21/11/2024
🐶 Canine research is a little lacking around warming up (and cooling down) but if we look to human research there is evidence that an active and dynamic warm up can reduce injury risk and improve performance.
⏰ All warm ups should build steadily with an optimal time of around 10 minutes, however when there are factors such as colder weather and being crated for long periods are involved, the warm up should build more gradually and last longer.
❗️Simply tugging with your dog on the way into the arena or playing ball/toy chasing is not an adequate way to warm up your dog.
Factors that will change how you warm up
- Injuries or weaknesses (be guided by your therapist)
- The sport
- Level of performance required
- Weather
- Type of skill being trained
- Dogs age, breed, structure etc
Warm ups do not need to be complicated, an example routine is below;
🚶🏼1 - 2 minutes Walking continuously then progressing into a trot
⭕️2 minute Circle work incorporating handling and turns
🤼♀️30 seconds - 1 minute Toy play (not ball throwing)
💃🏼 30 seconds - 1 minute Turns on the flat
🏃🏼♀️➡️ 30 seconds - 1 minute Sit-down-sprint
🤸🏽♂️1 - 2 minutes Sport and dog specific dynamic exerises
⬆️ 1 Jump practice incorporating some handling
🧘The warm up should prepare your dog both physically and mentally for the work they are about to do. At the end of your warm up your dog should be adequately warm plus focused and ready to work, they should not be fatigued or over aroused.
