Since we were talking about weight on performance dogs, I thought I would share our new "it's dark when I get home from work" activity! I have been wanting to do core training for agility for awhile, but I finally found myself at the mall after watching a Janice Gunn video a few weeks ago.
Next step, blow it up and start training! I starting with shaping a nose tap, paw touch, two paws... then went to luring onto the ball. This is the end of her last two paw shaping session and pieces of her first time on the ball.
I am having loads of fun with this and I can tell how many muscles Mira is using to move around on the ball! We have a new after work activity! :
Thanks!! You know, darn, I threw out the packaging, so I have no idea! I bought it at Sports Authority and it was the biggest one. I thought it was going to be bigger!
Mira is one talented little girl!! I have had a few crash landings off the Swiss ball, so I am very impressed with Mira's coordination, balance and lack of fear!
This is really cool! I've been working my puppy on a BOSU, a la Susan Garrett, but now I'm thinking I should get an exercise ball for my Rottie boy. Great video.
I saw Janice's video too, and then I saw Jessica's video on Facebook, so I went out and bought my own ball the next day! Mine is 65 cm.
It took Flip awhile to grasp the concept of climbing onto the ball, but he immediately took to leaping in the air and landing on top of it :doh:
I find it very amusing to watch his little back legs start shaking when he tries to balance himself. Very cute and funny :
I pulled out the big guns to get him started on the ball - Buffalo bites. I should have known better. Flip is not used to having high value treats when training, so his chin starts quivering in anticipation and it makes a sucking sound like two fish making out. Annoying.
Thanks everyone, I am really liking it so far and I really think it is going to be great for conditioning! I have been using kibble for rewards, I think I am going through almost a half cup of kibble with each session!
That looks so fun! Hmmm, I think my in-laws have an exercise ball they want to get rid of......wonder if I could keep the kids from bouncing it int o the Christmas tree LOL!
Thanks for posting the size. My obedience instructor has the peanut shaped one and Jonah has had fun on it. I'm thinking of getting the ball or that egg shaped one. That was fun watching the progression of Mira getting used to the ball.
Dark weather work.... I NEED THAT!!!! OMG Gabby is out of control. Actually she is starting to chew on herself due to lack of work. Funny.... she is getting out more than any other dog.
OK did you buy that from just an exercise store? Or is it a fit paws ball? Where the heck do you store it? Can you give me a ball park what you folks are paying? I can ask for one for Christmas.
Gabby climed on the Fit Paws equipment at UKC Premier, so I know I can get her on it. I think this is BRILLIANT. More info please. :wave:
I just bought mine at a sporting goods store called Sport Authority. It was a regular balance ball for people, I did get one that said burst resistant. It cost $25 and came with a DVD exercises for people. I am pretty sure Jodie said she got hers on sale for $15!
I am sure you will have no trouble getting her on!
I can afford that. Those Fit Paws balls are expensive. We used to have Sports Authority around here, but we have other sporting goods stores. Hey maybe I will use it too... Probably not. Though I should. LOL
Just looked at Dick's Sporting Goods site. They have your Altus ball a 65cm for $24.99. Need to send hubby for a joint Gabby and mom Christmas present. :wavey:
If you took ideas from horse conditioning alone...
The ladder method (with horses we do a combination of trotting over cavaletti or poles laid across the path at intervals). At class we were walking the dogs through to build up coordination. And then jogging them through.
Sit pretty, stand on back legs, sit - repeat (with horses this would be stretching the legs). I've seen some people do these with their dogs where they are literally doing squats with their back legs. I haven't tried that with my guy - I'm just happy that he has the control to go up in a stand (dance) without flailing his paws to prop them on something or somebody.
Spins (with horses this would be tight circles both ways to get him to flex his neck and shoulders). I don't think these are as important as backs and ins for fixing heel position (or I don't get the connection), but I see where flexing those back shoulder and neck muscles is a good thing for loosening a dog up.
I know there are others but I'm drawing a blank right now.
If you took ideas from horse conditioning alone...
The ladder method (with horses we do a combination of trotting over cavaletti or poles laid across the path at intervals). At class we were walking the dogs through to build up coordination. And then jogging them through.
Sit pretty, stand on back legs, sit - repeat (with horses this would be stretching the legs). I've seen some people do these with their dogs where they are literally doing squats with their back legs. I haven't tried that with my guy - I'm just happy that he has the control to go up in a stand (dance) without flailing his paws to prop them on something or somebody.
Spins (with horses this would be tight circles both ways to get him to flex his neck and shoulders). I don't think these are as important as backs and ins for fixing heel position (or I don't get the connection), but I see where flexing those back shoulder and neck muscles is a good thing for loosening a dog up.
I know there are others but I'm drawing a blank right now.
We also trot up hills (also a carry over from horse conditioning) and have well developed stretch routine. Now if someone would make ME do all this conditioning!
We also trot up hills (also a carry over from horse conditioning) and have well developed stretch routine. Now if someone would make ME do all this conditioning!
LOL! I know what you mean!! If I took care of myself, the way I take care of my dogs, I would be looking pretty darn good!!
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