What does 'dynamic stretching' refer to and its use in dogs?

Dynamic stretching refers to a form of stretching that is characterized by movement. In the context of dogs, it involves engaging the body in active movements that lengthen the muscles and enhance the range of motion. This type of stretching is beneficial for preparing a dog’s body for physical activity, as it helps to increase circulation, improve flexibility, and reduce the risk of injury before engaging in strenuous exercise or sports.

Dynamic stretching is particularly impactful because it mimics the activity the dog will be performing, thus warming up the muscles in a way that static stretching, which involves holding a position, does not. It involves movements like leg swings, lunges, and other actions that actively engage muscle groups.

The other options, while relevant to stretching practices, do not accurately describe dynamic stretching. Static stretching is focused on holding positions and is often used for cooldown phases rather than warmups, while the concepts of stretching after exercise and solely aiming to increase flexibility do not encompass the dynamic and preparatory nature of this type of stretching.