EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES THAT CAN DAMAGE YOUR DOG – PART 2
We all want to keep our dogs as fit and healthy as possible throughout their lives and well into their golden years. There are certain activities that, especially if indulged in repeatedly, do unnecessary damage to your dog. More and more we are recognising that repetition strain injuries, rather than one major event, are the underlying cause of many mobility problems. Many dogs like to do the same activity over...
Canine Conditioning for the Conformation Competitor
Canine conditioning has continued to gain interest and acceptance from other popular canine sports, such as flyball, agility, and obedience. Competitors are turning to canine conditioning to prevent injuries, increase their dog’s fitness level and competitiveness, and strengthen the handler-dog bond in a way that is rewarding for both parties. It might not seem as intuitive that conformation athletes can benefit from a canine conditioning program – after all, they...
The Secret to a Successful Agility Career!
Perfect puppy "Shades"! My newest partner in crime and future sporting dog! You’ve brought your puppy home from the breeder and are excited to start your life together. Perhaps you have big plans for your pup and foresee a long sporting career ahead of you! But how do you get them there and how do you set your puppy up for success? Raising the athletic puppy is a full time job...
Treadmills for Canine Conditioning Programs: What You Should Know
Treadmills have received a lot of popularity in the last few years in mainstream canine conditioning programs and rehabilitation. I see a lot of photos on social media of dogs of all ages walking, trotting, and running on treadmills. But are treadmills all they're cracked up to be? What's the difference between conventional human treadmills and dog-specific treadmills? What exactly do underwater treadmills do that's different from dry treadmills? This week I...
Therapeutic Exercises for Every Veterinary Patient
Just like in people, proper rehabilitation in pets requires exercise, but you don't need to have lots of fancy equipment to make it happen. Heres what you need to know before devising a rehab program, plus some exercises that any practitioner can employ. “Therapeutic exercises are the cornerstone of rehabilitation,” said Janice Huntingford, DVM, DACVSMR, CVA, CVPP, CCRT, CAVCA, to begin her lecture at the Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference in Atlantic...
How Do I Start a Therapeutic Exercise Program With my Dog? 7 Key Principles
The benefits of a therapeutic exercise program If your dog has been diagnosed with arthritis, your veterinarian will likely tell you to make sure they get regular exercise. Exercise, including walking, is a great way to help strengthen your dog’s muscles and manage pain and lameness. Other benefits include strengthening the bond between you and your dog and helping them lose weight! But it needs to be done correctly! In...
Releasing the Natural Athlete: An Excerpt From ‘Core Conditioning for Horses’
Releasing the Natural Athlete: An Excerpt From ‘Core Conditioning for Horses’ In this excerpt from his book Core Conditioning for Horses, Simon Cocozza tells us why we can’t always blame ourselves when we can’t sit the trot, get the horse in front of the leg, or get him under control cross-country … and how we can start to fix these problems. Photo via “Core Conditioning for Horses” by Simon Cocozza....
The Correct Way to Exercise a Mature Dog
Do you have an older dog? Have you noticed changes in their mobility? This is common, just like it is with us when we age. Muscles can weaken and become less flexible, joints can get stiffer and sorer. These changes may progress slowly – you may just feel like your dog is slowing down- but knowing the correct way to exercise a mature dog can have a positive impact on...