26/06/2026
Save and try with your own dog later! 🐾
A quick test I always include in every new clients assessment. Looking at our dogs proprioceptive awareness of what their paws are doing, and testing their reflex to correct it.
Understanding this test could be the difference in catching nerve dysfunction early on!
Good reflexes typically correct in 1-2 seconds.
Longer can indicate the nervous system isn’t communicating as efficiently through the body as it could be. Sometimes due to things like:
• Nerve compressions
• Peripheral nerve damage
• Early degenerative myelopathy (prone in breeds like GSD’s, corgis, boxers)
• Orthopaedic pain - discomfort / pain from bone or joint conditions can sometimes result in delayed reactions).
What does a delayed response mean?
A single delayed response in otherwise normal reflexes could come from distraction, tiredness, mild discomfort etc. Persistent delayed reactions however may warrant a vet check to determine if there is any structural or neurological deficits from what you’ve identified.
Save this to test with your dog 🐕
