When you say ‘dog training’ most people think of puppy classes or training for a canine competition. Here at McTimoney Animal Therapy I see dogs with back pain and injury every day, but there is regular training you can do with your dog every day to help strengthen and protect your dogs back from damage.
Everyday Dog Training to Help my Dog’s Back
Teach your dog to walk well on a lead
This may seem like common sense, but I see a lot of dogs who cant walk nicely on a lead. This is common especially in smaller dogs as the owners find it easy to hold them. This can still do damage to the dogs neck and upper back, as well as putting strain on their hind limbs from pulling. Work hard with teaching your dog to walk on a loose lead beside you and you will both reap the benefits.
Walk your dog in a harness
A collar round the neck of a pulling dog is not a good thing. Please walk your dog in a well fitting harness as a collar can put a lot of pressure on the windpipe and can cause problems in their cervical vertebrae. There are tons of harnesses on the market, buy a fleece lined one for comfort and one that doesnt interfere with shoulder movement like this Perfect fit harness.
Don’t let your dog race up and down stairs
Please teach your dog to walk calmly up and down stairs. I know it seems like a silly thing but I see so many dogs, especially older dogs, who have slipped and fallen. They can do damage to their back and joints easily and teaching calm stair use can prevent this.
Get your dog used to having their ears and teeth checked
Ear problems in dogs can lead to head shaking and tension through your dogs neck. Teeth pain can also lead to issues in the jaw, and any pain can cause your dogs whole body to be tense and uncomfortable. Breeds such as spaniels with floppy ears are prone to infection. Getting your dog used to having their ears checked, and cleaned can reduce this risk. Also brushing your dogs teeth on a regular basis can prevent teeth problems and decay later in life.
Prevent jumping on and off the furniture
This is especially true for small, long back breeds such as a dachshund and true for jumping on and off any high object. Please either don’t allow them on the furniture, lift them on and off, or provide a ramp or steps and train them to use that. Any falls and twists can do damage.
Get them well socialised
Your dog may need a trip to the vet, to attend hydrotherapy sessions, or have an appointment with me at McTimoney Animal Therapy. If your dog is used to going into strange locations and been touched by people they don’t know, if they get an injury the process of getting them right again is a lot easier if your dog is calm and relaxed.
If you work hard and do a little bit of dog training everyday, you can help prevent injury to your dogs spine and musculoskeletal system. This will lead to a happier dog, a happier owner and a happier wallet.
Book a McTimoney Canine Chiropractic Treatment
Areas covered in UK: Worcestershire and surrounding counties.
Book a McTimoney Canine Chiropractic Treatment or Call Emily Walters on 07983 565 438
