Balance exercises for dogs - strengthen body awareness, deepen confidence

What are balance exercises?

Balance exercises are targeted movement tasks in which dogs learn to consciously control their body, maintain balance and use their muscles in a targeted manner. They are often carried out on unstable surfaces or with specific equipment, but can also be easily incorporated into everyday life.

We - Lui & Paulina - use balance exercises to promote not only physical fitness, but also self-confidence and coordination. These exercises are often particularly effective for insecure, physically unbalanced or older dogs.

Why are balance exercises so important?

Good body awareness is the basis for a confident demeanour. Dogs with poor body awareness move unsteadily, stumble more often, avoid certain surfaces or appear hectic. Balance exercises help:

• strengthen the deep muscles

• improve balance

• to promote self-confidence

• sharpen body awareness

• Prevent injuries

They are also ideal for regeneration after illnesses or operations - in consultation with specialists.

Examples of balance exercises

1. Give paw while standing

The dog should give you the paw while standing without sitting down. He must keep his balance and activate his muscles.

2. Running over unstable surfaces

A soft mattress, a rolled-up towel, wobble boards or special balance cushions - ideal for promoting stability and confidence.

3. Hind paw work

Z. For example, stepping onto a small rise with the hindquarters. Promotes coordination and awareness of the often "forgotten" hindquarters.

4. Lateral weight shift

Use light pressure on the shoulder (gently, please) to encourage the body weight to shift - with guidance or experience, of course.

5. Targeted placement of the paws

Z. E.g. over cavaletti, on a small platform or in a marked field - promotes control and accuracy.

Our approach at Vitomalia

Balance exercises are not a sports programme for us, but rather relationship work through movement. We pay attention to this:

• Build up exercises in small steps and in a positive way

• not to overtax the dog

• praise and motivate a lot

• adapt the exercises to your age, state of health and temperament

Just a few minutes a day can make a difference - especially if the dog gains a sense of achievement.

Our conclusion

Balance begins in the body - but has an effect on all behaviour. A dog that moves confidently also feels more secure in everyday life.

Balance exercises are more than just fitness. They are confidence on four paws - for you and your dog.