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Fit Dog Stretching and Massage

4/12/2013

16 Comments

 
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Stretching out in a "bow" or downward facing dog
Typist: Wilhelm
After agility class last night, I was getting my post-workout massage and doing my stretches and I thought "I should share my stretching techniques and favorite massages in my Fit Dog Friday blog post." So, here I am, letting all the Fit Dog Friday blog hoppers know that fit dogs need stretches and massages just like fit humans do. I enjoy stretches, range of motion exercises and massages before and after every long walk, run and agility workout. Have you ever seen trainers stretching and massaging athletes before a game? It's kind of like that only my I'm a wiener dog athlete.
It used to be called giving the dog a "once over." Checking for injuries, pain, ticks, etc. Now I call it getting massaged and stretched. Lucky me! My feet often pop and crackle when squeezed and rubbed and counter stretched (that's fancy trainer speak for bent the other way or backwards.)  Getting my feet rubbed is one of my favorite massages and one of the most important range of motions exercises a fit dog can get.
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A counter stretch for my paw
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A massage for my paw
I also love to have my spine stretched and massaged. To stretch my spine, I do a "bow" or downward facing dog. I also get a massage from the base of my skull all the way to the tip of my tail. My trainer puts fingers on either side of my spine and rubs along my whole long body. I am sure with a larger dog, more fingers/hands and pressure would work for a great spine massage.
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Rubbing on either side of the spine from the neck
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Pressing along the spine to the base of the tail
I also get massaged and stretched at my shoulders and hips. My trainer rubs from the base of my skull, along my neck, to my shoulder blade and all around my shoulder blade. She then checks the range of motion in my shoulders by lifting my leg, supporting high on my leg, cradling my shoulder blade and making small leg circles. I get rubbed all the way down my front legs to my feet. She does this on both sides. I also love laying on my back and getting massaged on my neck as well as between and around my shoulder blades. My hips get a similar treatment with special emphasis on the hard working jumping muscles of my haunches. I especially enjoy a gentle little "rump lift" for a nice low back stretch. "Rump lifts" take a lot more effort for larger dogs but it feels so good!
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Laying on my back for a shoulder massage
In conclusion, being a fit dog isn't just about eating right and exercising. To ensure a lifetime of fitness fun, giving your dog a good old fashioned once over after each work out is not only essential to a dogs health and happiness but a great experience for your dog and you too. In fact, you and your dog will probably so enjoy your post fitness stretching and massage time, you'll make it a twice over!
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Enjoying a hip massage and "rump lift" low back stretch
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A hip stretch or Upward Facing Dog in the grass
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A happy, flexible & fit dog
None of the Cascadian Nomads are SAMP or veterinarians, though we have learned a lot from ones we know. The information in this post is purely for petting and bonding with your dog purposes and should not be used to treat or prevent problems or injuries.



16 Comments
SUGAR: Golden Woofs link
4/11/2013 09:31:08 pm

Woof! Woof! I also enjoy relaxing massages/stretches after a workout. It is very important. Happy FitDog Friday. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

Reply
Wilhelm
4/15/2013 05:21:28 am

I'm glad your mom knows the importance of after work out massages, Sugar. It must take her much longer to massage you than it does for me to get my 11 pound body massaged!

Reply
SlimDoggy link
4/11/2013 10:53:54 pm

Great tips! We often forget that dogs benefit from stretching and massage just like we do and it's so easy to do for them. These are great tips and a great reminder. Thanks for joining our Blog Hop.

Reply
Wilhelm
4/15/2013 05:23:04 am

Thanks, SlimDoggy. I do a lot of stretching on my own but it helps to get that massage in and if it's while I am stretching it's even better!

Reply
Peggy Frezon link
4/12/2013 12:13:25 am

Thank you for blogging on a topic that hadn't occurred to me, yet is very important. It's clear that you are enjoying the stretching and massages. I'm going to remember this for Kelly. Thanks for being a part of FitDog Friday!

Reply
Wilhelm
4/15/2013 05:24:10 am

Just beware, once you get started on post-workout massages, Kelly will beg for it every time.

Reply
wyatt link
4/12/2013 12:24:06 am

That looks nice....I think I need a better masseuse. My mom doesn't do such a great job!

Wyatt

Reply
Wilhelm
4/15/2013 05:26:42 am

My trainer learned a lot from a couple of SAMP that we know. A good SAMP should show your mom techniques to do between professional massages or on her own. Maybe you can find one in your area!

Reply
DogTread link
4/12/2013 03:58:48 am

WAGS - Excellent advice! Stretching is one of the key components to keeping dogs feeling and moving optimally...and often the most forgotten. Thanks for sharing!

Reply
Wilhelm
4/15/2013 05:28:11 am

My SAMP, vets and coaches are always very impressed with how flexible I am and I aim to keep it that way!

Reply
Jan K link
4/12/2013 07:58:08 am

I am learning so much on this blog hop today! I once considered learning canine massage as a career, but never really thought of it in relation to fitness and exercise....I thought it was more for dogs with health issues. I hope to try it with my dogs now.

Reply
Wilhelm
4/15/2013 05:30:32 am

My agility coach first brought up the importance of post work out massages with my trainer. I always got once overs after walks, runs and other outdoor activities but adding massages after indoor workouts has been great.

Reply
Beagles And Bargains link
4/12/2013 03:15:31 pm

Wonderful tips! I'll have to keep it in mind for Luna!

http://www.beaglesandbargains.com/adventures-after-the-rain/

Reply
Wilhelm
4/15/2013 05:31:43 am

Massaging velvety beagle fur is as nice for the masseuse as it is for the beagle!

Reply
Sage link
4/13/2013 08:38:22 am

I do love my massages too! Mom doesn't always do my feet though--probably because I don't like my feet messed with. So, wouldn't you know, she read this and now I'm thinking feet are going to be on the agenda...

Reply
Wilhelm
4/15/2013 05:34:05 am

My corgi Brychwyn does not like feet massages. He just gets his paws "held." Even just a warm human hand and a tiny bit of pressure can feel really great to fit dog paws.

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