Sunday, June 28, 2009

Fitness for Agility - Going to the Dogs

Fin needs more strength. She is crazy and doesn't think about her body and often hurls herself without thought. I want to give her more body awareness and strength. To aid that, she and I have a twice daily routine we are working on.

It starts with the rear end work on the treadmill. I'd like to work up to 10 minutes. Right now we are doing 3-4 minutes and then take a break. Then do 3-4 minutes. It doesn't seem like much, but I can tell she is tired after her work out.

After the treadmill, it is time for the balance ball. I also work in stretching into the balance ball work. I'm really proud that she is now able to stand on her rear legs for short periods of time.

I'm hoping that this work will help her strengthen her abs and provide her with more rear end propulsion. Right now I think she is doing a lot of the work on her front.

We finish our workouts with a massage. She is really starting to enjoy her massages. In the past she had trouble staying still, she now lays down and readily offers behaviors letting me know she is ready for some body work.

We are also walking hills more. I hope in 3-4 months as I get more fit, all my dogs will improve with the new regime of training.

3 comments:

Trish said...

Dogs have abs?

I'm back!!!! Nice video! Will you train me too! I want nice Abs

team small dog said...

Oh man. I think I see one of our agility issues here. Your dog did pilates and cardio on the treadmill over the weekend, and I took my dog on a train ride and to a picnic.

vici whisner said...

Hey, nothing wrong with a well rounded agility dog. Train rides and picnics clear the brain and allow for creative thought.

Just...step away from the smores!