How canine conditioning exercises calmed my fizzy dogs mind
Canine Conditioning exercises prevent injury and enhance recovery. I’d heard about it but that was as far as my understanding went. But when Hero was 1 year old I was concerned about his posture and inability to walk nice on the lead despite the training. He was a heavy biter and all of these were signs showing me he is out of balance somewhere, so easily overstimulated and dysregulated.
The Vet recommended I get in touch expert Sarah Darling of K9 Gait Therapies. I got the confirmation I needed as Sarah recognised an abnormal gait. She filmed Hero’s movements over equipment and slowed it right down, highlighting where and why his gait changes.
Sarah taught me how to create balance in Hero’s body through specific exercises to strengthen his posture and ability to control his movement, without ever laying hands on him. Through the training Hero has developed brilliantly, he’s a strong and healthy dog. In addition to this success was the very obvious improvement in his behaviour.
As a pup, Hero was wild, only slowing down to sleep. Unless he was in training mode, he was always on the go. These slow paced body conditioning exercises focused his mind, and he became noticeably calmer outside of sessions.
Hero and I are always playing and training, the 2 blend together. Part of our regular playful activities are now designed to maintain his core strength, posture and flexibility, because in turn these also help balance his mind. We practise before and after woodland walks and day-care, where he is most likely to put his body to the test, tearing around and ducking and diving, and those lazy cosy rainy days in too to squash boredom.
With a young, developing body that now feels more stable and supportive, he is better able to relax. I see how canine conditioning would be beneficial for all. Body and brain, into alignment, its amazing stuff!
