Proprioception
Training Exercise - ProprioceptionWhat is proprioception? According to the Oxford dictionary - Proprioception is the perception or awareness of the position and movement of the body.
"exercises to improve balance and proprioception"
Proprioception is something I introduce for all dogs as it benefits puppies and seniors, injured and healthy and everyone else too. It helps them know where their feet and body is in space (reducing chances of accidental injury) as well as keeping them physically fit, mentally enriched and is also builds confidence.
What is vitally important is that you work at your learners level. This level involves their age, stamina, skill, fitness and health. If your dog is elderly or suffers from injuries or health conditions - please seek the advice of a veterinary physiotherapist before taking on this task.
Start simple. It can be as easy as walking on different surfaces - such as grass, astro-turf, pillows, leaves, shiny floors etc.
As your dog or puppy gains confidence, use wobbly surfaces and have them stand with two feet on, two fee off. Build this up to 4 feet on. Ask for position changes - only if they are capable of doing so.
You can use tarps and tunnels for different textures, shallow water pits, ball pits etc.
Make small hurdles using brooms and mops at about the height of a single brick for most dogs - (ankle/wrist height) of the dog - then have them walk SLOWLY through. Concentrating on not knocking them down.
When using rewards to guide them through or on to an object - keep the reward low. If the animal is on leash, make sure it is loose, and they have the choice to get on/off, walk through or avoid the object. Remember choice is powerful and reinforcing.
Keep sessions short, and finish while you are all still having fun.
"exercises to improve balance and proprioception"
Proprioception is something I introduce for all dogs as it benefits puppies and seniors, injured and healthy and everyone else too. It helps them know where their feet and body is in space (reducing chances of accidental injury) as well as keeping them physically fit, mentally enriched and is also builds confidence.
What is vitally important is that you work at your learners level. This level involves their age, stamina, skill, fitness and health. If your dog is elderly or suffers from injuries or health conditions - please seek the advice of a veterinary physiotherapist before taking on this task.
Start simple. It can be as easy as walking on different surfaces - such as grass, astro-turf, pillows, leaves, shiny floors etc.
As your dog or puppy gains confidence, use wobbly surfaces and have them stand with two feet on, two fee off. Build this up to 4 feet on. Ask for position changes - only if they are capable of doing so.
You can use tarps and tunnels for different textures, shallow water pits, ball pits etc.
Make small hurdles using brooms and mops at about the height of a single brick for most dogs - (ankle/wrist height) of the dog - then have them walk SLOWLY through. Concentrating on not knocking them down.
When using rewards to guide them through or on to an object - keep the reward low. If the animal is on leash, make sure it is loose, and they have the choice to get on/off, walk through or avoid the object. Remember choice is powerful and reinforcing.
Keep sessions short, and finish while you are all still having fun.
