by Char Turner LVT, BS, CSCC, AKC Fit Dog Instructor

What are the benefits of fitness training?

• Improves function by building body awareness, strength and stamina.
• Improved function reduces risk of injury in physical activities.
• Build trust and confidence between dog and human. Fitness training is a great way to build relationship!
• Promotes focus and precision, supplemental to all training and sports
• Senior dogs can participate too! Help our senior dogs make the most of this phase of life by improving balance, strength and flexibility.
• A great way to teach foundation behaviors that facilitate and complement all other training.
• Builds dog’s confidence
• Provides both mental and physical stimulation.
• Time saver-Benefits can be realized in short, properly implemented sessions.
• Dogs find the positive, highly reinforced activity enjoyable and motivating!

How is a canine fitness class different from just taking walks, playing in the yard, or practicing a sport?

• By adding a properly designed fitness program you will target specific areas in balance to increase overall strength, flexibility, balance, body awareness and overall conditioning. A well designed exercise program should be focused to meet individual needs.

What will we learn in class?  Being taught by a certified instructor, you will learn:

• The essentials for safe and effective fitness training and how to adapt it for your dog.
• How to recognize correct form and posture. This is critical to effective performance of all exercises! Without proper form, benefit is lost- THIS is the missing link for many who may have learned to train some exercises but neglected proper form.
• How to improve posture to attain proper form
• How to improve your dog’s weaker areas that will help function and performance.
• Specific exercises for specific purposes, and ways to modify for your dog.
• How to properly use exercise equipment
• How to use household items as exercise equipment.
• Exercises that will benefit balance, strength, flexibility and proprioception.

Conditioning the canine body, mind and bond: https://dogsontheball.com/canine-conditioning-means-wellbeing-body-mind-relationship/

Dogs On The Ball is our local AKC Fit Dog Club. See more: https://dogsontheball.com/akc-fit-dog-club/

AKC Fit Dog Program:

• As a Certified Canine Strength and Conditioning Coach by NC State U Veterinary College, I teach from my own curriculum which meets and exceeds the AKC Fit Dog requirements. For those who are on the AKC Fit Dog title track, I offer AKC Fit Dog assessment with certificates. The AKC title program details are here: https://www.akc.org/sports/akc-family-dog-program/akc-fit-dog/akc-fit-dog-title

Any more questions? Just email Char: dogsontheball@gmail.com