Ah, spring! No more blizzards, no more ice and no more frigid temperatures. Spring is the time to get out and start getting really active with our dogs again.
But before you do, remember that even dogs need to be conditioned for the higher activity levels that nice weather brings. After months of limited activity (because of us wimpy humans), our dogs are far from being in top form.
Experienced dog owners and trainers know that it is perfectly fine to go back a few steps in conditioning, even back to square one, to get Fido back in the groove.
Start slowly. The few opportunities we get to briefly toss the ball for our pup during the winter pale in comparison with the energy and endurance required for long play sessions full of sprinting. Dogs can pull muscles and sprain joints.
Pushing too hard, too fast, can lead to an injury.
Another common injury is damage to the pads of your dog’s feet. They toughen up over summertime, with all the exercise over rough terrain and even just on sidewalks. Soft pads, however, tend to blister, split and even tear if a dog hasn’t had time to properly condition them.
Lastly, consider the temperature. Dogs need to adjust to working in the heat. Forcing, or even allowing them to work or play beyond a safe limit will likely create physical problems and, for competitors, negative associations with training. When your dog’s tongue is dragging on the ground, consider that a good indication that your dog has been overworked.
Lastly, don’t forget to have water available at all times.
Jim Beinlich and his wife, Bianca, own Cool K9 Dog Training in Colorado Springs. Find them at or on Facebook.
Uncle Matty (Matthew Margolis) will return next week.
