K9 Fitness Do's and Don'ts

Do

• Consult with a veterinarian prior to starting a fitness program and at the first sign of any injury.

• Utilize exercises and equipment appropriate for your dog’s fitness level and knowledge and gradually increase intensity and duration over time.

• Have a plan with principles of progressive overload for optimal adaptations.

• Use positive reinforcement and “reset cookies” to ensure an enjoyable experience for your dog.

• Use the number of kibble or treats in your hand to count reps.

• Have a strong marker word or use a clicker.

• Always use a non-slip flooring!

• Monitor your dog’s behavior for signs of fatigue, discomfort, or pain. If your dog shows any signs of pain or discomfort, stop the exercise and consult a veterinarian.

• Provide adequate rest between workouts to prevent overtraining and fatigue.

• Stay consistent to see improvement over time!

Don’t

• Forget the warm up and cool down. This will increase performance and prevent injuries.

• Neglect the foundations,  proper posture, and form. Proper form is crucial for effectiveness and safety of an exercise.

• Push your dog too hard or introduce too much new equipment or movements in one session. This can lead to injuries and behavioral setbacks in training.

• Force participation if your dog is not interested or resistant to participating. Find a way to make it enjoyable or find alternative exercises and activities they enjoy.

• Overlook signs of fatigue such as worsening form or reluctance to continue.

• Ignore pre-existing health conditions such as illnesses or injuries. Consult a veterinarian prior to starting a fitness program to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your dog.

• Focus solely on strength training. Include other aspects of fitness such as flexibility, proprioception, and cardiovascular training.

• Compare your dog to others. Each dog has their own strengths and weaknesses and will progress at their own pace.