[Training tips] Warm up my dog well before exercise.

Properly warming up your dog before exertion is essential to prevent injuries and to ensure they reap all the benefits of engaging in sports with their owner. How long should a warm-up last? How can I prevent my dog from sprinting at full speed in their harness right from the start of training? We tell you everything !

Summary

- Why warm up your dog ?

- When to warm up my dog.

- How long should a warm-up last ?

- Do a good warm-up for my dog.

Rémy Coste warming up with his dogs on a leash.

Why warm up your dog ?

Warming up your sport dog helps to create atransition phaseBetween rest and physical effort. In training as well as during a race, it is an essential step forAvoid injuriesAnd ensure aGood fluidity of movementsDuring the effort.

The warm-up is also an opportunity to channel your dog and capture its attention in preparation for a requested exercise.

So don't let your dog take off at full speed in their harness as soon as they leave their crate or pen !

When should I warm up my dog ?

You should warm up your dog before each effort:

• Before a training session, whether it is before an endurance, strength, or speed session.
• Before a round ofcompetition, so consider anticipating it.
• At the beginning of the walk, especially if your dog is very active off-leash.

Calm dogs, key to a good warm-up

How long should a warm-up last ?

A gradual warm-up of your dog15-20 minutes is an excellent baseline..

You can increase the duration of the warm-up.up to 30 minutes before a high-intensity session(strength or speed) or before a competition round.

If you are short on time, it is better to shorten the duration of the planned session than to skip the warm-up.

Do a good warm-up for my dog ?

To perform a good warm-up, you need to be able tocontrol your dogPermanently. Your dog must therefore knowwalk at your feet or behind you,"off-leash or without pulling on its leash."Channeling one's excitementMay seem difficult, but it will put your partner or team in the best conditions when it comes time to make an intense effort. Take advantage of the opportunity to warm up as well !

A good warm-up should beprogressive. You can start with a bit of walking and then add some playful exercises such as slaloming, climbing stairs, or following you when you change direction. Always calmly, you will gently engage their joints and muscles. 5-10 minutes is enough.

Slightly increase the speedso that your dog trots in a controlled manner off-leash or on a leash for a few kilometers. You can stay on foot or switch to your mountain bike. Monitor your speed to not exceed 10-12 km/h, even for very trained dogs! Maintain a low speed for 10-15 minutes.

Before an intense workout session or before a competition round, you canFinish your warm-up with a few minutes at a higher speed., but still without traction. You can alsolet your dog playIn free a few minutes to finish your warm-up in a fun way.

Tips for Properly Warming Up Your Dog

• Warm up your dog, and yourself at the same time, systematically before physical exertion.
• Channel your dog's excitement, especially at the start of warm-up, to avoid injuries.
• The warm-up should last from 15 to 30 minutes.
• If you are short on time, shorten the duration of your session, but not the warm-up.
• The warm-up is done on a leash or under controlled freedom, but not by pulling.
• Start the warm-up at a walking pace and gradually increase the speed.