Dog sport should be fun

Dog sport in moderation and with good sense for healthy joints and a strong bond.

The activities at a dog sports ground promote the social bond between owner and dog. They offer contact with other animals and ensure good exertion through movement. Fundamentally, the sport should bring joy to animal and human and should not descend into stress. It is important to make sure the joints are not overloaded, since constant overexertion can impair normal mobility.

Dog sport should be sensibly measured out

There are dog owners who mean particularly well and can be seen at the dog ground almost daily. That this can pose a danger in terms of stress and joint strain is something many are not aware of. Experts recommend measuring dog sport out carefully and granting the animal enough distance from the dog ground. Plan days each week on which you go out into nature with your dog. In this way the dog can follow its natural urge to move entirely without pressure to perform.

Why the right load is decisive for the joints

If a dog's joints and joint cartilage are constantly exposed to a high load, this can lead to overexertion. This applies especially to untrained, overweight or older dogs. The joint cartilage is by nature responsible for cushioning the loads so that they do not damage the joints. If, however, there is a permanent overload, the cartilage can no longer guarantee its important buffer function and normal joint function is affected.

A nutrient deficiency affects mobility

When a high load on the joint cartilage is accompanied by an unnoticed nutrient deficiency, supporting the joints becomes more difficult. For optimal function, the cartilage depends on the supply of certain substances that the dog takes in through its food. If this nutrient supply is insufficient due to food of suboptimal quality, this can affect normal cartilage function. In combination with the sport, this poses a challenge for joint health.

How often is a visit to the dog sports ground advisable?

This question cannot be answered across the board, as the answer depends on the dog's breed and nature. Here your powers of observation are called for. Only an attentive owner recognises from the behaviour of their animal when it becomes too much for the dog. Watch for clear signs of stress or reluctance. Should these signs appear, the dog must under no circumstances be forced into further activities.

• Promotes the social bond between owner and dog
• Pay attention to a balanced load without overtaxing
• Grant your dog regular rest periods in nature
• Support joint function through an optimal nutrient supply