Warming up and down at Crufts by Julia Robertson

Warming up and down at Crufts by Julia RobertsonCreated: 05/02/2014 Dog World Newspaper.



To compete at Crufts is a great achievement and congratulations to everyone who is competing.  
 At Galen, we are all working with various dogs who are currently training and conducting their final preparations for their own events. We work with all dogs from very different disciplines, from showing to flyball; however the one common denominator for all is that however fit and prepared they are, they all benefit and really need to warm up before the event.  
 The warm up for every athlete is so important and can make such a difference to the dog athlete’s performance (we have many anecdotal examples of this from previous warm ups at Crufts). A hands-on warm up adds the final topping to all the preparation and training by helping to maximise muscle function and joint mobility.  
 By performing a manipulative warm up, the circulation is influenced in such a way that it facilitates an enhanced arterial blood delivery which is critical for oxygen and nutrient deposits within the muscle tissue which aids the function, (muscles have to breathe and eat while they work!)  Also, by the use of appropriate techniques the muscles fibres are gently stretched and also warmed in anticipation of whatever action or activity they are about to perform. Finally, by preparing the muscles in this targeted approach it will also help focus the dog and help them feel more prepared for their event – and that makes all the difference to the ‘on the day performance’ as all dog handlers know!  
 A thorough warm up works both physiologically and psychologically, in other words both with the body and the mind.  It helps the body by expediting enhanced muscle function which will also enable improved extension of joints, or length of stride. Good extension is a key component that maximises the length of stride, and that of course is important in every discipline.    
 So how is a warm up relevant for different types of competition at Crufts?
 Showing – after the journey then settling on the bench, is not the most conducive for muscles to feel ready for action and to optimise good movement. Any residual stiffness or fatigue from the journey can be eased by using a warm up that gently extends your dog’s muscles to help facilitate their best foot fall and drive.  
 Agility – enhanced oxygen delivery to the muscles pre-event is especially important for the agility dog as it is such a dynamic sport and residual oxygen is imperative for the course as so few breaths will be taken during the competition itself. Also, your dog will quite possibly be competing on a different surface and most certainly a different and alien environment; to prepare their muscles and joints will help them help them cope with all these factors. It can also help to get them into the ‘zone’.
 Flyball – again very similar to agility but even more fast and dynamic going from zero to top speed then spinning and returning, their bodies need to be physically prepared and not just with the adrenaline of the event, as this can be a deceptive ‘measure’ of their ‘readiness’ to compete.
 Obedience – one of the most demanding of all canine sports as the accuracy expected and the positions held require the dog to use ‘eccentric contraction’ a type of muscle movement that has to hold the extension almost through suspension, this is exhausting and fatiguing and uses the deep muscles of the body. To prepare the body through enhanced oxygen delivery will assist the actions and help reduce premature fatiguing of the deeper stability muscles.
 Heelwork to music – this complex sport that asks the dog to move in a complexity of movement patterns and different paces and speeds. This requires the type of warm up that will influence both the dog’s movement and stability muscles effectively.
 As well as a ‘hands-on’ warm up a physical warm up is also necessary.  This can be performed using gaits that encourage the dog to use each leg independently such as a four time walk. An extended walk can really warm the muscles that both drive the dog and provide stability. The use of fast spinning type exercises is not necessarily the best preparation especially if you are looking for the dog to drive forwards as well as turn. Also, certain ‘stretching’ techniques can be detrimental to a dog’s performance.
 The warm down is also often such an underestimated procedure; this is such an important part of any competitor’s preparation; at Galen we call this ‘the preparation for the next event’ as this helps muscle repair and early detection of any injury so management can be offered. This is vital for effective muscle repair and body rebalancing from both a physiological and psychological perspective.
 Because we recognise how important a warm up and warm down is for all dogs competing, we are offering a FREE warm up and warm down over all the days of Crufts. It will be first come first served and we can only perform this with a full veterinary consent (that we can organise). If you are interested email today natalie@caninetherapy.co.uk or call us on 0845 375 1767.
 To find out more about what we are doing at Crufts please go to our website and to our dedicated page http://www.caninetherapy.co.uk/crufts/
If you would like further details on anything written please contact Julia Robertson at Galen Therapy Centre on 08453 751767 or email natalie@caninetherapy.co.uk.
Please come and say hello at Crufts hall 3, stand 28A.

Very good information! Dogs should definitely be warmed up before competing!

Good article , so I must give Tommy a workout on the morning

Generally at any show we always try to get there at least 1/2 hour before the show opens and walk him , then get him in and settled so he is used to the surroundings and a few exercise breaks in and out of crate , if Jen is with me his crated tine is very minimal but Crufts have rules such as the dog is only allowed to be missing from the bench for max 30 mins at a time for exercising etc so no going to sleep on Jen's knee

Have you thought about giving him a good hand massage before he goes into the ring?