Canine exercise- Walk over poles on the ground

Pole work for dogs is a training technique often used in canine sports, rehabilitation, and fitness routines. It involves guiding the dog through a series of poles (either on the ground or elevated) in a specific pattern. This type of exercise engages various aspects of the dog's anatomy, improving balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility.

Start with just one pole and gradually increasing to three, then five. When adding in more poles, place them one stride apart. One stride between the poles for a dog is normally measured by the distance from the dogs elbow down to the floor. For dogs with long spines such as dachshunds, double this distance. Encourage your dog to walk steadily and controlled over the poles. It's normal for the dog to occasionally catch a pole with its foot, but this should improve with practice. Make sure the poles are securely positioned to prevent them from moving, and perform this exercise on a non-slip surface.

What are we looking for?

We want the dog to be confidently walking over one pole before adding in more poles. The dog should be taking an individual step between each pole. This means that they are able to walk normally through the poles and not skip/hop to make it work.

What are we not looking for?

Knocking poles

If your dog is constantly knocking the poles when you add in a second pole, try different distances between two poles. Your dog may have a slightly longer or shorter stride dependant on the breed. If your dog is consistently knocking one pole, this could be a sign of pain and get your dog checked out by the veterinarian.

Rushing through poles

If your dog consistently tries to rush through the poles, try making the poles into 2 stride poles and halting your dog between each pole with a treat on the floor, if you need more help contact the PawsUp team for training advice.

Anatomy: Pole work provides a full-body workout for dogs, engaging the spine, core, legs, neck, shoulders, and joints while promoting balance, coordination, strength, flexibility, and mental focus. It can be particularly beneficial for dogs involved in agility sports, those in rehabilitation, or just for general fitness maintenance. Key engagement of: spinal epaxials, thoracic sling, hamstrings, core

What do I need? A flat, non-slip surface, poles. Get creative with your poles! Use brooms, mops, bamboo canes, anything you can find around the house that is pole shaped. Wrapping paper rolls are also good. You can make them non moveable by using books as weighs either side of the ‘poles’. You can even use twigs and sticks on the floor out on your walk or in the garden.

Duration? Start with 10 reps and repeat x4. Slow and steady is key here