Water treadmill

Discussion in 'Labrador Health' started by JulieT, Jan 8, 2014.

  1. bbrown

    bbrown Moderator Forum Supporter

    Joined:
    Jun 13, 2011
    Messages:
    9,435
    Re: Water treadmill

    I'm not sure where I read it, probably here ;D , but apparently horses naturally move away from pressure whereas dogs move into it. So resistance to being manhandled is inbuilt in our dogs :)
     
  2. JulieT

    JulieT Registered Users

    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2013
    Messages:
    20,186
    Re: Water treadmill

    Yes, I remember that too - I don't know if Charlie is normal, or slightly at the extreme end of the normal spectrum, or just stubborn. Stubborn, I suspect. It took me ages to get him to accept being led by his collar - had to clicker train him. His natural inclination was to pull away, and keep pulling.
     
  3. Oberon

    Oberon Supporting Member Forum Supporter

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2013
    Messages:
    14,194
    Location:
    Canberra, Australia
    Re: Water treadmill

    It's called the 'opposition reflex'. All dogs have a tendency to resist or push back against pressure (most notably seen in the dog straining against its collar/lead and pulling its owner along the street).
     
  4. Naya

    Naya Registered Users

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2013
    Messages:
    9,628
    Location:
    Bristol, UK
    Re: Water treadmill

    The hydrotherapy place looks amazing. I hope Charlie enjoys it ;)
     

Share This Page