Why should this interest you?
There are many factors why it can be very beneficial for you and your dog.
Massage, for example, can be used to build an excellent contact between you and your dog, you can help him/her relax and get rid of tensions that have been built up in the body.
Muscle tensions might lead to overload in the dog´s joints. That can lead to arthritis in the long run.
Have you ever been wondering why the dog is hoovering in the sit exercise? Maybe it is because of the training, or perhaps it is because he cannot sit properly because of muscle tension or a knee injury! The better in shape your dog is, the more flexible and elastic he is, the better he will perform all the exercises.
Stretching is something that the dog needs to “learn to love” It is a process getting your dog into the point where he says,- please, I need stretching. But with practice, you will get there.
Stretching brings flexibility to the muscles, and the more flexible a muscle is, the lower the risk is for any injury. Many people ask me,- can I do it wrong? My answer is,- Yes. That is why I advise all dog handlers to learn about stretching, learn how to read your dog, become a master in knowing your own dog´s body so that you can always be one step ahead. Meaning if you find a problem, you might be able to fix it before he has a big injury.