1. Improved body health

The physical benefits of the exercise include improved stamina, weight loss, greater flexibility, better circulation and building of muscles. The dog will also have healthier lungs and heart. Physical activity is good for a dog as it helps to keep the dog’s joints in great shapes. Agility training can also protect the dog from joint and hip disorders as it continues growing older. Spatial awareness and coordination will also improve with agility training.

2. Enhanced mental clarity

Since the dog will need to think during training, this can help to sharpen his mind. Some of the by-products of agility training include increased alertness level & awareness, better skills in communication and higher levels of confidence. Behavior and obedience can also be significantly improved. This means that there will be less chance for a dog that is trained to become bored and restless.

3. Improve the natural instincts of the dog

Dogs naturally love chasing, hunting, and foraging. The course in agility training can offer similar coordination that is necessary during chases in the countryside and woodlands. There are also certain breeds of dogs that have been predisposed to be workers, and they can feel the urge to accomplish something. With agility training, it becomes possible for the canines to satisfy these urges and therefore, have a lifestyle that is more fulfilled.

4. A better relationship with your dog

When you take your dog through agility training, it is possible to develop a better relationship and understanding with him. It becomes possible to establish confidence and trust more profoundly. This also helps to improve the bond between you and your pet.

5. Improving the cognition of the dog

Probably you are trying to compete in different dog agility events. Some studies show that training your canine using specific agility tools has many different positive effects. Apart from the competition, if you are training your dog for showmanship, hitting and other kinds of extracurricular activities, it is advisable to purchase agility obstacles for your canine. This can go a long way in helping the pet owner to build up cognition, gracefulness, and endurance of the dog.

6. Improves dogs behavior

When you have a well-trained canine, this will improve your life as well as that of your family. Not only will it keep the dog safe but a trained dog is usually happier. This is because you are more likely to know what you can expect from the dog. The traditional way of training dogs is acceptable. However, you can also combine agility training with the general obedience training. For instance, using dog agility equipment like the pause table is a good way to teach the dog different skills like low down and sit. This is on top of the fact that agility training allows you to teach the dog many different kinds of skills.

What are Dog Wheelchairs?

Wheelchairs for dogs, sometimes referred to as dog carts, are tools used to help return mobility and quality of life to dogs. Although dog wheelchairs have been around for several decades, many people are still unaware of the benefits that they provide. There are several different types of dog wheelchairs for the many various types of mobility issues. However, the most common one is the two-wheeled carts, which are predominantly for dogs that have issues with their rear legs. These two-wheeled carts address rear leg issues that can range from still having some mobility in the rear legs to complete paralysis of the rear legs.

When considering whether your dog requires a dog wheelchair it is important to consult a veterinarian but there are a few tests that can be done yourself to assess whether a dog wheelchair is the right direction for your dog.  One such test is the “towel test,” which can be done in order to assess whether your dog possesses the ability to and is comfortable in pushing themselves forward on their front legs while their back is stabilized at a leveled position. This is crucial as the dog must be able to walk firmly on its front legs in order to be able to regain mobility with the two-wheeled cart. The “towel test” is done by balancing the back legs of the dog with the towel and testing their ability to propel themselves forward. This is conducted by taking an old towel, cutting two holes in it, and placing the legs through the holes, ensuring to keep the back in line. For small dogs, one towel can be used and, for larger dogs, two can be used—one under each leg for support.

Why Would Your Dog Need a Wheelchair?

Thoracolumbar intervertebral disc degenerative disease (IVDD) is the most common condition for which a dog might require a dog wheelchair. Thoracolumbar disc intervertebral degenerative disease is the result of when a disk in the spine of your dog is ruptured or herniated, causing its contents to leak, and thus resulting in inflammation and pain for your dog.

When this occurs, the disc which is supposed to act as a shock and pain absorber for your dog during its regular function fails to do so and thus places extra strain on the spine of the dog. Dog wheelchairs can help to alleviate that strain and help with the rehabilitation of the dog. Dog wheelchairs can help a dog regardless of whether the dog has had IVDD surgery or not.

The second most common disease that can cause dogs to need the assistance of a wheelchair is degenerative myelopathy. This is a disorder that occurs spontaneously within the spinal cord of adult dogs. It is caused by the degeneration of “white matter” within the spinal cord and the peripheral nerves. This white matter contains fibers that send movement commands and sensory information to and fro from the brain and the limbs.

Although this is not a painful disease, it does cause the gradual loss of mobility in the hind legs of the dog. It is also a progressive disease, which means that the loss of mobility will also travel over time to the front legs as well. In this case, dog wheelchairs are used to provide support for the hind legs as they are losing their functionality as well as help delay the progress of this condition by reducing the stress placed on the front legs. Dogs can utilize the wheelchairs even if they still have some mobility in their hind legs.

What are the Benefits of Doggy Wheelchairs?

There are many benefits that dog wheelchairs can provide pets as well as their owners. Primarily, the most crucial benefit is the return of mobility and an active lifestyle for the dogs. This not only makes the dogs happier but also ensures that they remain healthier by getting the exercise they need.

Another benefit is that fewer dogs will need to be euthanized due to their disabilities and lack of mobility. This also means that there is a greater chance for adoption as well for dogs that have mobility issues. By using the dog wheelchairs, the dogs gain backmost—if not all—of their normal lifestyle and functionality. 

​There are many benefits for pet owners too. Many owners are attached to their furry companions and would not love to see live longer without suffering. Through the use of dog wheelchairs, they are able to prevent the need to let their pets go as well as significantly reduce the pain that their canine friends suffer.

In addition, it is especially useful for owners who may have guide dogs, support dogs, or therapy dogs. Sometimes, it may be too difficult for them to let their companion go and so through the use of dog wheelchairs they are able to gain a little bit more time with their dog.

However, there are some points to consider when thinking about getting your pet a dog wheelchair. One of the key facts to remember is that they do not guarantee the return of mobility to a dog. Sometimes, if a disease has spread too far along the dog’s spine or has significantly affected the mobility in all four legs, it may not be possible for them to recover their mobility.

Furthermore, older dogs may not be as driven to gain their mobility back due to pain or habituation if they haven’t had mobility in while. Similarly, it is also important to consider the area and space that you are able to provide to your dog. This is especially true for larger dogs that will require wider carts.

It is very important that they have sufficient space in which they can rehabilitate and practice, in order to get their mobility back. The returning mobility might also cause a dog to become restless or hyperactive once they initially begin the rehabilitation process. This can also be problematic in small or enclosed areas. It may seem difficult at the start but it can lead to a life-changing experience for the dog and its owner.