Biologist and movement teacher Jeannette Loram shares her expertise on canine movement, highlighting the importance of a dog's ancestral lifestyle. She and Katy discuss how modern dogs need physical therapy similar to humans. They explore how dogs naturally prefer a trot over a walk and the significance of 'command-free' movement like smell and play. Personal anecdotes reveal their dogs' quirky activities, showcasing how varied movement enhances both canine and human health.
Dogs, like humans, require a varied 'movement diet' that includes engaging activities beyond simple walks to maintain their physical health.
Play is essential for dogs' emotional well-being, promoting energy release and social connections through command-free, unstructured activities.
Owners can enhance their own fitness while providing diverse movement opportunities for their dogs, creating a mutually beneficial and enriching experience.
Deep dives
Understanding a Dog's Movement Diet
A dog's movement diet is crucial for their physical health and overall well-being, paralleling human nutrition with movement. The discussion reveals that different breeds have varying movement needs based on their genetic backgrounds, as exemplified by the Texas healer and lab-spaniel mix. For instance, the Texas healer thrives on activities involving agility, climbing, and dynamic movements like soccer, while the lab-spaniel mixes enjoy games that involve participation and social interaction. The conversation highlights that fulfilling a dog's movement diet goes beyond just walking; it encompasses a variety of engaging activities that stimulate both body and mind.
The Importance of Play in Dog Movement
Play is a fundamental aspect of a dog's movement and emotional health, serving as a release for energy and fostering social bonds. Activities such as fetching or tug-of-war are not just beneficial for exercise but also contribute to a dog's behavioral and psychological development. The concept of 'command-free movement' during play emphasizes the importance of allowing dogs to engage in natural, unstructured activities. The ability to play freely helps enhance a dog's mobility and allows owners to observe and promote various beneficial movements.
Adapting Movement Plans to Environmental Context
The environment significantly impacts a dog's ability to perform various movements, with urban spaces often limiting their natural behaviors. Factors such as safety and convenience can restrict freedom, often leading to a more sedentary lifestyle for urban dogs compared to those living in rural areas. Alternatives, like dog parks, provide opportunities for dogs to engage with their environment and other dogs, enhancing their movement experience. It is important for owners to seek solutions that allow their dogs to explore and thrive, ensuring they have spaces to express their innate movement needs.
Understanding the Role of Mentorship in Movement Development
Mentorship and modeling play significant roles in facilitating a dog's movement learning and development, similar to human growth. Young dogs often require guidance in exploring their physical boundaries and abilities, as seen in puppies learning to navigate logs and other obstacles. Owners and caregivers can foster this growth by providing diverse environments that encourage exploration and challenge. The podcast highlights that just as humans need guidance to develop their movement skills, dogs rely on similar supportive environments for their development.
Combining Human and Dog Movement Goals
The health and fitness of humans and dogs can be interconnected, as the responsibility of walking a dog often encourages owners to maintain their own activity levels. By prioritizing varied and enriching movement experiences for their dogs, owners can simultaneously enhance their physical activity. Engaging in dog grooming, agility training, and interactive play not only contributes to a richer movement diet for dogs but also provides exercise for owners. The reciprocal benefits of shared movement understanding create a more fulfilling life for both dogs and their human companions.
Biomechanist Katy Bowman talks to biologist Jeannette Loram about dog movement. This discussion stemmed from witnessing a balance ball therapy session for dogs. Just like modern humans, modern dogs now require physical therapy. In this episode, Katy and Jeannette discuss how to use Katy’s ‘movement nutrition’ framework and apply it to your furry friends.
Katy and Jeannette discuss the evolution of dogs and the difference in movement experience between free-ranging ancestral dogs compared with today’s urban canines. They discuss how human-chosen pacing is not necessarily the most comfortable for dogs since their most efficient gait pattern is a trot, not a walk. They discuss the importance of meaningful movement for a dog, emphasizing the importance of smell and play as ‘command-free’ movement. They also talk about the importance of mentoring movement for dogs, especially safety skills such as swimming.
Finally, they talk about their own dogs and their favourite —and often quirky—activities from climbing trees to log dragging and how dogs and humans can enhance each other’s movement diets.
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