Working dogs are like canine athletes. They herd, track, protect, detect and do demanding physical and mental work. Just as human athletes warm up before exercise and cool down after, working dogs also need this routine to stay healthy and perform at their best.

Why Warm-Up and Cool-Down Matter

Warm-Up Benefits

• Increases blood flow and oxygen to muscles.

• Gradually raises heart rate and body temperature, reducing injury risk.

• Lubricates joints and tendons, improving range of motion and coordination.

Cool-Down Benefits

• Gradually lowers heart rate and breathing.

• Flushes out waste products from muscles, reducing stiffness.

• Returns muscles and joints to a relaxed state for faster recovery.

  
  

Warm-Up Exercises for Working Dogs

Warm-ups should take 5–10 minutes and start gently.

• Walk or Trot: Begin with a steady pace to get blood flowing.

• Gentle Figure-8 Walking: Loosens up joints and improves coordination.

• Low Poles: Encourage the dog to step over low poles slowly to engage the core and improve proprioception.

Play Bow Stretch: Use a treat to guide your dog into a play bow (front legs forward, chest low, hips up) for a gentle spinal and shoulder stretch.

Obedience as a Warm-Up (By Courtney): 

As a working dog owner and trainer, I have come to learn the importance of a proper warm-up. Not only does it help get their minds into gear, but - as most working dog owners will know - they seriously lack self-preservation. Doing as much as we can to prepare their muscles and bodies before exercise or training can greatly reduce the risk of injury.

From a trainer’s perspective, I like to start a session with check-in exercises - keep it short and sweet, rewarding for focus and quick reactions to their name.
Next, I move on to static obedience work, such as heel position or changes of position. Reward for fast, accurate movements and correct posture.
Then, transition to dynamic obedience tasks, like heeling in motion, recalls, or position changes (sits, stands, or downs) while moving.

If I’m running with my working dog, I make sure the dog is properly warmed up beforehand with some loose-leash walking and simple position changes like down-to-stand. Not only does this reduce injury risk, but it also helps start the session on the right foot - setting a calm, focused mindset instead of chaotic over-arousal.

Cool-Down Exercises for Working Dogs

Cool-downs should also take 5–10 minutes, starting immediately after activity.

• Slow Walking: Gradually bring the dog’s heart rate and breathing down.

• Gentle Passive or Active Stretches: Only when the dog is calm and muscles are warm - stretch major muscle groups lightly.

• Calm Focus Cues: Simple sits, downs, or nose targets to settle the dog mentally.

Stretching Guide for Working Dogs

Stretching is best done after exercise or as part of a cool-down, when muscles are warm. Hold each active stretch for 10–15 seconds and repeat 2–3 times per side.

• Large Circles or Figure-8s: Walk wide circles and figure-8s to gently mobilise the spine, hips, and shoulders.

• Cookies Stretches: While standing, ask the dog to turn its head left and right toward its shoulder for neck and trunk flexibility.

• Play Bow on Cue: Ask the dog for a play bow to actively stretch the spine, shoulders, and core.

• Side Steps (Lateral Walking): Have the dog step sideways over a low pole for a few steps on each side to gently mobilise hips and improve proprioception.

Why Active Stretches Work Well Post-Exercise

• They keep blood moving while heart rate drops gradually.

• Muscles stay warm, so gentle range-of-motion work is safer.

• The dog stays engaged and calm, which helps shift from “work mode” to “relax mode.”

  
  

Tips for Success

• Warm up first - never stretch cold muscles.

• Go slow and gentle - never force a stretch.

• Keep sessions fun and short (5–10 minutes).

• Watch for signs of discomfort - stop immediately if your dog resists.

  
  

This guide was created in collaboration between Courtney Cuthbert (DipCABT, DH5 Sasseta, PSIRA, Diploma in Canine Behaviour and Training – Petsense College 2022, Echotrack K9 Training Solution) and Léa Bestel (BSc Veterinary Physiotherapy – Equine Librium College 2024, Second Stride Veterinary Physiotherapy).

Together, we bring expertise in canine behaviour and veterinary physiotherapy to help dogs live happier, healthier lives.