Training Tips - April 2007

Stretching Out You & Your Dog
Submitted by Gary Duke

Most dogs and humans are so eager to get started, they leave out one of the most important steps of training your disc dog, Stretching. Both human and canine should be well stretched before playing and again when done playing. Below are some of the stretches I have used for my dog and I. Refer to any physical fitness stretching exercises or ask a personal trainer for any additional human stretches if necessary. If you do not feel comfortable with any of these dog stretches below, be sure to ask your vet on your next visit to show you a few good stretches for your active dog(s).

Human Stretching

With feet shoulder width apart - slowly twist at the hips back and forth several times to loosen your back.

With feet shoulder width apart - bend at the waist and reach for your toes and hold it for short duration. Do not bounce!

While sitting on the ground - bring your feet in so that your soles are touching and while grabbing your feet, gently press your elbows down on your knees. Do not bounce!

White sitting on the ground - bring left foot while stretching out your right leg. Reach for your right foot and hold it for a short duration. Repeat with other leg out. Do not bounce!

Put arm across the front of your body, while pressing your elbow towards you with your opposite hand. Repeat with the other arm.

Canine Stretching

Have dog place front paws on your belly or chest and hold for short duration to strecth the back legs and back.

Have dog play bow and hold for short duration to stretch front legs and back.

With dog going between your legs, lure them with a treat and wrap their body in a U shape around right leg. Repeat with dog wrapped around the left leg.

With dog starting to go through your legs, put arm under torso and slowly lift dog's rear legs off the ground to stretch the front legs and back. Slowly return back legs to the ground.

With dog starting to go through your legs, put each hand on the front side of dog's thighs while slowly lifting the legs off the ground while stretching the back legs and back. Slowly return back legs to the ground while slightly massaging the thighs and knees.

Have the dog weave through your legs while walking in place, forwards or backwards.

Be sure to warm up your dog with a few throw and catch tosses before attempting any freestyle tricks.