If you and your furry friend participate in agility competitions, you know how important it is to stay in top physical condition. One crucial aspect of training is stretching, which can help to improve your dog’s flexibility and prevent injuries.

Here are a few reasons why it’s important to stretch your dog before running agility:

1. Improved performance: When dogs are properly stretched, their muscles are able to work more efficiently. This can help them to run faster and more accurately navigate the agility course.
2. Reduced risk of injury: Stretching helps to warm up the muscles and prepare them for the physical demands of agility training. This can help to reduce the risk of strains, sprains, and other injuries.
3. Enhanced flexibility: Stretching can help to improve your dog’s overall flexibility, which is important for performing various agility maneuvers.

So, how do you stretch your dog before running agility? Start by gently massaging the muscles to warm them up. Then, gradually stretch each muscle group, holding the stretch for 10-30 seconds. It’s important to listen to your dog and never force them into a stretch that causes discomfort. Remember, stretching is just one aspect of training. It’s also important to properly condition your dog’s muscles and provide adequate rest and recovery time. By incorporating stretching into your agility training routine, you can help your furry friend perform at their best and stay healthy.