Canine fitness (also called conditioning) is a workout with specific exercises for healthy dogs. It’s much like if you were to see a personal trainer at a gym. The Personal Trainer will prescribe a workout for you to complete. In some cases, you may need their expertise and motivation on a session by session basis, in others you may only need their help to review and progress the program.
The goal of canine conditioning is to improve:
- General fitness
- Muscle mass and strength
- Cardiovascular and/or muscular endurance
- Co-ordination and balance
- Weight loss
- Physical preparation for sports and specific activities (hiking, dog agility, IPO, flyball, etc)
- Injury prevention
Injuries often occur during activities when there is lengthening/stretching of the muscles and joints in a manner that your dog is not prepared for. It may be a range of motion (stretching) issue, or possibly a strength or endurance issue. Canine conditioning tries to prepare your dog’s body as much as possible.
The conditioning programs at Animal Wellness & Performance Clinic are designed for healthy dogs. The initial session includes a discussion about your goals, as well as an assessment of your dog’s current fitness level. An exercise program will then be designed that can be completed either at home or at the clinic.
Our underwater treadmill is also available for ongoing fitness and/or weight loss.
If you think your dog (or other animal) would benefit from a conditioning program, please get in contact with us.