Discover Proprioception To Exercise Your Dog
The sense that informs the body of the position of the muscles is known as proprioception. It is the ability to feel the relative position of contiguous body parts. Proprioception regulates the direction and range of movement, allows automatic reactions and responses, intervenes in the development of the body scheme and in its relationship with space, supporting the planned motor action. Other functions in which it acts with more autonomy are the control of balance, the coordination of both sides of the body, the maintenance of the alert level of the nervous system and the influence on emotional and behavioral development. Now, what does all this have to do with your dog? More than you can believe.
Use proprioception to exercise your dog
Some time ago the importance of proprioception was discovered in both humans and dogs. Thus, your pet will be able to overcome new challenges and feel more secure in itself and in its environment. For example, many dogs are not aware of their hind legs and are very sensitive and insecure when that area is manipulated.
For this reason it is very important that your dog practices exercises that allow him to improve his awareness of his body, not only on a physical level -to prepare him to better cope with old age- but also in relation to his behavior.
In addition, these exercises will help you tone, strengthen and improve the antigravity muscles, which are responsible for maintaining the posture in station.
With this type of proposal you will be challenging your dog to overcome new obstacles, gain confidence and can easily solve the different situations that may arise. For instance:
- Stepping on a surface of an unfamiliar material.
- Perform a new move for him.
- That a certain object touches a part of your body in an unexpected way.
You must be very careful. These exercises should not cause any harm to your dog, nor should you force him to do them, since that way the opposite effect will be achieved.
In addition, you have to select routines according to the capabilities of your pet, and increase the difficulty as they overcome the different challenges.
Your role is to accompany your dog so that it is able to overcome the different exercises and encourage it with caresses and prizes when it gets a breakthrough.
Proprioception for each stage and for all types of dog
We will tell you how to approach this type of exercise according to the age of the pet and the function it fulfills.
Puppies
The goal is to develop basic issues for dogs. Mainly, coordination, balance and confidence. If the puppies can overcome new challenges calmly, they will surely be balanced adults. Keep in mind that from the month of life the puppies can begin to exercise.
Adults
With this type of exercise the animals will be able to face life better, while their mind is constantly stimulated.
Elderly
In the case of dogs that can no longer perform the same amount of exercise as they did in their youth, proprioception stimulates not only their muscles, but also their senses.
Working dogs
Developing the sense of proprioception will help dogs that perform sports obedience, rescue or detection to develop their work better and feel more secure and calm. Also favorable for those employed for police, therapy, service, etc.
Dogs in rehabilitation
Proprioception exercises are of fundamental importance in animals undergoing physical rehabilitation. They will allow you to regain mobility and get used to your new situation.
Dogs with fear
If a dog that is suffering from fear performs these types of exercises, his mind will focus on other things and he will forget his fears.
Keep in mind then that a proprioceptive system in good shape has countless benefits for your pet’s health, since it will keep him toned and with greater control over his entire body. On a physical level, it will substantially improve balance, coordination and stability. This will help prevent muscle aches, overloads, contractures. In addition, it will become an excellent tool to promote the bond with your pet.
