Conditioning Program For Dog

[Kaffy Magee]

Also have this in Training forum.

I have the Melbourne Royal and Bullmastiff Nationals coming up in 4-5 weeks.

I would have started this topic earlier however my 15 month Bullmastiff was diagnosed with a rare problem called "priapism" (continual erection) 4 weeks ago and so I havent been exercising him so as not to "aggravate" the problem. He was put on suprelorin 4 weeks ago and I think its finally starting to improve. Its not as bad as it was anyway. So tonight we went for a little exercise consisting on walking/jogging/sprinting for only about half hour or so. I didnt want to over do it since he hasnt been exercised in weeks.

So my first question is: Can I condition him in the little time I have until the Nationals?

Can someone suggest some good exercises to do with him, how often and how long each session should be for? I know swimming is a good one, so Im hoping to incorporate that (or atleast wading at shoulder height). Should I alternate days of swimming with jogging/walking up hills? How many rest days should he have? If someone has a good exercise regime they have used before or could recommend that would be much appreciated.

I'd also like to know if you think him having had suprelorin will have much of an impact on him building muscle.

And finally, I have been feeding him a raw diet however Im finding it hard to source my food reliably and affordable, so until I can source it regularly I want to start feeding a dry food as part of his diet. I have enquired about Black Hawk but was wondering is there something else that someone can recommend that would be good to help build muscle/condition.

All help/ suggestions much appreciated

Edited August 28, 2011 by Kaffy Magee

[OSoSwift]

I guess whether or not he will be ready in 4 to 5 weeks will depend a reasonable amount on him as an individual. Some dogs gain muscle and tone up more quickly than others.

My Whippet had a suprelorin implant while I was training for his ET trial. I had no issues gaining or maintaining fitness and muscle with him. I also feed Black hawk and have found they keep condition well and do not run to fat - none of my dogs of varying breed ever have though?? - and have lovely coats, skin and muscle tone.

I would say swimming and walking and slow jogging would be the best to get him fit and tone muscle.

Edited August 28, 2011 by OSoSwift

[Rottifan]

[quote:

So my first question is: Can I condition him in the little time I have until the Nationals?

Can someone suggest some good exercises to do with him, how often and how long each session should be for? I know swimming is a good one, so Im hoping to incorporate that (or atleast wading at shoulder height). Should I alternate days of swimming with jogging/walking up hills? How many rest days should he have? If someone has a good exercise regime they have used before or could recommend that would be much appreciated.

I'd also like to know if you think him having had suprelorin will have much of an impact on him building muscle.

....is there something else that someone can recommend that would be good to help build muscle/condition.

All help/ suggestions much appreciated

What a gorgeous photo!! I would think the best way to attack ensuring ALL exercise is going to be benefiting him building muscle and heading in the right direction is ensuring he is "in alignment". Have a chiro go over him and ensure that his movement and composition is perfect so that any exercise means he will build muscle which wont happen if he has pinched nerves and cannot stretch out fully....same with swimming etc. Best of luck. I use a mobile animal chiropractor who is great in Qld, has worked wonders for my boy!