As the Doggy Du gets approaches, the Animal Medical Center will offer tips to help your canine athlete get ready for the big race.

Please consult your veterinarian before starting your dog on a new exercise program. Start slowly and cautiously as you should yourself.  Use positive reinforcement to motivate your dog to learn and perform fun tricks that strengthen core muscles and build endurance. Also – whatever your dog performs in one direction, remember to perform in the other direction as well. Learn the signs of fatigue. Perform a warm-up stretch and a brisk walk or slow jog for 5 – 10 minutes.  

This month's tip - Cookie Stretches

An exercise to start with after a brief warm-up is Cookie Stretches. With your dog standing use a treat to lure your dog to bend and stretch muscles that he usually doesn't exercise. To flex the spine: bring the cookie to his chest. Then slowly bring the cookie between his front legs and then to his toes.

For rotation and side bending: bring the cookies slowly to each shoulder and each hip.

To promote the whole body stretch: with his front feet on a counter lure the cookie to the sky and encourage s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g. 

April's Tip of the Month - Incline/stair walking

Walking or jogging your dog up inclines aides in strengthening the hind limb muscles. Strong muscles are needed to propel up an incline. This exercise should be controlled to avoid injury. We suggest keeping the animal on a leash.

Stairs can also be used to improve power in the rear limbs. The dog must begin slowly to encourage proper use of the rear limbs. Encourage the dog to go slowly and deliberately, climbing the stairs in a reciprocal stepping gait.

For more information on the Animal Medical Center of New York, click here.