Agility, dock dogs, flyball and disc

It is all about speed, height, and precision

Agility

Probably the one sport where dogs get regular chiropractic care and massages.

The twists and turns when running a course call for a limber body. The impact on

neck and shoulders from the seesaw hitting the ground and the need for strong

core muscles used for balancing when crossing the dog walk or climbing the A-frame is crucial. Tension free neck and back muscles for weaving, and lower back strength when shooting through the tunnel. It is all part of the equation when your dog competes in agility. This sport engages all your dog’s muscles and need regular attention if you want to keep them free of injuries and performing to the best of their ability.

Dock Dogs

The dock diving dogs need strong hind legs and backs when launching off the dock. The ability to reach far with their front legs and fully extend their hind legs back

is an important factor. Apart from the obvious focus on the hind quarters, massage sessions will target neck, spine, and tail areas to keep your dog flying and jumping

far. The impact of the water when landing also affects the dog and even though swimming is great for a dog, there are definitely a need for massage to prevent the buildup of lactic acid and making sure the muscle fibers are able to extend as needed.

Flyball and Disc dogs

Both sports require speed and the impact from landing after catching a disc or the wear on shoulders and front legs from slamming the box can be quite intense. Flyball dogs run and jump at high speed, even if they don’t spend a lot of time on their straight-aways. The repetitive exercises and tight turns put stress on joints and muscles and can create issues if not addressed. The mid-air twist and turns of a disc dog, the not always favorable landings, and the vaulting of the handler requires a flexible body with optimal range of movement. Stretching and regular massages can help keep your dog healthy.

If you have a dog that competes in any kind of sport it is always better to start early to prevent issues. That way we won't have to "put out fires" first and can find a good level of maintenance work.