Expert: Angela Donald - 5/23/2009

Question
I just recently adopted a 2 year old boxer mix from a shelter. Pulling during walks is probably what I have been struggling with the most with him, heeling is something that he is not getting. I am a runner so I decided to start jogging with him. He seems to pull less when we are going at a faster pace, but about 5 mins in he will just suddenly stop and refuse to move. We wait for a min then start up again. We did about 2 miles today at a very mild pace and stopped frequently. He stopped towards the end and just suddenly laid right down. After we got back he just plopped down on the floor and when he tries to get up he can only move a few steps before collapsing on the floor again. He is about  63 lbs, and has a very muscular build, not overweight. I'm afraid he is in pain or there is something wrong with his joints. Please Help. Thank you.

Answer
August,
A vet visit should be in order to check him out thoroughly. If it is his joints, a supplement with glucosamine and chondroitin may help, we use NuJoint Plus from NuVet Labs and have seen great improvements over the years.It could also be a number of other health related issues like Cardiomyopathy which does cause collapsing spells like you have described, especially after physical exercise. Please let me know what the vets says and then I'll be glad to help you with the heeling training issue after we are sure their isn't a health issue causing the problem. You might find the following links helpful for obtaining the supplements and health related issues affecting boxers on my website at http://www.hitowerboxers.com/boxerhealthissues.htm

Sincerely,
Angela Donald
Canine Behavior Consultant