236 Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
Tugging. Playing tug is a favorite activity of
many performance dogs ( Figure 10.7). When
the client holds the tug object low, the dog
pushes backward with the front feet. This
exercise strengthens the stabilizer muscles
of the thoracic limbs. When the client holds
the tug object higher, the pelvic limbs are
engaged more. Both heights work the core
musculature
Digging. Any dog can be trained to dig by
hiding a plastic bag with treats in it (mak
ing small slits to let the scent diffuse from
the bag) a few inches below loose dirt,
sand, or mulch (Figure 10.8). The dog is
then encouraged to find the treats. Over
time the treats can be buried deeper and
deeper. This exercise not only strengthens
the thoracic limbs, but also the core and
pelvic limbs.
Crawl. Dogs can be taught to crawl by
first having them crawl under a chair
( Figure 10.9), and then a low table such as a
coffee table. They can then be transitioned
to crawling under a set of elevated poles.
Gradually the poles can be lowered, then
the center poles can be removed so the dog
just needs the end poles.
Thoracic limb strengthening exercises
Wave. The dog is taught to wave each front
foot separately, holding the foot higher than
the head for as long as possible, preferably
Figure 10.7 Tugging. When the client holds the tug
object low, the exercise strengthens the stabilizer muscles
of the thoracic limbs. With the tug object held higher the
pelvic limbs work harder. Both heights work the core
musculature.Figure 10.8 A dog can be trained to dig by searching for a
plastic bag containing treats hidden in loose dirt or sand. This
exercise not only strengthens the thoracic limbs, but also the
core and pelvic limbs. Source: Photo by Roseann Baars.Figure 10.9 Dogs can be taught to crawl by initially having them crawl under a chair, eventually graduating to a set of
elevated poles.