What prompted me to write this blog, was seeing an owner had driven to the oval with her dog, got him out of the car and immediately started throwing the ball (with that ball launcher) for about 10 mins, then jumped back in the car and left!

When people think about exercise or dog training, they often focus on the main activity and forget about the preparation beforehand. However, just like human athletes, dogs benefit greatly from warming up before physical or mental work. As someone who works with dogs regularly in Melbourne, I have seen first-hand how a simple warm-up routine can improve performance, reduce injury risk, and help dogs enjoy their training sessions even more.

Preparing the Body for Movement

A warmup helps prepare your dog’s muscles, joints, and cardiovascular system for activity. Jumping straight into intense dog training exercises can place unnecessary strain on a dog’s body. I always encourage owners to begin with a few minutes of light movement. A relaxed walk, a bit of sniffing, is great starting point. For example, walk 2 laps around the oval before doing some gentle Sit, Drop, Stand commands.  I have found that even five minutes of gradual activity can make a noticeable difference in how smoothly a training session runs.

Reducing the Risk of Injury

One of the biggest reasons warmups matter is injury prevention. Cold muscles are more prone to strains, particularly in active or working breeds. In my experience providing dog training in Melbourne, I have noticed that dogs who start with a warm up move more freely and appear more comfortable during training exercises.
Simple movements like walking around the oval, hand targeting, or easy position changes (such as sit to stand) help loosen joints and activate important muscle groups. These small steps prepare the body so your dog can safely engage in more demanding dog training activities.

If you are preparing for a training session, it can also help to have the right equipment such as comfortable harnesses, long leads, or enrichment toys. Stores like Animal World of Boronia offer a variety of products that many dog owners use during training and exercise routines.

Warming Up the Mind

Warmups are not just about physical preparation. They also help your dog mentally transition into dog training mode. I often say that the first few minutes of training set the tone for the entire session.
I like to begin with easy behaviours that the dog already knows well. For example, a few simple cues or engagement games help the dog focus and build confidence. I have personally found that when dogs start with success, they are more motivated and attentive throughout the rest of the training.

Simple Warm Up Ideas

A good warm up does not need to be complicated. These activities gradually prepare the dog for more structured dog training, while also helping them release excess energy. Some easy options include:

• A 5 minute loose-lead walk
• Hand targeting
• Slow sit-to-stand repetitions or stand-drop

Setting Your Dog Up for Success

In my experience, warmups are one of the most overlooked parts of successful training. Whether you are practising obedience skills, preparing for a class, or simply working with your dog at home in Melbourne, taking a few minutes to prepare both body and mind can make a huge difference.
If you have ever searched for “dog training near me”, you may have noticed that experienced trainers often emphasise preparation and structure in their sessions. You can also learn more about my approach through my Ethical Dog Training website.
For more information about keeping your dog active and healthy here is another source on warm ups and cool downs.
Taking just a few minutes to warm up your dog can lead to better results, safer exercise, and more enjoyable dog training sessions for both you and your dog.

Written by Emilia Borkowski
09.03.26
Images credited to:
Mehdi Gholipour, Barnabas Davoti and Oleksandr Horbach.