A bird dog can refer to different things depending on the context. In hunting, a bird dog is a type of dog that is trained to hunt or retrieve birds, such as pheasants. These dogs are essential for finding birds and helping hunters get them in the air. They also help locate downed birds and track down winged birds, and many bird dogs will even retrieve the trophy to hand.
In fitness, a bird dog is a core exercise that strengthens the core, hips, and back muscles, helps relieve low back pain, and promotes proper posture. To perform the bird dog exercise, one should begin on all fours in the tabletop position, place their knees under their hips and their hands under their shoulders, maintain a neutral spine by engaging their abdominal muscles, and raise their right arm and left leg, keeping their shoulders and hips parallel to the floor.
In general, the term "bird-dog" can also mean to watch closely or to seek out something for another. For example, a talent scout can be referred to as a bird-dog.
