Hi,

Have started my boy on hydrotherapy to strengthen and tighten his front end.
We do road walking on lead and off road walking off the lead.

Just wondered if there is anything which would assist in tightening up his back end. He is only young but i have noticed many a critique on other dogs about running to close behind.
He is a great mover other than needing tightening up both ends.
So really getting one end sorted just the other end to go.

Thanks

Sue

i thought road walking strengthened the back end as well?hope so, thats why im doing it with my 9month old?

I was told by someone else in my breed to walk them up hill and as time goes on let them pull you a little so they have to work their back end harder, this has worked out really well for my boy and because its the pavment it helps keep his claws nice and short.

Have to admit I thought walking and pulling uphill made them pull into the collar, so worked the front end more!  ( confused now :) )

Trotting uphill is good,( better on a loose lead though) then the dog is more likely to drive forward from the rear.Make sure that you WALK down though as you don't want them coming down heavy on the pasterns as this could create problems/

Thanks, will check on this post when i get back. Off on holiday tomorrow to the States.. Going to miss my boy so much. Luckily he is with some really good friends who have dogs.

Going to see an all breed show in LA, can't wait to see what differences there are in the breeds over there.

Meant to add; swimming is good all round exercising to build up stamina and muscle. it is safer for younger dogs as it does not load pressure on the joints as too much road work can. Had a Viszla come to my class some time ago that was quite weak in back end, after only a few sessions in the pool we saw great improvement, overall strength improved too. Have seen excellent results in other breeds too.