Methods to Warm Up and cool Down Well for Dogs

Hi all! Warming up and cooling down is important for you and your dog especially when competing as we do. Here, we have some nice methods to do just this well. And if you're in a rush for a competition event taking place, you can do so in the quickest and most effective way possible!

- Walking up and down a stretch of ground and/or going on a small walk is a simple and effective way of warming up AND cooling down. Ensure this is not rushed. The purpose of the exercise is to get the muscles nice and relaxed. The most normal exercise can be used in competition scenario! Take this method out just before and just after exercise.

- Do some basic obedience with your dog before exercise - such as walking round to heel, direction movements, leg weaves, waits and recalls, walking into positions (sit down etc)

- Keeping your dog warm in between exercise is a brilliant way of ensuring those muscles stay relaxed and prepared for exercise. This is no substitute for the above method, however is a good place to start in between exercise before carrying out the above method. If you are competing make sure your dog is warm again as soon as you leave the exercise arena.

- This should be the final method - once you have ENSURED your dog has been PROPERLY and IN A QUALITY FASHION warmed up/cooled down using slower methods such as walking (two above) for an adequate period of time, you can take your dog for a gallop after a ball on soft ground such as grass. Small periods of this exercise before the real thing can be beneficial and really prepare your dog for the fast and the furious to come. This should NOT be strenuous before OR after exercise.

TOP TIP - If your dog has a tendency to become tired and less enthusiastic after runs or other forms of exercise before the real activity, you may prefer to miss the above step and stick to a gentle stroll (first method suggested) - however never go into exercise free of any warming up methods.

If your dog has any health issues or is showing signs of such please see a vet before taking out exercise. Who will then prescribe exercise regimes for your dog and his/her condition/issue. And never push your dog is he/she is not looking fit and healthy or something is wrong - you could do further damage.

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