Fetch is one of the most heated topics in dog training: some guardians see it as an easy way to exercise a dog, while others (rightly) argue that it causes injuries and fuels unhealthy obsession. The discussion is often polarized but in reality the question of fetch is far more nuanced
Category Archives: Health
The power of movement: why varied exercise matters for dog joint health
Maintaining your dog’s joint health involves more than regular exercise. Varied, dynamic movement is crucial for lubricating, strengthening, and keeping their joints flexible. This prevents localized wear, boosts synovial fluid circulation, and improves flexibility. To achieve this, mix up walking surfaces, do low-impact exercises, provide off-leash time, and incorporate stretching and massage.
The role of conformation in spaniel health and strength
Many assume that if a dog can perform its job well, it must be fit and healthy but working ability alone is not enough. The key to a long, injury-free life lies in a dog’s structural conformation. Proper structure supports the body, prevents injury, and ensures that the dog can perform at its best overContinueContinue reading “The role of conformation in spaniel health and strength”
Form follows function: the importance of structure in dog health and performance
The job of the Polish Hunting Spaniel (PSM) is to excel as a versatile hunting companion – a task where its physical structure also plays a crucial role. In this article, we’ll explore why structure matters for a PSM’s health and performance and how breed standards serve as a blueprint for ensuring that our dogs are well-suited for their intended purposes.
On leash laws and the hidden costs of restricting dog movement
Recent changes in leash laws in Spain, reflecting similar policies in countries like Finland and the United States, sparked some thoughts about dog welfare. While these laws aim to maintain public safety and order, they inadvertently impact a crucial aspect of canine well-being – the need for dogs to move freely. Dogs are built toContinueContinue reading “On leash laws and the hidden costs of restricting dog movement”
Conditioning core muscles with long grass searches
Dogs can improve fitness and muscle development by searching for objects in long grass. This activity engages different muscle groups, promotes brain and nose engagement, and fosters persistence. It is particularly beneficial for young dogs to develop core strength and prevent potential injuries. Early exposure to this activity can lead to well-developed dogs. [Source: dogs4motion.com]
The anatomy of a breed standard
The key reason why breed standards matter even when you are focused on the potential performance of a dog is that not all dogs are physically suited to the activities we want to do with them. I’ve previously written about why structure matters even for working spaniels – it’s not just about performance, unless youContinueContinue reading “The anatomy of a breed standard”
Thoughts and tips on puppy exercise + book recommendation
I recently started re-reading a book I bought a while ago called “How to Build a Puppy” and stumbled on some interesting stuff, so I posted about it on our kennel’s Instagram account and thought it would be useful to share on the blog too. Since I only thought of sharing it here afterwards, here’sContinueContinue reading “Thoughts and tips on puppy exercise + book recommendation”
Proprioception and balance training in the forest
https://videopress.com/v/8m0udXfh?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true Forest gymnastics This is so easy to do yet so beneficial for dogs (and especially puppies) because it slows them down and really gets them to pay attention to how they navigate obstacles. That develops their proprioception and balance – abilities they will very soon need when they become adolescents. Dogs mature physically muchContinueContinue reading “Proprioception and balance training in the forest”
Why you should think twice before breeding your pet dog
I originally wrote a draft this post two years ago after responding to someone in a Facebook discussion. When I recently strumbled across it in my drafts, I thought it might be a good time to revisit it – this is a lightly edited version to make it more like a coherent blog post. JustContinueContinue reading “Why you should think twice before breeding your pet dog”
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