Weasel, a 15-year-old Golden Retriever, has gained attention on Instagram for participating in "pawlates" with his owner, who is a Pilates instructor. Weasel had been experiencing declining mobility, but his owner turned to Pilates as a way to assist him.
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The Pilates routines, showcased in a viral video, are aimed at enhancing Weasel's mobility. His owner reports that the exercise sessions have notably improved his physical capabilities, and Weasel appears to enjoy the workouts alongside her. The workouts include a variety of movements such as stretching, reaching, stepping, pressing, and pulling.
Following the initiation of this daily routine, Weasel has nearly regained all of his functionality. His owner encourages him through stretches and uses treats as motivation during the sessions. After each workout, Weasel gets to relax on the Pilates mats, receiving affection and rewards for his participation.
For senior dogs like Weasel, several gentle exercises can help maintain mobility. These include low-impact walks, controlled play, scent games, and swimming. Additional beneficial activities are sit-to-stand exercises, figure-8 walking, and gentle weight shifting. It's essential to ensure that senior dogs can navigate their workout spaces safely to avoid stress or injury.
This story was originally published by PetHelpful on October 12, 2026.