Most of us start training our dogs in fitness for the obvious physical benefits. For me, it started in 2014 when I realized that my lightning fast whippet, Flash, could hurt himself just sprinting around the yard. I never had a dog that moved that fast, like a rocket! In my “vet tech mind” of years past, I cringed with visions of cruciate tears and worse. I realized that I could not take Flash’s genetic gifts for granted. We had been training in obedience, parkour and tricks, with lots of reinforcement with things like games of fetch with a ball or a flirt pole, (caveat-I since learned safer ways to reinforce with those items). My lack of scrutiny for form and conditioning increased the risks in these training actvities, exacerbated by Flash’s natural ability for speed. So I started taking classes and webinars to learn what exercises would be best to keep my “rocket dog” safe in our chosen activities.

Meanwhile along with Flash I also trained fitness with my 2 senior mixed breeds Haley and Abby, ages 11 and 14 yrs. at the time. We loved our fitness sessions and all 3 dogs would clamor for their turn. Abby and Haley would light up the room when their turn came and it was especially gratifying to see that level of engagement and joy from my sweet girls, who were now retired from a lifetime of training in sports.

Fast forward to 2017 and enter Wilkie, my Cirneco dell’Etna Whippet cross. At the age of 4 in 2019, Wilkie was diagnosed with IVDD (degenerative disc disease). He fortunately fully recovered from 2 separate cervical episodes. Of course strength and conditoning became even more critical in an effort to maintain muscle support and mitigate risk of further damage. My vet at the time had background in canine fitness and was able to prescribe some initial exercises for Wilkie’s neck, forelimb and core strength. I expanded on this inital program as I was able to learn more.

As time went on I continued to train in earnest with all of my dogs. As my senior girls passed on, I continued to prioritize strength and conditioning training for Flash and Wilkie. Wilkie has since remained healthy for 4 years, now age 8. Flash will be 12 years old later this year, has not slowed down at all, and remains healthy and strong.

But this is what I really want to say: Fitness training with my dogs has been one of the most rewarding activities we have ever done. Building relationship, trust and confidence that comes with teaching exercise skills to proper form and precision. Learning how each dog moves and what their physical strengths and deficits might be. Appreciating their individualities in structure, motion, abilities and stamina-both mental and physical. I love seeing them learn to move with intent, control and precision and then those benefits carrying over into other activities. There is no pressure or deadline with fitness training because the goal is simply to make progress, and progress in fitness is fluid and variable. Because I prioritize my dog’s positive state of being in all that we do, they enjoy training for their health or any other reason!
I appreciate all of these benefits so much that I went back to school to earn professional certification as a Canine Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCC) from NC State U College of Veterinary Medicine. I now have the joy of sharing what I have learned as I have been teaching canine fitness since 2022. As this field evolves, I continue to evolve with it as a trainer.
My current local course offerings are listed here: https://dogsontheball.com/current-class-offerings-and-updates/