Why are pre-run and post-run routines important in dog agility?

Consistent pre-run and post-run routines help prepare your agility dog both physically and mentally for performance. A structured routine can improve focus, regulate arousal levels, reduce injury risk, and strengthen the handler-dog connection before and after every run.

In this episode of the Maximum Fun Agility podcast, Lorrie Reynolds explains how structured pre-run and post-run routines can improve your dog’s performance and overall experience in agility.

These routines help dogs understand what to expect before entering the ring and help them recover properly afterward. By tailoring routines to your dog’s personality, energy level, and stress response, you can create a system that prepares your dog for success every time you run.

Pre-run routines create predictable patterns that help dogs understand when it is time to perform. They also help bring your dog’s energy level to the ideal state for agility.

Benefits include:

• Improved focus and connection
• Proper physical warm-up
• Reduced risk of injury
• Better emotional regulation before entering the ring

Most effective routines include several basic components:

• Opportunity to eliminate
• Short walk or trot to warm up muscles
• Stretching and flexibility exercises
• Focus games or tricks
• Handling warm-up exercises
• Calm waiting activities near the ring

The specific activities should be adjusted based on your dog’s personality and arousal level.

Dogs with lower excitement levels benefit from routines that gently increase their energy and engagement.

Helpful activities include:

• Short trot or energetic walk
• High-energy tricks like spins or hand touches
• Playful interaction and praise
• Fun shadow handling exercises

The goal is to build enthusiasm without exhausting the dog.

Dogs with balanced energy levels often benefit from structured warm-ups that maintain focus and connection.

Typical routines may include:

• Walking and trotting warm-ups
• Flexibility exercises and stretching
• Tricks like spins or hand touches
• Position changes and simple handling exercises

These routines help maintain focus while preparing the dog physically.

Dogs who become overly excited around the ring need routines that regulate arousal and build focus.

Strategies include:

• Allowing controlled movement early in the routine
• Gradually shifting into calmer exercises
• Position changes like sit, down, or stand
• Nose touches or chin rests to encourage focus

The goal is to channel excitement into controlled engagement.

Post-run routines help your dog recover physically and emotionally after a run.

Important post-run steps include:

• Immediately praising and rewarding your dog
• Leaving the ring calmly
• Playing or feeding a reward quickly
• Taking a cool-down walk
• Checking for any signs of discomfort
• Performing light stretching exercises

These routines help your dog relax, recover, and end the experience on a positive note.

Consistent pre-run and post-run routines prepare your agility dog physically, regulate arousal levels, and strengthen your connection as a team. By tailoring routines to your dog’s individual needs and practicing them regularly, you can help your dog perform at their best.

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