Gamby Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 Hi all I'm curious as to how or what exercises I can do with my Aussie (7 yrs) to strengthen his right side. He is so strong on his left side and can wrap homself around me with ease. We are doing Heelwork To Music trials and I've found that he cannot do right backward movements as his can on his left side. He has no soreness, limping etc on his right side. I look forward to reading the replies Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salukifan Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 If he doesn't move as well on one side as he does on the other, my guess is that it's a structural, rather than a strength issue underlying the problem. I'd be starting with Chiro and Bowen therapy then exercises to develop flexibility. Does he do regular obedience also? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gamby Posted February 28, 2012 Author Share Posted February 28, 2012 If he doesn't move as well on one side as he does on the other, my guess is that it's a structural, rather than a strength issue underlying the problem. I'd be starting with Chiro and Bowen therapy then exercises to develop flexibility. Does he do regular obedience also? Hi Telida Whippets, Yes he does do obedience often, as well as a little flyball & agility plus Rally-O and tricks. He will now be off to have some bowen therapy done Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salukifan Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 If he doesn't move as well on one side as he does on the other, my guess is that it's a structural, rather than a strength issue underlying the problem. I'd be starting with Chiro and Bowen therapy then exercises to develop flexibility. Does he do regular obedience also? Hi Telida Whippets, Yes he does do obedience often, as well as a little flyball & agility plus Rally-O and tricks. He will now be off to have some bowen therapy done If he's a wrap style heeler, then that may explain the relative weakness of the other side. If he heels well on your right, I'd be doing plenty of that exercise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumabaar Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 If he doesn't move as well on one side as he does on the other, my guess is that it's a structural, rather than a strength issue underlying the problem. I'd be starting with Chiro and Bowen therapy then exercises to develop flexibility. Does he do regular obedience also? Hi Telida Whippets, Yes he does do obedience often, as well as a little flyball & agility plus Rally-O and tricks. He will now be off to have some bowen therapy done Most dogs have a 'strong' and 'weak' side. They will naturally turn more in one direction than another so there may be no injury but I agree get him looked at just to be on the safe side. What way does he turn at flyball? Many dogs get used to turning in that direction. I try and get my girl to turn as many times in the other direction as she does number of flyball runs. I am lucky that she actually does flyball turning in her weak direction which has meant she is relatively even. Begin with heeling in large circles in the weaker direction then slowly close them up. I like doing lots of tight figures of 8 to begin stretching and strengthening. Once he is comfortably doing that then begin doing even tighter circle work, only a few reps in both directions each time then increasing the number each day. I do figure of 8s between my legs and over jumps. Perhaps also look at doing more hind end awearness moving in the weaker direction- I have seen a dog that knew its back end was there going to the left but not the right!! Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 I would also guess that swimming exercise in both directions would assist in developing an evenness in muscle tone and flexibility. But I would consult with a physio/canine swim specialist first. If you're in Victoria, someone like Michelle at Dogs in Motion would be my first port of call. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bedazzledx2 Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 Jumabarr has the right of it! Most dogs have a preferred side just as we do. My Aussie is left pawed and my Kelpie is right pawed. Watch how he picks up a dumbbell or runs out to a spot (UD box or UDX cones shows this up very well) If you train him to a mat with a turn and sit, watch the direction he turns to sit. In herding I am working on getting Zac to turn and circle on his least favoured side. Teach him to heel on the right just to even things up a bit. No harm in getting him checked out either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest RosieFT Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 Hi, not sure if it helps, but I have been doing lots of hill work with my dog on the advice of vet/chiro/accupuncturist in order to even her up. She has almost no left tricep muscle compared to her right side. Evidently, on a hill the dog HAS to use both sides of its body equally. Just make sure they are walking/trotting so it is an even gait. I have found an oval with fairly substantial grass 'mounds' all around it so we go up and down them for 20mins a day. I have noticed the left tricep has increased - but not yet near the size of the other. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gamby Posted February 28, 2012 Author Share Posted February 28, 2012 Thank you all for giving up your time to answer my query. We will be working on his right side more often. He turns always to the left when going out to fetch/flyball. So maybe I should be making him turn to the right more often in that area too. Once again, Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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