The warm summer temperatures have us fully in their grip and thus the daily walks with us are shorter. Especially Snowy, who is a bit older, is struggling with the current temperatures. Our dogs also get circulation problems in the heat and any activity is much more strenuous than in cooler temperatures.
I definitely recommend that you move your walks to the cooler morning and evening hours. It is also not dramatic if the walks are shorter. Sports activities should also be well weighed and adapted to the weather. Otherwise, you risk heat stroke or circulatory failure in your dog.
3 varied active exercises – so your dog stays in motion despite the heat
To keep your dog moving despite the heat, I’ve put together 3 active exercises for you. Not only do they keep you fit, but they are also a great activity.
Here’s what you should keep in mind:
Again, of course, it’s best to do this in the morning and evening, never in the midday heat, and pay attention to how your dog is feeling. Also, you should follow the training recommendation. The exercises may look simple to you, but are especially challenging for beginners, older dogs, or those with musculoskeletal conditions.
1. twist & turn
Effect: Stretching of the back muscles, balance and coordination of the whole body, equal load on both sides of the body.
Here’s how it works: You stand in front of your standing dog and you look at each other. Hold a treat in front of your dog’s nose and guide it in a large horizontal circle so that your dog spins around. He should perform the rotation as slowly and deliberately as possible and it should not be jerky. When he has one or more turns complete, reward him. Take short breaks between each twist and perform the twist in both directions.
When not: instability and pain in the spine
Training recommendation: start with 2-3 repetitions per direction and increase slowly
2. cavaletti over the legs
Effect: Not only fun but trains mobility, coordination and musculature – a great exercise for almost every dog even with arthrosis, spondylosis, elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia and Co.
Here’s how it works: You sit on the floor, your legs are V-shaped apart. Then lead your dog (with a treat) slowly over your legs. If possible, he should not jump.
When not: stiffened joints
Training recommendation: start with 2-3 repetitions and increase slowly
3. stretching hip
Effect: brings movement to the hips and at the same time still trains the muscles of the hind legs.
Here’s how it works: You stand in front of your dog and you look at each other. Encourage your dog (with the help of a treat) to jump up at you. You can also link the exercise with a word signal to prevent unwanted jumping up. Your dog should then stand up against you with his front legs extended. Remains in position for the time specified in the training plan. Then give your dog the signal to go back to the starting position.
When not to: instability or pain in the lower back and/or hip
Training recommendation: start with 2-3 repetitions á 2-3 seconds and increase slowly
Dog in motion despite heat Dog in motion despite heat Dog in motion despite heat Dog in motion despite heat Dog in motion despite heat Dog in motion despite heat
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