Why is it important to include coordination and balance exercises into your dog’s fitness routine? The main reason is to help prevent injuries. If you think of the way dogs run and play, twisting and turning, injuries can occur, especially in an unfit dog. These exercises help dogs develop proprioception, your dog’s ability to know where his legs are while standing or walking. When dogs lose proprioception, they are at increased risk of tripping, dragging a limb, or injury. Balance exercises also are great for mental stimulation because your dog has to think in order to do them.

If you want to improve your dog’s balance and coordination, here are some simple exercises you can do.

Weight shifts. Stand over your dog and gently and slowly rock his hips back and forth.

Leg lifts. Start by lifting one leg at a time. Hold each leg until your dog loses his balance. Then hold 2 legs up at a time, one on each side of his body. Again hold until he loses his balance.

Walking through the rungs of a ladder. This is a great exercise for helping a dog become aware of foot placement. Do this exercise very slowly, and have your dog place each foot one at a time between each rung.

Balancing on unstable surfaces. You can use a foam bed, couch cushion, or anything unstable. You may need to work up to having your dog stand on such a surface, since some dogs hate the feeling of something moving. This exercise is a great way to help a dog build weaker areas of his body.

Weaving exercises. You can use boxes, cones, or even your legs. Weaving exercises help build a strong, flexible spine.

Teach your dog to walk backwards. Make a corridor with boxes or use a narrow hallway. Move toward your dog giving him the command to go back. Give him a treat as soon as he steps backwards. Repeat until your dog knows this trick, then make it a part of your exercise regimen.

Aim to do some balance and coordination work at least 3 times a week. Start with just a few moments of exercises then build up to 10 – 15 minutes. Regularly adding a few balance and coordination exercises into your dog’s normal exercise routine will help keep him fit and strong, giving him a great quality of life.