How to continue training post surgery?

GordonDaSheltie

GordonDaSheltie

Forums Regular
My Gordon has come out of surgery and i'd like to know what i could be doing to continue clicker training while his movements are limited. Mostly to keep him occupied when he begins to recover.
 
Well, first and foremost, listen to your vet's instructions regarding limitation on activity. You may have to take a break from training for a day or two post-surgery to give any swelling and pain time to subside. Other things should be kept to low impact activities. Working on sit and down stay could be something. Touch games where the dog touches his nose to your hand. To give him something to challenge his brain, try something like a shell game and hide cookies under some cups and let him find it.

The most important thing, though, is to keep your vet's advise in mind because you don't want to pop stiches.
 
thanks silaria, of course i wasn't intending to train him in physical things. i guess i mean generally obedience if its appropriate. The first few days we will focus on getting him settled at home. im worried he'll get bored in his pen for the next 4 weeks. I like the idea of puzzle games and touch. Ill definitely look into your advice! thanks again
 
I agree with Silaria - what a great time to teach stays!

I LOVE meal-dispensing toys for busy brains... google and see what looks like it might appeal (and what's available in Australia). You may want to keep an eye on him while he plays to make sure he doesn't get too revved up and bouncy, but it would be a great way to keep him occupied while he's cooped up in the pen. There's no reason why he can't get all his meals from the toy!
 
i've been teaching him shake and bought him a soft bouncy ball he can't pick up with his mouth! I might have to take it away once his beard suture is removed as he might still try to chew it.
 
Gosh, such a long recovery time. Bet you'll all be really glad when the final sutures come out.
 
@Caro yes be glad to know how much range of motion he has in his jaw and that the alignment is a-okay! I did notice a small twig in his poo today, incredible how they still manage to pick things up even with confinement and close supervision plus the beard suture!! The surgeon said taht he still needs to be confined for another 4 weeks after the sutures come out next monday on the 16th. Its dragggggggin on! especially with his newly developed toilet habit!

the living room is also starting to smell pretty bad and i can't bathe him or clean the gunk of dried food hanging off the clamp of his suture. its not pretty!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top