Hydrotherapy for Dogs
If your dog will spend any time using an underwater treadmill, I have a few training tips for you. For the last three weeks, Sobek has been rocking hydrotherapy, but we had to make a few training tweaks so he could really love it. The week following his first hydro session, Sobek kept pulling to jump in the tank—it’s his favorite part now!
Trust your canine rehab specialist. He has successfully introduced hundreds of dogs to hydrotherapy and water tank.
These experts will guide you along the process.
Benefits of Hydrotherapy
The difference in Sobek’s gait has been remarkable every time he finishes a hydrotherapy session. He moves fluidly and really extends out his repaired knee (post TTA surgery for ACL rupture). Now, I’m not a canine rehab specialist, but I am a dog trainer. I can certainly provide you hydro training tips for your dog. Check out this link for details on canine hydrotherapy.
Getting in the Hydrotherapy Tank
Sobek walked into, sniffed around and walked away from the hydrotherapy tank before he began his first session. Our rehab guy was so patient, as Sobek sniffed each corner from top to bottom and turned around several times. Once he walked out the tank, we asked him to walk back in and closed the door.
Sound of Water Filling Up
As the tank door closed, I started clicking and treating while Sobek stood still. As our rehab expert hit the button to start filling the tank, I clicked and gave Sobek several treats since the loud rushing sound could be scary.
As water filled the tank, Sobek would pick up a front foot so I clicked and treated when all four feet were on the ground. By pairing treats with the rushing sound, he quickly learned to relax and stay calm.
RELATED: Healthy Dog Treats
Walking Forward
Once the treadmill started moving, I positioned myself directly in front of him with treats. He could easily see me through the clear door. As he started walking forward, I clicked and treated. Now, dogs are wicked smart! Within a minute, Sobek learned to stand on the side railings preventing him from walking. Basically, he was cheating. 🙂 Using a treat, I lured him back on the moving treadmill and clicked and treated steady, forward movement.
Drinking Hydro Water
For some reason, Sobek drank the hydrotherapy water when the tank was filling up, while he was walking and when the water was draining. I think this was caused by stress. To prevent, I clicked when he stopped drinking and gave him a treat. Plus, pairing really good treats with a stressful situation will eventually decrease his stress.
VIDEO: Canine Hydrotherapy Training Tips
READ MORE: Canine Rehabilitation
