Clean Run Magazine - June 2009 - 33

• Epilepsy affects balance and proprioception. • Dogs with hypothyroidism will have slower, more sluggish reaction times. • Fatigue usually causes a temporary loss of proprioception. This loss is often seen when the dog is tired after a long day. • During adolescence or rapid growth processes young dogs, especially large-breed dogs, experience phases in which the body grows rapidly and the proprioceptive sense is decreased. • Other disease processes such as polyarthritis, infectious diseases, and tick-borne illnesses are diseases that negatively affect proprioception. Weight Shifting Simple weight shifting is a great method to work on the dog’s proprioception and does not require any tools at all. The dog should be in a standing position and you can begin by placing your hands on the dog’s hips. Slowly alternate placing pressure on the hips on each side, with the goal of having the dog transfer weight from side to side and not knocking the dog over. Do this until the dog gets tired, which may be represented by his either sitting down or moving away from you. Once this happens, give the dog a rest and then repeat. You can also rock the front legs by placing your hands on the dog’s shoulder blades or scapulae and rocking back and forth. Standing and Reaching Forward for Treats While the dog is in a standing position, have him reach forward for a treat without moving his feet. This encourages the dog to rely on his proprioception and center of gravity. Signs of Proprioceptive Problems Signs of problems with proprioception may be seen on the agility course when a dog consistently has trouble negotiating obstacles (such as slipping on the dogwalk, misstepping on the teeter, or misjudging jumps), misses turns or turns late, or avoids an obstacle. If the onset of this problem is sudden, the dog should be evaluated for an ear infection, vestibular problem, or other disease process. If the problem is ongoing, try to determine whether the dog is going through a growth spurt, experiencing discomfort or pain in one of the joints, or if it is a sign of overtraining. Additional signs may include difficulty walking on slippery floors and taking a turn simultaneously, misjudging the jump into the car, or tripping over an object. Dogs with proprioceptive deficits also have a slower reaction time and generally more awkward movement. They will also have body awareness problems; this is most clearly demonstrated in a large-breed puppy. For example, Great Dane puppies go through many stages of growth throughout their first two years. The puppy will have periods during which his body awareness is very poor and he runs through the house knocking over everything because his brain still thinks he is the same size he was three weeks before. This process is normal but every puppy’s body awareness can be improved with exercises. Standing and Looking Side to Side for Treats While the dog is standing, ask him to look up and down for a treat without sitting. While the dog looks up, he will transfer his weight onto his hind limbs. While the dog looks down, he will transfer his weight to his forelimbs. Moving the dog’s head from side to side will cause the dog to transfer his center of gravity and make adjustments with his body. Balance Board Placing the dog on a rocker or balance board will challenge his proprioception. Begin with the dog standing on the board if able, and slowly rock the board back and forth and side to side. The goal is for the dog to transfer weight onto each limb without taking a step or falling over. Some dogs may not be able to stand initially and may need to sit or lie down. This is absolutely acceptable and as the dog’s proprioception improves, he may be able to move into a standing position. While the dog is on the board, also ask him to move his head up and down for treats as well as side to side. These head movements will challenge the dog’s balance and proprioception. For a more advanced exercise, have the dog balance on the board and ask him to catch a ball while on the balance board. Walking on Uneven Surfaces Surfaces such as sand, soft snow, gravel, hiking trails, and bumpy grass will challenge the dog’s proprioception. Initially, a dog may have to think about where he is placing his legs on a hiking trail but once his body has been trained and challenged, the dog will move along faster and not have to think about the surface. Running and controlled ball-playing should also be performed on uneven surfaces. 33 Exercises to Improve Proprioception We have many exercises to improve proprioception and many are very simple. The exercises may also be safely performed on any dog of any size and at any age. In addition, the exercises can be incorporated into everyday activities and training. June 09 | Clean Run

Clean Run Magazine - June 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run Magazine - June 2009