4+1 exercises for health

I think we can all agree that it's almost trite for us humans to hear so much that strong core muscles are the key to a pain-free life. 

But what about the Dogs?

The role of the core muscles goes beyond aesthetics, as it is impossible to bypass the activation of the core muscles for sitting, standing, and posing for peeing, in dogs and bitches alike. The stronger this muscle chain is, the more comfortably our dog can do these things and the less risk of injury.

What exactly does this core muscle mean?

These are the muscles that are "in the middle of the body", to use a kitchen term, which stabilise the abdomen, trunk, spine and hips. Understanding this, you may have had the idea of how important it is to train this area systematically.

When should you suspect that your doggy's core muscles are weak?

Be suspicious if

• the topline is sunken (look for a downward curve) and the dog is "hanging between the forelegs"

• bad balance (this is very easy to check: lift each paw separately so that he has to stand on 3 legs)

• not only the look, but also the way he walks and the sway of his hips are noteworthy: if he is "wiggling" a lot, suspect

• difficulty in changing position (from lying to standing or sitting, from sitting to standing or lying, etc.)

• cannot stand "regularly" on 4 legs for long periods

The benefits of strong core muscles:

• reduces the risk of injury, as it is great at steering left in the event of a fall

• supports the back muscles, which support and hold the whole body

• maintains balance

• stabilises the lumbar vertebrae and hips, allowing for coordinated, fine, movement

• stabilises the lumbar vertebrae

• INCREASES POWER, COORDINATION, PRECISION!!!

(which if you're a flyball, agility, frisbee, or coursing rider, makes a hell of a difference)

So, if you've decided you want to take action for a healthier dog life, in addition to the following safe exercises, consult a physiotherapist.

Aaaaaaaaaand, the tasks:

• on a leash (i.e. controlled, slowly, WALKING - this is very important) up a hill

• when standing, use a reward wall to get him to look left and right without fidgeting

• lift her legs one at a time so that she stands on 3 legs for 5-10 seconds, if this goes well you can increase the duration

• Walk: get out your mop and broomstick (or buy a walker for a couple of thousand ft) and do a 4-5-6 element walk, where you walk through the exposed bars in stride, without any jumps (!!!).

• many other exercises, but these should be set up with a qualified therapist :)