Physiotherapeutic Dog Fitness Training: A holistic approach to promoting your dog’s health and well-being.

If we want our dogs to be as mobile as possible throughout their lives, then walks alone are not enough. Various factors have an influence on this. In addition to a good diet, the optimal weight, we avoid overloading just that we always do exercises according to the current needs of the dog, which maintain their mobility and musculature. And, of course, promote motor skills, nerve function and coordination.

Now you may say: \”We didn’t do that with the dogs in the past either!\” I agree with you. But today we have a different level of knowledge about the health of our dogs.

In any case, if dogs can go through life appropriately active and pain-free in old age, it also means that it contributes greatly to their well-being. The good thing is: you can actively support this yourself. How? Physiotherapeutic Dog Fitness Training offers a holistic approach to improving your dog’s fitness, endurance, motor skills, agility and strength. At the same time, it also stresses your mind and challenges your dog mentally, and it’s a wonderful ritual to do together.

But what exactly is physiotherapeutic dog fitness training?

Dog fitness training is very versatile, varied and consists of various training components that should be combined with each other in a meaningful way. Always according to the needs of the dog. In this article I will show you briefly and concisely the different aspects of dog fitness training with e.g., aerobic training, strength training, flexibility and coordination, and strengthening nerve function.

Fitness training

Aerobic exercise for dogs is critical to improving their endurance and cardiovascular fitness. There are several ways to incorporate aerobic exercise into your dog’s life. Regular walks, running, swimming or treading water are great ways to keep your dog moving and promote cardiovascular health. Here, of course, it is important to adapt these activities to the health needs of your dog.

Strength Training Physiotherapy Dog Fitness Training

Strength training is another important component of dog fitness training. Strong muscles not only help with locomotion, but also provide excellent relief for the joints. Structures such as intervertebral discs are also spared. There are several ways to strengthen your dog’s muscles, such as isometric exercises. Weight shifts, Cavaletti training, everyday movements and the use of flexible surfaces such as balance pads.

Stretching and flexibility

Flexibility and agility are also critical to your dog’s health and well-being. Through regular stretching and active joint movement, you can improve muscle flexibility and maintain and improve joint mobility and health. Cavaletti training is particularly suitable for joint mobility. And gentle stretching for the muscles is provided by exercises such as bowing.

Coordination

Coordination training helps your dog to perform his movements precisely. Both in everyday life and in sports, this helps to avoid injuries. It improves his body awareness and balance. Obstacle courses or slalom training are very suitable here.

Nerve function

Unfortunately, the nerve function is often simply forgotten in training. It is enormously important, because without sufficient nerve conduction we have no chance of building up muscles and improving movement sequences. The nerve function can be trained with stimulating surfaces, for example, which you can also use to accompany other exercises.

You should always keep these important basics in mind

When conducting dog fitness training, it is important to consider your dog’s individual needs and abilities. Older dogs or those with health problems should have anadapted training program. I recommend that you always use appropriate training concepts here to ensure a truly healthy and functional workout. It’s not quantity that counts, but quality. And we always train from simple to complex. Only when basic movements are secure does it make sense to expand the exercise portfolio.

This is what it gives you and your dog besides the health benefit

Dog fitness training is a great way to spend time together and have fun. You strengthen your bond and have a varied ritual together. Physiotherapeutic dog fitness training

PS: Did you know that this gentle way of exercising even relieves pain? Exercise releases endorphins, improves joint function and ultimately reduces pain.