Finding the Time for Fitness
As a sport dog owner, you might often find yourself juggling between your dog's specific sports training regimen and their fitness routine. Believe me, I've been there too. The challenge is to maintain a balance: You want your dogs to excel in their sports while ensuring they are physically fit to prevent injuries. So how do you navigate this? Let me share the approach I developed:
Recognizing individual needs: Every dog is unique, requiring specific conditions to perform at their peak and achieve success. Begin by identifying each dog’s primary need.
Assessing and adjusting fitness plans: I routinely scrutinize my existing fitness plans, comparing them with my expectations for each dog's competition performance. This helps me pinpoint gaps and opportunities for adjustment.
Merging fitness and training plans: I discovered that fitness and training plans could overlap rather than run in parallel. They can be integrated!
For instance, during rally training, I’ll incorporate exercises from thier fitness plan like tuck sits, down-to-stand, and more. My coursing dogs run uphill sprints in our pen daily as a part of their strength training. This approach is a win-win, enhancing their sports skills while keeping them fit.
The key isn't about finding extra hours in your already packed day. It's about stepping back, scrutinizing your existing plan, and identifying the additional elements you need to fold in. Sometimes, it's as straightforward as adding flexibility or body awareness exercises.
A couple of years ago Djinn needed to be more flexible. Once I integrated flexibility exercises into his routine, his running style improved and he was able to compete two consecutive days at a trial, something he'd never achieved before. Suki, one of my Saluki (😁), benefitted from strength training added to her regimen; within a month, her turns became sharper, enabling her to stay on-lure more consistently.
Please don't misunderstand—I'm not advocating for neglecting a balanced fitness plan. What I am suggesting is when you feel overwhelmed and unsure about fitting in another element, identify the most critical need and focus on that. Commit to it for a month, then reassess.
Remember, canine fitness is about fostering longevity in our athletes. Prioritize, persevere, and you'll be rewarded with a happy, healthy, and high-performing companion for many years to come.