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Animal
Radio® Book Club
Book Reviews
    (rated 5 out of 5 paws)
 The Healthy Way To Stretch Your Dog: A Physical Therapy Approach by Sasha Foster
Paperback: 201 pages Publisher: Dogwise
Publishing (February 2009) ISBN-10: 1929242549 ISBN-13: 978-1929242542 A
few years ago, I attended a canine massage seminar. I was impressed when I learned about the benefits of massage for your
pet. As the owner of an active dog who participates in many performance
sports, I have seen with my own eyes, the important role that holistic medicine such as chiropractics and massage can play
in keeping canine athletes safe and in top working condition. This book takes canine massage a step further, looking at it from a physical therapy viewpoint. Where massage can
be beneficial for relaxing muscles and joints and releasing stress, stretching your dog prior to activity, can lessen the
wear and tear on muscles and joints and decrease the chances of strains or injuries. But don’t be fooled, this book
is practical not only for canine athletes, but also for learning to stretch dogs who suffer from conditions such as hip dysphasia
and arthritis to alleviate their discomfort. What makes this book a must have for pet owners is the detailed explanation of
each exercise, coupled with photos demonstrating the correct way it should be performed. The book also illustrates canine
anatomy and physiology and breaks the stretches down by muscle groups. Each section features helpful safety tips and answers
to questions that the reader may have while doing the exercises. It is packed full of great information and the
reader will no doubt consult it again and again. Reviewed by Kelly Drake
http://www.dogwise.com
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| |  A fine acquisition for those dedicated to the health and longevity of their canine friend, May 11,
2009 |
| Dogwise Web Site Review | | Best $25
I've spent, March 30, 2009 | | Reviewer: Kathy Wright | The book is a mere 200 pages and took me only two hours to read in one sitting and is written in an easy to read
and understand style. It covers the basics of canine anatomy showing the skeleton and muscles and movements of the joints,
all presented by excellent and clear diagrams.
The book outlines the biomechanics of movement and the reasons why we
should stretch our dogs.
Each chapter is summarised and salient points highlighted.
The final 5 chapters cover stretches
to each section of the body, starting with the front limbs and moving back to the hindquarters. Each stretch is lavishly illustrated
with clear diagrams of the joint and muscle structures and very clear black and white photographs accompanied by easy to follow
step by step instructions.
There is even a chapter covering different stretches for different types of canine athlete.
The book is an excellent manual for those who already have a sound knowledge of canine anatomy, the musculoskeletal system
and biomechanics. The language used implies an assumption of that understanding. The only downside is that very little mention
is made of thoroughly warming muscles before stretching and focuses more on relaxation and what the authors describe as 'Contact
Comfort'.
All in all a brilliant book, easy to read which will provide a useful reference in my dog library |
Dogwise Publishing is pleased to announce the arrival of
The Healthy Way to Stretch Your Dog - A Physical Therapy Approach
by Sasha and Ashley Foster. As people have become more aware of the means by which they can keep their dogs healthy and active for longer periods
of time, there has been an increased interest in hands-on techniques like massage, T-Touch, even chiropractic manipulations
for dogs. One related subject that has not been focused on as much is stretching. Stretching can be very beneficial to dogs (not to mention humans!), however, it is critical
that you use proper techniques and adjust them for the particular needs of your dog (age, size, natural flexibility, activities
engaged in). Utilizing the latest research and physical therapy techniques, Ashley and Sasha have put together everything
you need to know to stretch your dog in a way to maximize its benefits and avoid potential problems. The book contains dozens
of detailed diagrams and photos to illustrate the stretching techniques and includes cautions where stretching is not advised
or in cases where a vet should be consulted. Whether your dog is an elite canine athlete or an aging couch potato, your dog
can benefit from regular stretching routines and both of you can benefit from the closer bond between you that will result.
http://www.diamondsintheruff.com/stretching.html
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This is the first canine bodywork book that definitively
explains why stretching needs to be done in a relaxed, prone position with correct
stabilization in order for the stretch to be effective. The descriptions of the various stretches are clearly written and
anatomically correct. The photographs accurately depict what is to be done. The photographs of the incredibly handsome dogs
luxuriating while being stretched are alone worth the price of the book and should be an inspiration to anyone who wants
to do canine body work. All praise to the authors for a great book!
Sue Ann Lesser, DVM, ACAC, CVSMT
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Stretching
has become a daily recommendation of mine for my patients. There is rarely a day that goes by where I don’t encounter
a patient that would benefit from stretching. A gentle but consistent stretching program can truly impact a pet’s life. Now,
with The Healthy Way to Stretch Your Dog, A Physical Therapy Approach there is a tangible guideline
for owners to follow and positively impact the quality of their pet’s life.
Debra Q. Holmes, DVM, CVA
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The Healthy Way to Stretch Your Dog is a comprehensive, easy-to-follow
guide to improving your dog’s physical health through proper stretching techniques. The book provides a wealth of information
and photos to get you working with your dog right away, whether it’s for strengthening your dog’s performance
in a variety of dog sports, or helping to properly maintain your senior dog’s physical health. Mychelle Blake, editor of The APDT Chronicle of the Dog
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The Health Way
to Stretch Your Dog contains a tremendous amount of information. Knowing the science behind successful stretching will
be a valuable resource for all dog owners. Understanding dog behavior as is relates to therapeutic interventions and directing
the reader to engage in proper body posture will allow users of this book to continue to stretch many dogs for many years
to come! Laurie M Edge-Hughes,
BScPT, MAnimSt (Animal Physiotherapy), CAFCI, CCRT
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By Sasha Foster,
MSPT & Ashley Foster, BS, CPDT Endorsed by veterinarians, canine physical therapists, and certified pet dog trainers!
© Canine Fitness
Zone, 2009. All rights reserved.
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