Do you know what minimizes the risk of injuries and improves your dog's performance on the field? Just like the human athletes, they need a proper warm-up. It increases their heart rate and warms up the muscles. And, when it's sport specific, it actually warms up "the right muscles" , those same ones that will be used most during your training session or the trial routine!
Way too often, I watch handlers hang on the sidelines, wait for their turn, go to the car to get the dog ready and... They put on the gear, and take it for a walk to the nearest tree!!! Can you even imagine a serious athlete not warming up or stretching? All you need is 5-10 minutes TOTAL, including putting on the gear and a bathroom break, to prepare your dog properly, and to get him engaged and happy to work with you. I keep my warm-ups fun so focus and excitement become a natural part of the game!
I want to share this short video I made this winter,...