Why
Keep Your Pet In Shape?
Physical and psychological benefits:
-
Increases the dog’s strength and coordination, which decreases the
likelihood of injuries.
-
Helps control the dog’s weight.
Muscle burns more calories than fat.
-
Releases endorphins, which cause a feeling of euphoria and well being.
-
Decreases destructive behavior, restlessness and/or excessive barking.
-
Helps the respiratory and cardiovascular
systems to expand their capacities.
(Peak
Performances:
Coaching the Canine Athlete by Christine Zink, DVM, PhD)
Performance dogs: There are
four components in conditioning a
performance dog -
unfortunately, most dogs only get the skills training.
Skills Training: Conditioning your dog in a specific skill, such as weave poles in Agility competition.
(I do not do skills
training)
Strength: This is
needed to overcome inertia while trying to move the body in a
particular direction and for rapid
acceleration and speed while trying to
jump or run.
Strong muscles can also help to prevent injury.
Endurance: This is needed for long runs or any
sustained activity. This is especially
important in dogs involved in cani-cross,
agility and skijoring.
Balance/Core Training: This
is actually the #1 step in conditioning the canine athlete, as well as
animals with neurological problems, weight issues, and many orthopedic
conditions.
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