryan Vom Haus Mecki did very well overseas, but i guess i have to say that seeing as one of his pups is in my avatar .

I have to say that Reg Worth is one of the most down to earth people I have ever met. I cannot imagine him letting any cowboys slip through. From what I understand he started with his dog Cain all those years ago, Learn't the skills from base level and took the time to fully understand the breed and the art of Shultzen. He built his reputation over years of hard work and study. I would describe him as an Intelligent, Modest, quietly spoken guy who really knows his stuff. This is the sort of folks you want running this type of Sport IMO.