Experts talked about the benefits and risks of Pilates with puppies
Experts have assessed the benefits and risks of Pilates with puppies for mental and physical health. The unusual format of classes helps to reduce stress and increase motivation for sports, but it is not always suitable for full-fledged technique training and rehabilitation. All the details are in the Izvestia article.
How animals affect the emotional state
Communication with puppies can have a pronounced positive effect on the psyche due to a combination of physiological and psychological mechanisms. As explained by clinical psychologist and CBT therapist Anastasia Helemelya, human reaction to small animals is related to the evolutionary features of perception.
According to the expert, large eyes, disproportionately large head and clumsy movements of puppies trigger the human instinct of caring. As a result, the brain begins to produce substances associated with feelings of affection and pleasure.
Stroking, hugging, or even making eye contact with an animal increases the level of oxytocin, the hormone of affection. It helps to reduce the level of cortisol, which is associated with stress, and also helps to slow down the heartbeat and reduce tension.
At the same time, the levels of dopamine and serotonin, which are responsible for feelings of satisfaction and joy, increase. According to Helemeli, this is why contact with puppies can quickly switch a person from a state of anxiety to a calmer state.
In addition, animals help people focus on the present moment. Unlike regular training, it is difficult to fully immerse yourself in disturbing thoughts during training with a puppy: the pet requires attention and can unexpectedly change the course of the exercise.
"Anxiety is characterized by hypercontrol and constant scanning of danger, and the puppy breaks this pattern with his playful and safe fuss. Taking care of a puppy during exercise brings back a sense of importance and simple bodily warmth, which is often lost with chronic fatigue," explained Helemelya.
According to the psychologist, this format can be especially useful for people with emotional burnout or increased anxiety. Contact with an animal can bring back a feeling of simple pleasure and reduce internal tension.
Why dog Pilates does not replace classical classes
From the point of view of physiology, Pilates remains a system of exercises aimed at strengthening deep stabilizer muscles, improving posture and coordination of movements. However, the presence of puppies changes the nature of training. Kirill Antonov, senior instructor and methodologist of physical therapy at the Department of Restorative Medicine of JSC "Medicine", noted that the effectiveness of classes depends on a person's goal.
If the goal is to move more, reduce stress, and form a habit of physical activity, dog pilates can be a useful format. However, for correcting posture, recovering from injuries, or deep technical study of exercises, the classic training option remains more effective.
"In physical therapy, there is a concept of "motor control" — this is the brain's ability to precisely control muscles during movement. Concentration is required for its development. When a person is constantly distracted by a puppy that can lick his hand, jump on his back, or run under his feet, the quality of exercise decreases," Antonov said.
According to the expert, animals create an additional emotional resource that helps people with low motivation to start exercising. Positive emotions from communicating with a puppy form a link between training and pleasure, which makes it easier for a person to make classes regular.
The risks of exercising with puppies
Despite the positive emotional effect, training with animals has limitations. This is especially true for training on special simulators, such as reformers.
According to Antonov, a reformer requires stability and precise movement control. If the puppy suddenly finds itself next to a movable platform or straps, the person can dramatically change body position and get injured. Among the possible risks, the specialist identified sprains due to sudden movements, foot bruises and falls from the simulator when losing balance.
There is a danger for the animals themselves. In young dogs up to 12-18 months old, the bone system is still forming, so jumping from a height, pressure on the spine or accidental blows can lead to injuries to the musculoskeletal system.
Polina Parfentieva, a cynologist and zoopsychologist at the Vetcity Clinic network of veterinary hospitals, noted that dog pilates can be safe for puppies only if a number of conditions are met. First of all, the animal must be healthy, vaccinated and have no contraindications from the musculoskeletal system.
According to the expert, large joints are not fully formed in puppies, so sudden movements and prolonged exertion can seriously harm them. It is also important to take into account the individual characteristics of a pet: for example, dogs with a short muzzle find it more difficult to tolerate hot weather, and small breeds can get injured if a person falls or moves carelessly.
Before participating in such events, the veterinarian should assess the condition of the animal, including the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular activity and general well-being.
Puppy's health and veterinary control
According to Parfentieva, before attending events with the participation of animals, it is necessary to take into account not only the physical condition of the pet, but also its psychological readiness.
Before participating, the puppy must undergo a veterinary examination. At large events with animals, control is usually carried out according to the requirements of the Rosselkhoznadzor: specialists check the temperature, condition of the skin and mucous membranes, as well as the availability of a veterinary passport with up-to-date vaccinations.
Special attention is paid to rabies vaccination. It must be done no earlier than one year and no later than 21 days before participation in the event. In the absence of necessary documents or violation of deadlines, the animal is not allowed to participate.
The expert stressed that age-appropriate vaccination and regular treatment against parasites are important protective measures. In places where animals congregate, the risk of spreading infections increases, including infectious tracheobronchitis, known as aviary cough.
Signs of stress in an animal
It is possible to determine that a puppy is experiencing overload by its behavior. According to the dog handler, some signs of stress are obvious — flattened ears, tucked tail, trembling or attempts to hide. However, there are less noticeable signals.
"For example, a pet may refuse a favorite treat, become overly excited, or show unusual passivity. Frequent signs of overexertion are rapid mouth breathing, hyperactivity, inability to stay still and constant whining," the expert said.
Parfentieva noted that owners often mistake overexcitation for activity, although in fact it may indicate nervous tension.
Normally, puppies sleep up to 17-19 hours a day. If the animal does not have the opportunity to retire and recover during the event, its nervous system may not be able to cope with the load.
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