Down to stands are a great whole-body exercise for your dog!
🏋️♀️🐾Workout Wednesday! In this series, we highlight fun exercises you can do with your dog (and some cats) that don't require any specialized training or equipment!
Down to stand is a great whole-body exercise that involves moving your dog from a "down" position into a standing position without them shifting their feet too much. They should then be able to lower back down into a sphinx down posture. This exercise works the shoulders, biceps and triceps, hips, quads and hamstrings, and all of the core muscles in between! When you're first starting this exercise, I recommend luring them up into a stand from a down position by pulling a treat up from their nose at a 45 degree angle from the ground.
Perform all exercises on a high traction surface, never push your dog past their point of comfort with an exercise, always end on a good note with a treat or toy reward, and always remember to have FUN!
If your dog struggles with this exercise, consider having them evaluated by a Veterinarian or Physical Therapist trained and certified in Canine Rehabilitation.
If you do this exercise with your dog (or cat!), we'd love to see a video in the comments below!
Can your dog perform this basic exercise with good form?
🏋️♀️🐾Workout Wednesday! In this series, we highlight fun exercises you can do with your dog (and some cats) that don't require any specialized training or equipment!
Sit to stands are the dog equivalent of squats. Ensure your dog can get into a good "square sit" where their knees sit over their toes and point forward on both sides. A sideways/puppy/sloppy sit is not normal or healthy, and if that's the only way your dog (or cat!) sits, do not do this exercise, and consider scheduling a visit to your Veterinarian to screen for knee, hip, or back pain!
Perform all exercises on a high traction surface, never push your dog past their point of comfort with an exercise, always end on a good note with a treat or toy reward, and always remember to have FUN!
If your dog has a history of hip, knee, or back injuries, this exercise should be performed under the guidance of a Veterinarian or Physical Therapist trained in Canine Rehabilitation. If you notice your dog struggling with a square sit, consider having them evaluated by a canine rehabilitation professional.
If you do this exercise with your dog (or cat!), we'd love to see a video in the comments below!
"Shake" is a fun trick, also a great shoulder exercise for dogs!
🏋️♀️🐾Workout Wednesday! In this series, we highlight fun exercises you can do with your dog (and some cats) that don't require any specialized training or equipment!
Shake or high 5 can be a fun trick to teach dogs, but did you know it's also a great exercise for them? Shake is a great way to engage the dog biceps muscle, and improve shoulder range of motion! I've taught Chloe that her right paw goes to my left hand and her left paw goes to my right hand. This way I can help her work both sides equally.
Perform all exercises on a high traction surface, never push your dog past their point of comfort with an exercise, always end on a good note with a treat or toy reward, and always remember to have FUN!
If your dog has a history of neck or shoulder injuries, this exercise should be avoided unless performed under the guidance of a Veterinarian or Physical Therapiest trained in Canine Rehabilitation. If you notice your dog struggling with this exercise, especially if they're only struggling with one side, consider having them evaluated by a canine rehabilitation professional.
If you do this exercise with your dog (or cat!), we'd love to see a video in the comments below!
Wesley the cat loves leash walks to the beach!
What's your cat's favorite form of exercise?
Veterinary Acupuncture Collage
Our models, Chloe, Ralphie and Wesley, show that dogs and cats can both benefit from acupuncture to relieve pain, quiet anxiety, and improve vitality. If you want to learn more, stay tuned... New pictures and videos to come!
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