Dudley worked really hard at his physiotherapy session today. He has such a strong core and stabilising muscles to be able to do these exercises!
Dudley is 13 years old and has spondylosis and hip dysplasia which has started to catch up with him. I have been treating Dudley for around a year and we have found that a session of LASER therapy, massage and targeted exercises every 2 weeks is ideal for keeping him at his best.
Of course, this is enhanced by his owners continuing exercises with him regularly between sessions. For Dudley, targeted exercises for core strength and muscle mass have been integral to making him more comfortable in his body despite his orthopedic issues.
This morning found myself and Luna mantrailing with The Crafty Canine at Formby Woods.
She was steady, not too overexcited, but focussed and up for the challenge.
Did you know that although walking (and that means w-a-l-k-i-n-g not trotting, we are looking for a 4 beat gait) makes for excellent exercise for your dog as in this gait the hindlimbs have to work harder, independent from the forelimbs. This makes it excellent for strengthening hindlimbs and engaging core muscles for balance 👍
Clear run in the Helter Skelter today, thought Luna was running a bit slow. As soon as we came out the ring she did a poo 💩 Often changes in behaviour have a reason behind them 😅
A wheelchair has given Suggs a new lease of life following his IVDD surgery.
It is thought that around 89.2% of French Bulldogs carry the genes which predispose them to Intervertebral Disc Disease incidents, where the disc material in the spine becomes less fluid and can potentially extrude under pressure and cause spinal nerve compression.
This doesn't mean that 89.2% will develop IVDD, but that they are at a higher risk than a dog without this gene. (https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/cddy-cdpa)
Other dogs with these genetics can include Dachshunds, Corgis, Bassett Hounds, Shih-Tzus, English Bulldogs and some Cocker Spaniels.
These 'Chondrodystrophic' dog breeds are characterized by their short legs in comparison to their body size and length. These genetics are also responsible for abnormalities in the Intervertebral Discs.
Unfortunately for Suggs his IVDD has left him predominantly paraplegic but still able to have a good quality of life thanks to the dedication of his owner. He is having regular physiotherapy and hydrotherapy to try and reclaim any nerve function possible.
Daisy is having physiotherapy to strengthen her back leg muscles to help provide stabilisation for her luxating patellas. Raised poles, also known as cavaletti poles, are a great way to build muscle by increasing active range of motion through the joints. The slower and steadier the more effective this exercise is, and this takes practice and perseverance. Good work Daisy 🐾
Today I ran a pole clinic for two of my clients who are working on improving their horses core strength and back musculature.
This is important for any ridden horse, but particularly those who have undergone surgery to the interspinous ligaments. This surgery seeks to relieve back pain relating to the dorsal spinous processes - a condition also known as kissing spines.
These exercises can be done in hand, in long reins or under saddle, depending on the strength and experience of the horse.
Luna is demonstrating a technique for encouraging dogs to go into a down or bow by luring under a leg, low bench etc.
For a bow rather than a down, have another treat ready up and over to bring them back up quickly. After a few reps they may decide it's easier to keep their back legs up rather than fully lying down.
Bows can be useful to stretch through the thoracic and lumbar back and forelimbs and can be part of a great warm up for dynamic activity such as agility.
Suggs is such a sweet boy 🥰
More mantrailing with Luna, this time at a lakeside location 🌊
Anyone who knows Luna, knows how much she loves water, so trailing past a lake showed some commitment on her part! Although she did go for a swim on the way back.
Some people think water reduces scent by washing it away or diluting it, however scent particles contain bacteria which accumulate and grow on water. So in fact water will capture scent and make it stronger!
When Luna hits a really good area of scent she gets excited and zooms forward with enthusiasm. I love this and call it her scent boosts ⚡
Trails can be adapted to suit most dogs, even those with issues such as reactivity. And all breeds have the capacity to succeed and enjoy themselves.
#thecraftycaninemantrailing
The Crafty Canine - Dog Training
Billy never used to like jumping fences, until recently... 😁
He has been improving steadily every time I see him, with a combination of massage and laser therapy, and commitment to home exercises and stretches from his owner. Recently he has been much happier to jump into vehicles and over fences crossing country.
Go Billy!
Mantrailing with Ascent K9 this morning, Luna is on it!
Scent related training is the perfect way to challenge your dog mentally, after this Luna will be asleep for the rest of the day 💤
Mantrailing is suitable for all breeds and ages of dog and even reactive dogs can be accommodated safely.
Luna really enjoys it! 🧀
