WEEK 5 REHAB INSTRUCTIONS

Hill walking is one of the easiest yet most effective exercises for rebuilding strength in your dog’s hind legs.

Why it works:

• Uphill walking shifts more weight onto the hind legs, increasing workload and muscle engagement.
• Downhill walking (done SLOWLY) adds controlled stress to the hind legs.

How to begin:

1. Start with a gentle incline to ease your dog into the exercise.
2. Use a short leash to maintain control and encourage a steady pace.
3. Begin with five repetitions of walking up and down the hill.
4. Monitor your dog’s performance and gradually increase the repetitions.

To make it more challenging:

• Increase the hill’s incline or gradient.
• Add more repetitions to the routine.
• Document each session in a logbook to track progress and set new goals.

Balance is your dog’s ability to maintain stability.
Proprioception is their subconscious awareness of body position and movement. After surgery, this awareness may need to be retrained.

Proprioception exercises:

• Use a balance board, wobble cushion, or similar tools to engage fine motor skills.
• Encourage controlled movements to help your dog relearn body awareness.

These exercises not only help with recovery but also build your dog’s confidence and overall mobility.

Cavaletti poles are excellent for improving strength, balance, and proprioception.

Setting up Cavaletti poles:

• Use thin PVC pipes, broomsticks, or similar items as poles.
• Suspend the poles between traffic cones with pre-drilled holes for adjustable heights.
• Lay 4–6 poles on the ground, spaced about two feet apart.

How to start:

1. Begin with the poles flat on the ground.
2. Use a short leash and guide your dog to walk slowly over the poles.
3. Once your dog is comfortable, start raising the poles slightly off the ground.

To increase difficulty:

• Gradually raise the poles higher as your dog progresses.
• Decrease the space between the poles for more precise movements.
• Add more repetitions to intensify the workout.

Why Cavaletti poles?
This exercise encourages your dog to lift their legs higher, improving muscle engagement and coordination. Think of it as a canine version of the football tire drill—fun and functional!

Consistency is key to seeing results. Be patient, encourage your dog with positive reinforcement, and celebrate small victories along the way. Keep going—you’re doing great as your dog’s personal trainer!