Friday 8 January 2016

Core Strength Training

Just like humans, having core strength can greatly benefit your dog. On top of your dog's usual exercise regime, there are many exercises and positions that can help increase and improve your dog's core strength. Although all dogs can benefit from core strength training (as long as they are physically able), dogs who train or compete in sports such as Agility may particularly benefit from having a strong core. Core strength improves your dog's athletic performance, balance, muscle tone and can help give support to his vital organs. It even helps reduce the risk of injury, which can really improve his quality of life.


An easy exercise that your dog can do to help improve his core strength is the 'beg' position. With this position, you can build up your dog's core strength gradually and safely. Teach your dog the command for this exercise, ensuring you follow our advice to successful training. Gradually build up the time your dog can hold this position; remember, if you don't build up slowly, your dog could become injured. Having your dog put all of his weight onto his hind area is a brilliant core workout. And always remember, before starting out on any exercise regime, ensure you visit a professional veterinarian and have your dog physically checked over. If this does not happen, you could be putting your dog and his health at risk.


We're joining our hosts SlimDoggyTo Dog With Love and My GBGV Life in the FitDog Friday Blog Hop. We send many thanks their way, and you can join in below.


26 comments:

  1. Good core muscles are very important. None of us can actually sit like that without falling over, but we have a K9FitBone to help us work on our core.

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    1. We agree. There are many other methods of keeping your core strong.

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  2. We love sit pretty for working the core and looking super cute! Rocco's still building up to holding it longer and longer. Great advice!

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    1. Go Rocco! We're glad you found my advice helpful!

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  3. We also work on sit pretty and do conditioning tricks on his FitBone.

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    1. We've heard many good things about the FitBone, but have never personally used one.

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  4. Great exercise Earl - you have excellent core strength!

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  5. Mom is going to have a tough time teaching us those tricks
    Woofs,
    Lily & Edward

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    1. Bless you! Remember, some dogs are physically able to perform some things and some dogs aren't able.

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  6. This kind of exercise is actually unsafe for Dachshunds because it puts too much pressure on their long. fragile backs. Try to tell them that though. Chester and Gretel love to "prairie dog" for treats. We let them do it some but we use our Fitbone to work on the core when it comes to actual exercise.

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    1. I agree. In an similar way, Agility is uncommon in this breed because of the physical demand of the sport and the Dachshund's physical structure.

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  7. I, Molly, used to beg for my breakfast but mom has gotten lazy and let is slide. She says we gotta get back to that.

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    1. I make my dogs wait for their meals. Sometimes, we also perform some exercises and commands!

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  8. We can tell you have mastered the skill Earl! Looking Great!!

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    1. I didn't begin this exercise by teaching it to him myself. Earl started voluntarily giving me this position when I was training with him, and it soon turned into a beneficial exercise!

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  9. Great advice and you are doing well with that training.

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  10. Nice beg pose!! The pups know that one as well, but they can't hold it for too long.

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    1. Thank you! Earl is working on holding his for longer each session.

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  11. Great job Earl. I am sure you have a fit core!

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    1. He does! He is a muscular man with a lot of bodily strength.

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  12. I am werkin on it Earl my pal...i let yoo kno if it werk lyin down....

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    1. Hahaha! Lying down and resting is also important alongside exercise!

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