Not exactly health but............

Mugi · Not exactly health but............

As you may remember I have had "trouble" with Mugi suffering fluffy coat. Hey, it is no big deal one way or the other - he enjoys showing but at his age I am not exactly chasing CC's - he goes out for a social day of fuss and treats for being his usual sweet self.

I did however buy him some Yumega coat stuff at Crufts and while his coat is still soft it is denser and in better shine than it has ever been. I am not sure if this is coincidence but he has another bottle when the original runs out so I will continue I think.

As an aside though he so adored being a beating dog last season that I am more or less decided that he will be allowed to continue this upcoming season if he wants - the day he isn't at the car before me would indicate he stays resting. If I lost him through a day of hard work at least I know he would go happy. A practical consideration though is that he was fearless throwing himself into brambles once he knew there was a purpose. He was still sore at Crufts over a month after the end of season although thankfully not so much that he didn't show himself nicely. Has anybody any experience with the neoprene coats working dogs can wear as I am wondering if I should get him one to offer some protection????

Victoria

Sue, I have heard that the coats are really great. I could find the source for you if you like.

Patricia

One of the dogs I bred was sold on to a waterfowler/ Falconer, shooting dog etc...( John's dog's sire). Solo was always on the marshes during the goose season and being wet all the time wore such a coat which was a bit like a wet suit camouflage colour! It seemed to keep him warm and in condition.
Regarding working an older dog, I would simply reduce the work load in a half day, if for instance he was stiff afterwards.

johnhod

Is this the sort of thing you were looking for? http://www.sharkgroup.co.uk/dog_index.html

Liz

Sue, I think if Mugi is wanting to work, let him for as long as he can, as Patricia says maybe cutting it to 1/2 a day if he gets over tired.

Don't forget his sire was still picking up regularly when he was around the same age Mugi is now - and possibly older.

I think the working is keeping him young Very Happy

Mugi

Thanks John for the link, I am not going to invest until nearer the start of the season and I hope perhaps to get something from the game fairs so it can be tried for size but if not I will come back to the link.

The beauty of the shoot is the way it is organised, we mainly start on partridge which is Mugi's first love and also easier physically. As a beater who went a lot last season, who is now seeing the shoot owner once a week and helping with some maintenance (pheasant keeper leaves this week) I can ask to be placed in easier areas for Mugi. At the lodge though were we congregate for lunch there is a kennel where I can leave Mugi and/or I will ask if I can take him a crate up so he can sleep in the van while we do the more physical woodland pheasant work.

johnhod

Anyone thinking of getting some yumega I've just come across a promotional code that gets you £2.00 off. If you shop online at http://www.lintbells.com/yumega/ enter COLLIENET in the code box