Cara, nice work of limiting Mitzi to one room
with supervision. It appears the off leash play at 4 weeks is more in line in insuring all surgical areas, skin, muscle, and bone that where disrupted during the surgery has healed before allowing active life of free rein of the house and outdoor yard. Til 6/29, do continue the one room with supervision and leash walks.
Make your house back friendly DIY back PROTECTION around the house
1) Good ideas in making your home back friendly:
dodgerslist.com/2020/07/09/home-protect-ivdd-backs/2) Teach Mitzi to be safe and not jumping up or down. But to use a ramp whether over steps leading outdoors or to furniture in the house.
Dogs are best at visual learning rather than verbal commands. Dog trainer Anna Jane Grossman says “Dogs learn in pictures. Inside your dog’s brain is a very simple algorithm – pleasant images in one place and unpleasant images in another."
HAPPY DAYS AHEAD
1) You and your dog have survived a disc herniation! Learn what you can do from this point forward. Especially good to use with other who may be around your dog to help them understand the disease. View this:
Illustrated strip on IVDD 2) Now for the everyday living with an IVDD dog things. Such as dentals, nail trims, safe ways to have fun together, and more:
dodgerslist.com/after-graduation-living-with-ivdd/ PT THERAPY AT CLINIC or HOME
Safety first. You should always consult with a veterinarian before starting any exercise program with your dog. For example, although dogs approach senior life at 10 y.o. like Mitzi need to stay limber, if they are affected with arthritis that might make certain movements inappropriate.
-- Water therapy at a clinic or at home:
dodgerslist.com/surgery-dog-water-therapy/-- Strengthening core muscles.
This applies not just for humans, but REALLY applies to the IVDD dog:
Core exercises don't require specialized equipment. These are 4 exercises you can do at home: 1) Sit toStand, 2) Down to Stand, 3) Three Leg Stand, 4) Backing UP.
The last exercise presented in the video,⚠️ HIP extension, is NOT for dogs with IVDD back disease!
May we turn the tables and ask YOU for help? Did you know there are less than a handful who volunteer daily to help dogs and their owners? We need helping hands from other Forum members in educating.
Education about disc disease is our number one mission!
We invite you to hop on to our educational bandwagon team. Too many dogs are put to sleep because owners lack education about IVDD treatment. STRICT crate rest and proper medication have helped many dogs recover. We depend on all members to pay it forward for the help they have received with their dog by helping us educate!
Pick what suits you....
We depend on you. Here are some ways to help..
-- "Share" our FB posts
www.facebook.com/Dodgerslist-- When in conversation at the grocery store line or wherever you may meet breeds most prone to IVDD (Dachshunds, Beagles, Poodles, Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Chihuahuas, Frenchies) give out our free little wallet cards.
Hand carry our literature and print out our letter of introduction for your vet.
for your vet and wallet cards for you
-- Would you consider helping another trying to make decisions about surgery?
We have a directory where you can share surgical info.
Here is where you can share your dog's info:
dodgerslist.boards.net/board/13/member-reported-surgery-costs-recommendationsState:
Hospital:
Address:
Cost:
Date of surgery:
What was included in cost (MRI?, days stay, ER? PT? meds for home, sling, etc.)
Comments:
And finally, don't be a stranger! Stop in periodically. We really do love to hear how your dog is doing. We'd love a short video clip to see Mitzi in action at home, at PT and living & loving life in spite of IVDD!
if you see a new member in a tough spot, give them hope. A brief paragraph about your dog can be insanely supportive and inspiring in a time of need!
i.postimg.cc/8P5FkBYy/living-laugh-love-in-spite.png
I'm her person, Cara. 
