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Speaking of Performance Dogs... Core Conditioning!

5K views 54 replies 21 participants last post by  sammydog 
#1 ·
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! :p:

 
#3 ·
What a great "dark days" work out. Hmmm what size is that ball?
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!
 
#8 ·
that's amazing. No, I take it back. MIRA is amazing!!
 
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#10 ·
Wow, now I have to go out and get one, love it!!
 
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#11 ·
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 :p:

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.
 
#12 ·
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!

Hope everyone who tries has fun with it!
 
#14 ·
Next stop, circus performer Mira!
 
#18 ·
Great job Jessica, and Mira!!
 
#22 ·
Dark weather work.... I NEED THAT!!!! :eek: 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. :D

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:
 
#23 ·
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!
 
#27 ·
I would be interested in hearing other methods people use for core conditioning in their dogs. I think it would be fun to try different things.
 
#28 ·
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. :)
 
#30 ·
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. :)
I too use many horse methods on my dogs. So many things transfer over so well:)
 
#31 ·
Thanks for the ideas Megora! I have heard the squats are good for iliopsoas. Spins are something I have been wanting to teach...

I think I am going to teach Mira to turn right and left on the ball...

I hold the ball in place and have been ever since. We have been working on it almost daily and she seems to love it!
 
#33 ·
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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