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Preseason Conditioning Plays Important Role in Performance
One important way to prevent heat-related injury or illness is to conduct a
proper conditioning program prior to hunting or field trial season. A thorough
training program can help produce a well-conditioned dog with endurance and the
ability to work for extended periods.
Preseason Conditioning
A checkup with your veterinarian should be the first part of a
conditioning program. Be sure the veterinarian knows your training plans. Ask
specific questions to help determine whether your dog is physically fit and has
the ability to begin an exercise program.
Keep in mind it takes from six to eight weeks to get your dog in shape. Begin
with brief sessions of about 10 to 15 minutes a day for the first few outings.
Early workouts should take place three to four times a week and can be
conducted on a lead or check rope, especially if you’re working in city parks
or near traveled roads.
Workouts should be increased to a maximum of three to four hours a day during
the conditioning period. Frequent field runs are a great way of conditioning.
This allows dogs to use varied muscles groups as they run sidehill, uphill and
downhill. As well as being great for toughening pads…
Provide Plenty of Water
Water often is considered the most important component of a
conditioning program. Dogs not properly watered will be more stressed during a
workout and can become overheated, or dehydrated. When conditioning in hot
weather, dogs should be watered every 10 to 15 minutes. Small, frequent water
breaks are recommended as a safer way of keeping your dog hydrated.
A bicycle water bottle works well to squirt water into a dog’s mouth. Squirting
water into a dog’s mouth helps rinse away saliva and cools the tongue. When
your dog pants heavily, call him and squirt some water in his mouth. Allowing a
dog to gulp water when it is hot can cause bloat, a potentially fatal condition
in which swelling of the stomach compresses important organs and blood vessels.
Electrolyte replacement drinks should be avoided. When you put these
concentrated solutions in your dog’s stomach, the body responds by diluting
that solution with more water, so it results in drawing more water out of the
body than replacing it. Stick to water as the safest refresher for your dog.
Nutrition During Conditioning
A dog’s food intake during the first four to six weeks of conditioning should
increase, but then level off and decline slightly. The decline in food intake
is due to increased digestive efficiency as a result of conditioning. Avoid
feeding dogs one hour before and after working out to help avoid the risk of
gastrointestinal problems, such as bloat.
Watch for Stress
Hot weather brings the risk of heat stroke. Unlike humans, dogs’ sweat glands
are not well-developed. Dogs primarily cool themselves by evaporation through
panting. As temperatures and humidity increase, evaporation slows and a dog’s
cooling mechanism also slows. Body temperature rises. High body temperature can
harm the circulatory and respiratory systems and left unchecked even lead to
death.
Watch for signs that indicate a dog is becoming stressed. Signs of heat stress
include less tail action, less overall body animation, and a concerned,
distressed facial expression. If any of these signs are present, a dog should
immediately be cooled and allowed to rest. An overheated dog should be given a
cool drink, but not allowed to drink too much water. Splash cool, but not cold,
water on its belly, ears and genital areas as an aid to cooling. If signs of
heat stress or illness persist, get your dog to a vet as soon as possible.
Heat stroke, which can be fatal, can be caused by exposure to hot temperatures
and high humidity. Signs leading up to heat stroke include excessive panting, a
blank, staring, anxious expression, lack of comprehension of commands, high
fever, and a rapid heartbeat. Should heat stroke occur, cool the dog
immediately by immersing or drenching it in cool water. Then seek veterinary
attention.
Tips to Avoid Heat Illness:
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Take advantage of cooler temperatures by exercising in early morning or late
evening.
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Swimming is an excellent exercise for summer and helps your dog avoid
overheating.
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Always have fresh water handy.
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Never leave a dog in a car during warm weather. When the outside temperature is
78 degrees Fahrenheit, a closed car parked in the shade will reach 90 degrees
in five minutes and 110 degrees in 25 minutes.
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Founded
in 1988, the stated mission of The Bird Dog Foundation, based in Grand
Junction, is that of “preserving the past and protecting the future for
sporting dog fanciers the world over.” Click here for more info
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Pro Plan Performance Formula delivers extra protein and calories
to fuel the activities of hardworking dogs.
Learn more>>
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Friends We Make Along the Way
Purina’s Bob West, Director of the Sporting Dog Group, is passionate
about sporting dogs and people who love them. In 40 years as a
professional trainer, West has put more than 100 titles on dogs. Here
he shares lessons learned while competing and gives advice about
getting into the game.
Read
the Article>
The Natural
Labrador Retriever trainer Kristie Wheeler of WaterDog Kennels got her
start as a professional trainer by first working as an obedience
trainer. Today, she has trained 20 AKC Master Hunter Labradors, earned
a spot on the Women’s Challenge Trophy, and become an inspiration for
others through her Retriever Retreats for women
Read
the Article>
Dogs of Versatility
Nothing compares to the exultation of earning a Versatile Champion
title from the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association. Dogs
and handlers train for years in preparation for three phases of water
and field tests in which they are judged against a demanding standard.
Read
the Article>
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