The move
Thu Sep 27 2007
Photo: Roxana Marroquin
BEGINNER
For flexibility: Hug 'n' grab
“Wearing a leash increases a dog’s chance of developing arthritis, as it repeatedly jars the neck, shoulders and spine,” warns Veronica Burke. To ameliorate this, after every walk, place both hands on his neck and make gentle, circular strokes on his shoulders. After 30 seconds, softly grab the scruff of his neck, pulling up on the skin slightly as you work your way down his spine. “This releases tension,” she explains, “which in turn increases flexibility.”
Photo: Roxana Marroquin
ADVANCED
For strength: stand
Per Burke, this move is especially beneficial to dogs with hip issues from arthritis or past injuries. Cradle your pooch’s rib cage with your forearm and lift him up so that he stands on his back legs (you can place your hand on his back for stability). Hold him here for 30 seconds to a minute: “The distribution of weight on his hind quarters strengthens the muscles and increases circulation to the area,” she explains, while stretching him in “a nonforceful way.”
Burke, above, specializes in private, in&38211;house therapeutic–touch sessions; for animals (212-887-0977, withveronica.com)
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