Stretching and Strengthening - Exercise for Your Dog

Stretching and Strengthening
The Core Exercise Class for Your Dog

This winter has confined many owners and pets to indoor activities and sparked a variety of problems from bored behavior to weight gain. The "Core Exercise" class will be focused on teaching owners and pets how to get the most out of bad weather.

Massage and stretching will accompany the exercises. Your pet will learn how to engage their "core" muscles to create strength and reduce injuries. You will learn the basic anatomy and muscle groups for massage and flexibility training.

Week 1- Basic anatomy
"Find the point" - Level 1 Core
Pre-class clicker intro is offered for those who have not had previous clicker experience.
Week 2- Anatomy
"Find the muscle"
Intro to massage techniques
- Level 2 Core
Week 3- Additional massage
Intro to stretching - Level 3 Core
Week 4- Advanced stretches - Level 4 Core

This class is open to the family pet or canine athlete. This is a class for healthy dogs - injured or post surgery dogs (within 6 months) should make an appointment with Sonni at her clinic. Dogs should be tractible and non-reactive to other dogs. A basic understanding of shaping behavior using a clicker or verbal marker is recommended. A 45 minute intro to clicker training will be held prior to the first class, week one of each session. Cost of the class is $80 - $65 for students with clicker experience. (Those with clicker experience may skip the 45 minute clicker intro week one.)

GO HERE for a schedule
then
REGISTER ONLINE!

Welcome, Dr. Sonni Gilbert, DVM!

Sonni Gilbert is a Washington State College of Veterinary Medicine graduate with a special interest in complementary veterinary medicine. She is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist and provides rehabilitation care for pets through her business, The Animal Pain Management Center in North Spokane.

Dr. Gilbert enjoys providing people and pets with treatment options and answering the question: "What else can be done?"

Students will have a chance (optional) the first week of class to order an exercise ball for purchase,
which will arrive by the second week. Cost is between $65 - $110, with the average size costing $90 for a dog 50-80 lbs.

Dogwise Publishing is pleased to announce the arrival of
The Healthy Way to Stretch Your Dog - A Physical Therapy Approach
by Sasha and Ashley Foster.

As people have become more aware of the means by which they can keep their dogs healthy and active for longer periods of time, there has been an increased interest in hands-on techniques like massage, T-Touch, even chiropractic manipulations for dogs. One related subject that has not been focused on as much is stretching.

Stretching can be very beneficial to dogs (not to mention humans!), however, it is critical that you use proper techniques and adjust them for the particular needs of your dog (age, size, natural flexibility, activities engaged in). Utilizing the latest research and physical therapy techniques, Ashley and Sasha have put together everything you need to know to stretch your dog in a way to maximize its benefits and avoid potential problems. The book contains dozens of detailed diagrams and photos to illustrate the stretching techniques and includes cautions where stretching is not advised or in cases where a vet should be consulted. Whether your dog is an elite canine athlete or an aging couch potato, your dog can benefit from regular stretching routines and both of you can benefit from the closer bond between you that will result.