Behavior Tip of the Month
06/06/2010
Conditioning your competitive canine
Stretching moves the fluid in the joint to cover and feed the cartilage with rich nutrients. It also invigorates the nerve endings in the joint capsule to make the dog more aware of its feet. This can help decrease the incidence of slipping off obstacles, knocking bars, and missing contacts zones.
Massaging your dog gives you a chance to feel if spasms, tenderness, or excessive muscle tightness are present, as well as to increase circulation and decrease lactic acid accumulation in the muscle.
If your dog is in good condition, he will be able to move more freely, knock fewer bars, and offer fewer refusals.
Appropriate exercises, especially swimming, strengthening equipment (like a treadmill), and knowledge of biomechanics and neuromuscular training are taking the sport to a new height. Find a qualified professional to work with you and your canine athlete
Plan to strengthen and maintain your dogs core muscles all year round, to prevent weakness, and lost time once the competition season starts.