We have launched our PlayFit Sports Mini-Course specific for sport dogs! I, Coach L, have had a love for canine sports since 2005 when I started herding with my little sheltie, Maggie Mae. While fitness is important for all dogs, it’s absolutely essential for sport dogs. Why? Well, I will tell you a story that sadly many other owners and sport dogs have experienced. Whether you are doing agility, dock diving, herding, obedience, disc, or barn hunt, sports can be demanding on the dog’s body. I didn't understand fully how demanding until 7 years ago, my border collie had an iliopsoas strain. We did agility, herding, obedience, rally together and he was about 5 when the injury occurred.
It was hard to watch your very active young dog hurting and not only did our fun sporting activities cease but normal life changed drastically as well while he was leash walked, forbidden from jumping on the couch, and swimming wasn't allowed either. I cried many days wondering if my dog would ever be healthy and normal again. Iliopsoas strains can sometimes become chronic and I worried if he would completely recover. The iliopsoas is the equivalent to our groin or hip muscle and when you strain that muscle, it can be quite painful. The rehab process took a year.
During that process, I realized he had a weak core which probably contributed to the injury. Even though we had done some conditioning with using the bosu (this was well before canine fitness equipment was so readily available), and some cardio, clearly we had not done enough strength training. When the larger, main muscle groups especially in the core area are weak it puts more stress on the lesser muscle groups. There were many wonderful professionals that helped him recover and gave me the confidence that I could return him to sports. Part of that process was a consistent conditioning plan.
Because rehab can get tedious and sometimes boring truth be told, I knew I had to find ways to make it fun for both Tracker and myself. We did our core work on surfboards and paddleboards and we made our conditioning sessions fun, engaging and highly rewarding so that he would love it as much as he loved sports.
When he came back to sports, he was the strongest he had ever been in all the years we had competed. I saw firsthand the enormous difference a structured and consistent conditioning program can make. I wondered if I would be nervous he would injure himself again but I fully trusted my conditioning program as well as the professionals that gave me the all-clear. He went on to compete in agility healthy, fit, and without injury, until I retired him around 10. He still does barn hunt and at 12 years old runs, swims his laps, and lives his best life. The reason I tell this long story, because it was the reason I became passionate about canine conditioning and helping others. I never wanted anyone to go through what my dog and I went through and while accidents can happen, you can stack the deck in your dog's favor to help prevent an injury or at least ensure they can recover faster from injury or illness. If your dog ever must go through rehab, the rehab will go easier and quicker when they already know the foundation behaviors. Both Coach J and I have seen dogs with injuries first hand which is why we are both so passionate about preventive measures such as conditioning programs. Not only will conditioning reduce the chance of injury it also improves and optimizes performance. Do you want your dog to be able to leap further in dock diving? Do you want your dog to be able to run faster in Fast Cat? Do you want better body awareness to keep the bars up in agility? Do you want your sports dog to have power for jumping which can span many dog sports like agility, dock diving, flyball, and obedience? Or maybe the endurance and stamina needed for herding?
Conditioning can help with all that and more! And it doesn't take a lot of time for the vast benefits your dog reaps!
Most top human athletes incorporate conditioning programs in their training and canine athletes should be no different. Much of what I have learned have benefitted my other dogs as they now get in their senior years, and has especially benefitted my young sport dog, Avenger. I included some pictures of my dogs through the years competing and titling in agility, barn hunt, tricks, obedience, dock diving, herding, and also enjoying fun activities like surfing, nose work, and paddle boarding. I love all canine sports and they can be fun activities for your dog. At Coach4Paws, we can help prepare your dog for the rigors of dog sports to optimize performance, reduce chance of injury, improve strength and power as well as improve flexibility.
For our upcoming mini-course we include for you:
The course is self-directed but coaches are available for questions or video reviews. No need to buy a gold or silver level, we are here for you and your sports dog to help them live their best life. If you are new to fitness I would suggest signing up for our PlayFit Introduction to Canine Fitness to learn the basics and foundation of fitness to ensure you get started on the right foot.
As a fellow competitor and lover of all canine sports, I hope you will trust us to help your dog be the best they can be.
Coach L and Coach J
#hugthemeveryday
#makecaninefitnessfun
