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Doggie Exercises

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-911 -- More Projects »
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Keep your dog by your leg while running, rather than behind or in front of you.
Personal trainer Greg Small shares tips for turning the walk for your pet into exercise time for yourself as well.

  • Check with your physician and veterinarian before beginning any fitness regimen for you and your dog.

  • The best time of day to workout is early morning or late in the afternoon. Avoid the heat of the day.

  • Be sure you have plenty of water for both you and your dog as well as a leash, treats and toys. The leash should be about 6 feet long to maintain proper control of your dog.

  • The best running surface for both of you is grass. Run at 60 to 70 percent of your maximum speed for a good cardio workout that can be sustained. A wrist heart-rate monitor is very useful for making sure you reach your target heart rate, which can be determined with the help of your physician.

  • After a good warm-up job, try wind sprints--short bursts of speed--that get you into your upper heart-rate zone. Give your dog a treat at the end of each sprint as a reward.

  • Make sure both of you stay well hydrated.
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Figure A
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Figure B
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Figure C
  • Throwing a Frisbee is an excellent way to work the core muscles. Turn picking up the disc into a squatting exercise by bending from the knees rather than the waist (figure A).

  • Work on your balance by standing on one leg to throw the disc (figure B), alternating legs each time the dog comes back. Hold your head up and keep the back straight. Your dog will let you know when he is tired.

  • Push-ups (figure C) are a great exercise to do while your dog is resting after playing with the Frisbee. This will work your triceps, chest and core. Try two types of pushups: some with the feet spread, which will be more difficult, and some from the bent knee position.
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    Figure D
  • A rubber band can be used to work on posture. With your hands at waist height and thumbs pointed out, pull your hands apart and release slowly, keeping the head and back straight (figure D). This will work the back and the back of the arms.

  • To stretch the hamstring, put your foot on a bench with your leg straight, and slowly bend forward.
    • Also in this Episode
    Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-911
    •Beaded Wardrobe
    •Soothing Rough Hands
    •Doggie Exercises
    •Smart Solution of the Day
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