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explains. “We work on balance and never force the dogs into poses. They’re excited during the first sessions, but as you move and breathe together, it becomes a calming and relaxing activity.” Floor exercises with the help of a dog also helps strengthen core muscles. Do leg lifts and teach the pet to walk under a raised leg to ensure it stays raised for the proper amount of time. Incorporate fetch games with sit- ups; throw the toy when sitting up and accept it back while reclining. Alternate arms—the dominant one has better aim, while the other one adds steps for the dog as it runs to fetch an errant toss. For chair exercises, use a toy to lure the dog under the


chair, moving it from side-to-side, simultaneously working the waistline. Fetch lets the dog chase the toy before drop- ping it in front of the chair, giving the owner’s core muscles a workout when bending to pick it up each time. Dogs love to play hide-and-seek. It’s easy with two people; one holds the dog while the other hides. If solo, teach the pet to sit until a timer goes off before starting the hunt.


“I ask Felix, my mixed-breed dog, to hold a sit-stay


while I go hide,” says Chantelle Wallace, a professional writer who volunteers to exercise animals at Skyline Pet Care and Fitness, in Austin, Texas. “Hide and seek activates both mental focus and physical exercise.” Dancing to favorite tunes expends lots of energy. Dogs


may perform obedience moves to the beat or, like humans, dance like nobody’s watching. Scientists at the University of Missouri are among those that have found that music im- proves moods, too. Teaching a dog to help around the house impresses


everybody and takes advantage of bad weather to catch up on chores. They can tour a laundry basket to bedrooms, pick up trash or place items for recycling in a bin. Select individual items to be carried up or down stairs for a muscular workout. Take some tips from Jesse, a most helpful dog, at Tinyurl.com/ HouseholdHelpPooch. When our will to exercise is wavering, an eager dog will help keep an exercise routine interesting and on track. The dog’s goal is always to have fun with their favorite person.


Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com.


DOG OF THE MONTH I


’m Delilah, an intelligent and active Retriever/


Labrador mix ready for a fun family. I know lots of commands and the folks here are teaching me so much more. I’m already housetrained and I’m being trained to stay in a crate when home alone. I’m so affectionate… you’ll be overwhelmed with love. Are you for me? Let’s see!


To learn more about Delilah or other pets to adopt, visit AustinHumaneSociety.org/perfect-pup.


natural awakenings December 2016


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