Canine Fitness

Keeping our dogs fit throughout their life will ultimately reduce injuries, increase self-confidence and improve our dog's ability to enjoy a full and high functioning life. Exercise alone has been shown to decrease the risk of chronic disease in both humans and dogs.

When working with dogs, we consider five fitness aspects: mental, balance strength, cardio-respiratory fitness and flexibility. Each individual element plays a varying role throughout the canine life stages.

Our exercise programs include various exercises, groundwork and the use of balance equipment.
The canine fitness and performance model developed by Fitpaws USA is based on scientific research from canine and other animal species, including horses and quadruped robotic research.

The canine fitness and performance model continues to be enhanced, expanded upon and challenged with in-depth canine research and novel approaches.

Exercises can be developed for pet dogs, working and performance dogs, dogs with special conditions and senior dogs. We also incorporate some of the Fitpaws equipment and free exercise into our puppy classes to increase confidence, sensory input and body awareness. 
Adding strengthening activities to your dog's routine a few times a week, has many benefits, including:

  • Increased trunk and core strength.
  • Strengthening the bond with your dog through interactive positive training.
  • Stabilisation of weak areas.
  • Improved balance and awareness of the body's position in space.
  • Improved reaction and control.
  • Increased range of motion in joints and elongation of the muscles.

As a certified canine fitness trainer, Emma has studied:

Canine exercise anatomy
Fitness assessments, gait evaluations and palpation.

Correct canine fitness exercise form
Proper technique, position and creative encouragement.
Correlation of form and function.
When and why to refer to professionals.

Canine behaviour modification through exercise
Positive reinforcement encouraging behavioural transition, client and canine interactions.

Developing specific canine exercise programs
Canine life stages and special canine populations, target specific body areas, muscle groups and injury prevention, exercise progressions and variables, advanced canine performance and working/hunting dogs.

Canine equipment guidelines
Proper use and safety, equipment use and choice, canine-specific equipment vs human equipment.