Puppy Push-Ups
Puppy Push-Ups:
This is a great exercise for dogs that have limited access to exercise, a strong desire to work or even hip and joint issues in the lower body. It is a repetition type activity that places our dog in a sit, to a down, back up to a sit and when done quickly it should simulate a push-up. Our reward can come after a rep, then after several to strengthen their capacity for more. There is a new command added to our sit and down which is known as 'up' and this is done by facing your palm down with all of your fingers pinched together at their points. When asking our dog for 'up' we must imagine that we are holding a string but only one end of it and pull upwards as if the other end of the string was attached to our dog.
-This may be difficult for larger breeds to go into the down position quickly so be patient with their pace and be aware and observant of any pain or issues the dog may be experiencing