Excerpts from All About Aussies:

From Chapter 18: Born to Work

Skit a Hold

There are times when you need to let the Aussie know that it is permissible to use stronger force on the stock. This is necessary when the stock decides that it is not going to be moved without more pressure. The Aussie can also learn this important skill by way of a game. The game involves saying, "Skit a hold" ("Get a hold") to the Aussie and allowing him to grab the toy. Once he grabs the toy, he can shake it and play a game of tug-a-war. Ultimately, this game teaches the Aussie to move in and use whatever force is necessary to move the livestock.

From Chapter 12: Health Care

Giardia is also called backpackers' disease, because it is commonly acquired by drinking infected water in high mountain lakes and streams and in irrigation ditches. This intestinal organism is commonly passed in the feces of beavers. Giardia infects dogs, deer and even humans.

Giardia causes inflammation of the bowels. It is less severe in mature Aussies than it is in puppies. Adult Aussies often show no clinical signs, but younger Aussies may have persistant soft, light-colored stools, dysentery, and diarrhea. In heavy infections, the bowel movements are bloody and mucoid and generally have an offensive odor. Weight loss is a common side effect.

Giardia infections are difficult to diagnose and are equally difficult to get rid of. The organisms are tiny and can be easily missed in a fecal examination. The giardia organism is shed in the feces of infected Aussies for awhile. It then disappears, but reappears again at a later time. It is usually necessary to repeat the test several times before giardia is diagnosed. Once your dog is infected, he may develop symptoms again when he is under stress.

Treatment is given to control secondary infections. Aussies infected with giardia have been reported to respond to metronidazole, available under the trade name of Flagyl.

From Chapter 20: Performance Conditioning

Water Conditioning

Running your Australian Shepherd in shallow water helps get him into shape during the summer while keeping him as cool as possible. A workout in shallow water also decreases the stress of pounding on concrete pavement. Swimming increases stamina. Unless he is conditioned, an Aussie can tire quickly and even drown in deep water, so take caution and use good judgment with water excercise.