Training after Surgery?

[Lakl]

As some of you already know, my pup has had a rough start and had his first surgery at 6 months. Due to him being in a lot of pain and limited activity, I'd pushed any training to the back burner. Now he's 8 months old and doing much better, so I'd like to start working with him again. Truth is, I don't know where to start?

My female, we started pretty much right away and did several short sessions every day that grew longer as she grew older. She is extremely obedient as a companion. My male pup is so far behind the curve! He knows sit and down, but they can be shaky, and his recall definitely needs some work! I stopped the sit and down when I realized how much pain he was having with his hips because I did not want to put him in more pain with these up and down exercises. He really struggled getting up. Now that he's getting better, I really want to start solidly working with him again. Can anyone give some tips on where to get started? Or things I should avoid with one hip still needing surgery? Any tips would be great! Thanks!

[Lakl]

O..Kay!! So no one has seen this thread! Lol. Maybe if I post something, it'll show up on the "new posts" list again!

I started working with the pup again this weekend. He's SOOO smart! We worked mostly on off leash healing, focus, and down stays, and I was so proud of him! He hadn't forgotten a thing, and it was like we never took a break! However, I do need some ideas on building up his recall and drive. He's a slow mover, since the surgery - I call him grandpa sometimes ;-), but I need ideas to get him more into the training or excited about it? Ideas or suggestions anyone??

[DunRingill]

I only come on here once in a while....what sort of surgery did he have again? If it was some sort of joint surgery I'd take it easy on things like puppy push-ups, unless the vet thinks those would be good for building muscle!

Does he like to tug? Does he get excited about doing restrained recalls? will he retrieve toys? How about scent work? Does he work for food?

[Lakl]

He had an FHO. He will need another on the other hip in a couple months, but we are hoping to build more strength in the leg he had surgery on first. The joint is no longer connected to the hip, so there is no strain on that side, but I worry about the side he hasn't had done yet. He works for food, but doesn't get excited, per se, about it. He will retrieve toys, but doesn't like to bring them back once retrieved. :-). He doesn't do well with tug. You can pretty much take anything out of his mouth as easily as you give it to him, and he will "drop it" on command. He's always been like this though. VERY easy going and laid back about everything. He never even went through the mouthy stage!

[BR870]

After Abbie's Elbow surgery, we gave her break on training for the month which she was on rest/recovery. Didn't take her much to get back into the swing of things...

If I were you I would start back at the beginning. Start all over with Sit and Down and Stay and all the basics. Go at it as if you were starting from scratch...

[robinhuerta]

I would also agree......make everything a new start.
Lakl...find something that "excites" him for the recall.....and please keep a long line on him to teach it easily.
Start from scratch....a new beginning for him & you.