Athletic Training for Dogs

It is the trainer or handlers responsibility to condition their dog for participation in athletic events such as agility, fly ball, frisbee, hunting, water dog competitions, or even simply running with the owner.

Just like us the dog is subject to fatigue, stress, muscle strain and injury. It is important that your dog be physically ready before engaging in any type of canine athletic competition. Although most of our dogs are more physically fit than we are it is still important to be sure that they are ready for the effort we are asking them to put forth.

Remember that older dogs or overweight dogs are more subject to muscle and joint stress, fatigue, and heat exhaustion, than are their younger or more fit counterparts.

Also remember to consider the foundation of the breed, prior to engaging in athletics. For instance a Samoyed, may not look all that different in coat quality to the untaught eye than a Border Collie, But the Border collie will be less likely to over heat in mid to warm temperatures.Obviously the husky or malamute will be more comfortable running or interacting in cold climates than a breed like a Doberman or a Staffordshire terrier, but there is often a significant difference in cold tolerance between the husky and the similarly double coated German shepherd.

Athletic Events

More dogs participate in athletic events now than at any other time in history. Dogs and owners alike enjoy preparing for and participating in a variety of new performance events. In the past several years the AKC alone has more than doubled the number of sponsored events.

Retrievers, pointers, setters and spaniels can now enter non-competitive hunting tests at a variety of levels of difficulty, sighthounds can try their paws at lure coursing, herding breeds can work sheep in herding tests, terriers can test their mettle by going to ground, and dogs of all breeds can participate in agility, an exciting sport that tests the timing, coordination, and athleticism of dog and handler alike.

Additional organized canine performance events include flyball, sledding, draft dog tests, coonhound trials, free-style heeling, weight-pulling competitions, Schutzhund, water rescue and more.

Agility

Agility began as an exhibition sport in Great Britain, imported to the United States in 1977, and is patterned after equestrian events and combines handler control, agility, and confidence.

Agility is comprised of a course set up of many different obstacles. Agility is meant to be a fun, non-regimented sport, with a lot of spectator appeal. Obstacles include jumps, tunnels, a dog walk, a see-saw or teeter, an A-frame and weave poles.

Fitness Conditioning

It is our responsibility to understand canine structure and locomotion, to learn how to condition dogs for specific performance events, and to feed nutritionally balanced diets—in essence to view and respect the dog as an athlete.

A coach for humans selects the best potential athletes, trains them in the skills of the game, provides them with appropriate conditioning exercises and diet, ensures that they receive expert medical care, and gives them emotional support and encouragement when needed.

Those of us involved in canine performance events must play this role of coach for our dogs.

Weight Management

This hour long class includes a weight in for the dog, fun exercise, and stretching for the owner and dog.

All weight management programs and rehabilitation programs are undertaken in conjunction with your veterinarian.

Ask about Physical Therapy Programs

Agility Fun Group

Agility is a course set up of assorted obstacles. A fun, non-regimented sport, with lots of spectator appeal. Obstacles include jumps, tunnels, a dog walk, a see-saw or teeter, an A-frame and weave poles.

Day Care