Guy's post made me think of exercising from another perspective???
How many of us warm up and cool our dogs down prior to a hard day in the field? We think nothing of warming and cooling a horse but have we ever really thought about it for our canine althletes?
I did agility with Freddy and he had a regime of stretching exercises for while he was waiting in line to go into a ring and when I did a weeks gundog course with Mugi we discussed this and learned a few more exercises.
So when Mugi was beating last season he did some stretches before a drive and if he was awake enough afterwards he repeated them , at lunch he went into his jacket to keep warm and dry and the same at the end of the day. I was not the only person "looking after" my dog although it was mainly the girls that popped on the equafleeces and at times we were laughed at although it was amazing how many more dogs had jackets by the end of the season.
The exercise regime consists of side stretches, cantilever downs, bows, controlled sit to down and all exercises done slowly (lured so the handler could control speed) to really work the muscle groups.
Britmania
I agree that our pooches need "doggy" warm - ups before a hard workout (probably because of being aware of it for the horses too).
We usually let our dogs out for a run around while we get the 4WD packed up with gear before a hunting trip or a field trial. We then put the dogs in crates for transport. Once at the grounds, they are again let out for a run - at the trial grounds we take them on leads to an area well away from the course for a run.
Afterwards, they have a run around before being put back in the vehicle.
If it is a cold and miserable day, a good rub down with a towel helps and I do have covers for them.
To our way of thinking it is only sensible to look after your hunting mate.
Annie as admin
My Aunt is an excellent seamstress and she made a special coat for Allez for his 'apres hunt'. It is micro fleece on the inside to absorb wet, and wick it away from his body, plus give him warmth, with a perkertex outer to stop any rain getting through if we have a walk back to the car. It is very lightweight too, unfortunately she only had one colour in her sewing box at the time - RED!!!!! and it CLASHES horrendously with Allez's hair
The Plum
I don't have a special dog jacket but I have often put my own bodywarmer on one of my dogs that looks a bit chilled. I tie it on around the dogs waist with a spare lead. To present I have never had to do this with a Brittany but one of my G.S.P. used to chill quickly on a nasty day on a grouse moor. She never once tried to wriggle free of my bodywarmer so I can only assume she liked it !
, at lunch he went into his jacket to keep warm and dry and the same at the end of the day. I was not the only person "looking after" my dog although it was mainly the girls that popped on the equafleeces and at times we were laughed at although it was amazing how many more dogs had jackets by the end of the season.
and it CLASHES horrendously with Allez's hair