February Focus: Pup & Person Stretching!

Did you know that teaching your dog a new trick is not only fun but can also stretch and strengthen their muscles? Stretching together can improve flexibility, prevent injuries, and deepen the bond between you and your pup. Here are some great moves for both of you!

Teaching Play-Bow 🐾

The "play-bow" trick is more than just adorable—it helps your dog stretch their hip flexors, lower back, and shoulder muscles!

How to Teach Play-Bow:

1. Start with your dog in a standing position.
2. Hold a treat between your thumb and index finger and bring it to your dog's nose.
3. Slowly lure the treat downward between their paws.
4. The instant their forelimbs touch the ground, mark the behavior with a "yes!" or a clicker.
5. Bring them back to a standing position and reward them. Since we're teaching them to cue into the position from a stand, avoid rewarding while they're lying down.
6. Avoid rewarding if they lie down completely.
7. Once they understand the movement, introduce the cue “bow” before luring.
8. Gradually increase the duration of the stretch by delaying the reward.

Teaching Sit-Pretty 🦴

This trick is great for strengthening your dog’s core muscles, which helps prevent back injuries!

How to Teach Sit-Pretty:

1. Begin with your dog in a sitting position.
2. Hold a treat in your palm and lure their nose upwards.
3. Encourage them to lift their front paws off the ground.
4. Click and reward as soon as they get into the position.
5. If they struggle to balance, support them with your hand or let them perch on a low surface.
6. Once they have the movement, add the cue "sit-pretty" or "meerkat."
7. Increase duration by delaying your reward.

Downward Dog Yoga Pose 🧘‍♀️🐶

Holding a yoga pose is a fantastic way to stretch multiple muscle groups! The downward dog pose is particularly beneficial, stretching your hamstrings, calves, Achilles tendon, shoulders, upper back, and glutes while strengthening your arms, shoulders, back, and core.

How to Perform Downward Dog:

1. Start in a high plank position.
2. Push your hips up and back, keeping your arms extended.
3. Press your heels toward the floor for a deeper calf stretch.
4. Hold for several breaths before releasing.
5. Try it alongside your pup and watch them naturally mimic the move!

Bird-Dog Yoga Flows 🦆🐕

These Bird-Dog yoga variations help improve balance, strength, and flexibility for both you and your pup!

1. Traditional Bird-Dog

Strengthens the lower back and core while improving balance.

1. Start in a tabletop position.
2. Lift the opposite arm and leg off the mat, keeping them level with your hips.
3. Engage your core and press through your heel.
4. Hold for several breaths, return to tabletop, and repeat five times on each side.

2. External Rotation Variation

Stretches and strengthens your spine, shoulders, and hips.

1. Begin in a modified tabletop with one arm bent at 90 degrees, forearm parallel to the floor.
2. Lift the opposite arm and leg outward.
3. Hold for several breaths, return to tabletop, and repeat four times per side.

3. Tiger Tucks Variation

Targets the spine, hip flexors, and hamstrings.

1. Start in a tabletop position.
2. Curl one knee toward your nose, then extend it back at a 90-degree angle.
3. Hold for several breaths before returning to tabletop.
4. Repeat five times per side.

Make Stretching a Daily Routine!

Incorporating these exercises into your daily routine will help both you and your pup stay limber, strong, and injury-free. Whether you're warming up for a hike, cooling down after a walk, or just having fun at home, these stretches are a great way to bond while staying fit. Try them out and let us know which ones your pup enjoys the most! 🐕💪

Important safety note:

Before beginning any new exercise program, consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure it is appropriate for your individual health and fitness level. The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you experience pain, dizziness, or discomfort while exercising, stop immediately and seek medical attention.

Before starting any new exercise or training routine with your dog, consult your veterinarian to ensure it is safe and appropriate for their breed, age, and health condition. The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your dog shows signs of discomfort, pain, or fatigue during exercise, stop immediately and consult your vet.