Dogs
love a challenge and balancing on fallen trees,
rocks and agility equipment can dramatically raise
their self confidence.
Balancing
The dog is a direct descendant to the wolf and wolfs travel
great distances when they are out trekking. Up hills and
down hills, over rocks, under branches and over streams.
Just like the wolf, the dog has an amazing sense of balance.
Exercising
your dogs balance is really important and it is both
a mental and physical exercise.
One
word of warning before you start - be careful with
this kind of exercise if your dog is still a puppy,
under a year old, or if your dog has got any physical
problems like hip dysplasia.
This
is what you can do
When you are out in the forest or a in a park with your
dog, try to find a fallen tree, a slanting rock or a low
park bench. Try to get your dog to climb up and balance
on the object. But do it without any force, just coax your
dog. I would use a treat or a favourite toy. If your dog
seems reluctant, make sure you take it very slowly and praise
your dog for putting one paw on the object. Keep training
with getting that one paw up on the tree or rock. You will
notice after a couple of training sessions that your dog
will carefully try to put a second paw up. If he/she does give
him/her masses of praise.
Continue
exercising until your dog is up on the tree or rock with
all four legs. This may take a couple of weeks training,
if your dog is reluctant, but keep trying, coaxing your
dog to get up on the object. Never, never help the dog
up physically ? that will not only destroy the exercise,
it will also turn into a fragile situation that can make
your dog insecure. |
