Beanwood
Administrator
Thought I would share a variety of exercises that Benson and Casper have been prescribed recently with the objective to balance and strengthen muscles. These exercises have been prescribed through our rehab vet for both Casper (HD and back problems) Benson who now has a diagnosis of ED coupled with bone spurs in both front wrists. So they are part of an on-going rehab programme.
1. POLES (Cavaletti)
Aim: Proprioception, Psoas strengthener (canine hip flexors), Core strengthener, improves limb flexors and extensors, better balance and overall movement, gentle spinal roll.
Technique: Depending on dog's size, place the poles between 5cm and 20cm off the ground. You can start with them flat. I am using old round fenceposts and spaced 1m apart. Four beat pattern, with a definite landing/placing of each paw.
Walk in a slow and controlled fashion with the dog in the centre of the poles. Dog looking forward. No skipping/hopping. Treat on the ground can help.
Advanced: place poles in a curve, alter the height of poles.
Lots of ideas in the video below, some very advanced options too!
2. HEAD TURNS
Aim: Encourage activation through biceps and triceps, neck flexibility, slowly! Activation of abdominals (part of core), Hind leg engagement, optimum biomechanics
Technique: Dog is standing square in front (helps to do this with the dog wearing a collar to start) or dog facing forward between legs. Stand over or in front. Follow a treat from side to side (ten to two motion) 5 -10 reps x2 daily. For a neck stretch hold each side for 5 - 10 seconds.
3. WEIGHT SHIFTING
Aim: Encourages optimum biomechanics, strengthen/condition hind limb, can activate core and upper forelimb muscles
Technique: This can be done by either holding the dog via the upper hind limbs, at the shoulders, or by the abdomen. The back should be in neutral and not hunched. Position of the hands will lead to increased stimulation in that area. Dog should be standing square. Apply gentle back pressure - to encourage body weight into back limbs. You will be moving your hands just a few millimetres, and see a slight increase in toe splay and muscle activation in the hind thigh muscles.
Hold for 2 seconds then release. Dog's centre of gravity comes forward a little. Rpt x 10 daily. Increase challenge by elevating front legs slightly.
Some ideas for more advanced weight shifting below, incorporating equipment such as Fit paws for dogs Personally I would advise enrolling in a class first though!
4. THREE LEGGED STAND
Aim: Core strength, hind leg engagement, reduces load over forelimbs (great in dogs diagnosed with mild-moderate ED), balance, strengthens spinal stabilisers.
Technique: Make sure the dog is standing square (great example in youtube clip video below). Lift a front foot very slightly off the ground. Focus on the spine staying neutral, no leaning. If this is a challenge, place a front paw on a low book wrapped in a t-towel. The dog should not be leaning forward into the raised limb but using spine and activating core/thigh muscles.
Hold position for 3-4 seconds. repeat on other side. Build up to 5 rounds a day.
More advanced version below, plus a good description of the initial "set-up". In the video, the dog is cued to raise a paw.
1. POLES (Cavaletti)
Aim: Proprioception, Psoas strengthener (canine hip flexors), Core strengthener, improves limb flexors and extensors, better balance and overall movement, gentle spinal roll.
Technique: Depending on dog's size, place the poles between 5cm and 20cm off the ground. You can start with them flat. I am using old round fenceposts and spaced 1m apart. Four beat pattern, with a definite landing/placing of each paw.
Walk in a slow and controlled fashion with the dog in the centre of the poles. Dog looking forward. No skipping/hopping. Treat on the ground can help.
Advanced: place poles in a curve, alter the height of poles.
Lots of ideas in the video below, some very advanced options too!
2. HEAD TURNS
Aim: Encourage activation through biceps and triceps, neck flexibility, slowly! Activation of abdominals (part of core), Hind leg engagement, optimum biomechanics
Technique: Dog is standing square in front (helps to do this with the dog wearing a collar to start) or dog facing forward between legs. Stand over or in front. Follow a treat from side to side (ten to two motion) 5 -10 reps x2 daily. For a neck stretch hold each side for 5 - 10 seconds.
3. WEIGHT SHIFTING
Aim: Encourages optimum biomechanics, strengthen/condition hind limb, can activate core and upper forelimb muscles
Technique: This can be done by either holding the dog via the upper hind limbs, at the shoulders, or by the abdomen. The back should be in neutral and not hunched. Position of the hands will lead to increased stimulation in that area. Dog should be standing square. Apply gentle back pressure - to encourage body weight into back limbs. You will be moving your hands just a few millimetres, and see a slight increase in toe splay and muscle activation in the hind thigh muscles.
Hold for 2 seconds then release. Dog's centre of gravity comes forward a little. Rpt x 10 daily. Increase challenge by elevating front legs slightly.
Some ideas for more advanced weight shifting below, incorporating equipment such as Fit paws for dogs Personally I would advise enrolling in a class first though!
4. THREE LEGGED STAND
Aim: Core strength, hind leg engagement, reduces load over forelimbs (great in dogs diagnosed with mild-moderate ED), balance, strengthens spinal stabilisers.
Technique: Make sure the dog is standing square (great example in youtube clip video below). Lift a front foot very slightly off the ground. Focus on the spine staying neutral, no leaning. If this is a challenge, place a front paw on a low book wrapped in a t-towel. The dog should not be leaning forward into the raised limb but using spine and activating core/thigh muscles.
Hold position for 3-4 seconds. repeat on other side. Build up to 5 rounds a day.
More advanced version below, plus a good description of the initial "set-up". In the video, the dog is cued to raise a paw.
