Warm-up Rituals for Agility

Agility is a high-impact sport. Taking a dog straight from a car crate to a jump is a recipe for soft tissue injury. A 5-minute dynamic warm-up acts like "biological lubricant" for the muscles and joints.

Step 1: The Brisk Walk (2 Mins)

Start with a brisk on-lead walk to get the heart rate up and the blood flowing to the extremities. No sniffing yet! This is about movement.

Step 2: Dynamic Stretching (The Cookie Stretch)

Use a treat to guide your dog's nose to their hip on each side, then down between their front legs. This encourages the spine to flex and extend without force.

Step 3: Concentric Circles

Walk your dog in tight circles and "figure-eights". This warms up the adductor and abductor muscles of the limbs, preparing them for the sharp turns of an agility course.

The "Muscular Tick"

While warming up, keep an eye out for a "muscular tick" or a slight hitch in their gait. If they aren't moving fluidly, listen to their body and skip the run.