Core Stability – AKA Any Excuse for a bit of Fun!

Beanie and Biggles keep themselves fit with all their rough play and chasing. They also take part in lots of sports. They tend to really ‘push the envelope’ so we like to do some gentle activities specifically designed to build core stability and protect the joints.

Both have had a monthly swim session from a very early age. They’re both very comfortable in the water so we’re starting to introduce some little tricks and drills to keep it interesting and to really work their muscles in all directions. Today we practiced some of our basic heelwork to music moves in the water (just spinning left, right and swimming around me in both directions) and next time the hydrotherapist is going to see about getting some weave poles in the water!

We have a little gym at home and we both find that gym balls are great for building core stability. We figured if it’s good for us that the dogs would probably benefit. I was very surprised at how quickly and easily they jumped up onto the ball. They make it look easy but if you look closely you can see their muscles quivering with effort. I’m not sure what we’re going to do with them now they’ve learned to get up there but I guess we’ll just see how it goes.

Normal Activities Resume!

We’re not long back from our regular pool party at Allers Farm Kennels with buddies from the Glasgow Dog Training Club. It’s been a couple of months due to our recent move so it was great to be back. The puppies had a blast as always.

And I’ve just had great news from Sue Rose. The next lure coursing event has finally been organised for Sunday 31st January. Anyone interested in going can get full details from Sue and Kevin’s blog:

http://lure-coursing.blogspot.com/

Pampering the Athletes

Beanie and Biggles were clearly inspired by their first flyball competition at the weekend – they were flying in last nights training session!

They’re both taking part in the flyball demo at “Paws in the Park” at Rouken Glen Park on Saturday 22nd August (hosted by Glasgow Dog Training Club). And they might be going down to Yorkshire at the end of the month to team up with a couple of dogs from another team to do their first full ‘starters’ competition!

As they worked so hard last night we decided to forego today’s evening walk in favour of a leisurely swimming session at Allers Farm Kennels. It was a good call. It gave them a chance to really chill out and rest their joints whilst stretching out and gently working their muscles in the pool.

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And finally here’s the now obligatory “Biggles looks crazy when he’s shaking the water off” shot:

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