Agility Fitness Training Basics

This issue’s training tip is contributed by Courtney Holscher, a rehabilitation and acupuncture veterinarian in South Carolina. Courtney is also an agility competitor, who competes on AKC Agility League teams with the Palmetto Agility Club of the Upstate in South Carolina. Courtney currently competes with her All American Dog, Ella; Border Collie, Zinnia; and Miniature American Shepherd, Dahlia. Ella was found as a stray in 2016 and has become an incredible agility dog, finishing championship titles in three venues and competing in multiple national events, frequently making finals. This year, Ella finished fourth in P16” at the AKC National Agility Championship and 5^th in the AKC Premier Cup.

Canine fitness training is a growing topic in the dog world and for good reason! Competing in dog sports requires a lot of our dog’s bodies, and we need to make sure they are prepared, whether they are racing through an agility course, chasing a lure in Fast CAT, or performing the turns and jumps required in rally.

1. Here are some great reasons to consider fitness training with your dog:
   Regular fitness and conditioning work help strengthen your dog’s body and improve their balance, coordination, and flexibility.
2. Working on fitness exercises build your working bond with your dog with easy tasks with high rates of reinforcement.
3. Many fitness exercises are also great foundation skills for sports, so it helps maximize your training time.
4. If you pup unfortunately suffers an injury later in life, their confidence and familiarity with basic fitness skills will make the rehabilitation process much easier!

Here are some basics to get you started for healthy dogs. All exercises should be performed on non-slip surfaces. If your dog struggles with these exercises or has an injury, please consult your veterinarian:

1. Front paws on an elevated surface – Start with a low box or platform (no higher than the dog’s elbow height) just in front of the dog. Lure or shape the dog to place their front paws on the platform and reward. Gradually increase the amount of time their front paws are elevated up to 30-60 seconds while rewarding the dog for staying.
2. Hind paws on an elevated surface – Start with a low box or platform (no higher than tarsal/hock height) just behind the dog. Lure or shape the dog to step backwards onto the box or lead the dog forward over the box, stopping with just their hind paws on it, and reward. Gradually increase the amount of time their hind paws are elevated, up to 30 to 60 seconds while rewarding the dog for staying.
3. Backwards walking – With the dog standing in front of you and facing you, step into the dog so that they take a step backwards, reward. Hold the treat low (below the dog’s head) when rewarding so that they do not sit down. Gradually work up to them taking several steps backwards before rewarding. Working on this along a wall can help them back up straight.
4. Sideways walking – With the dog standing next to you (both facing forward), slightly turn into the dog and take a step towards them so that they step sideways. Using a treat to guide their head can also be helpful (keep the treat at the dog’s eye level so they do not sit). Gradually work up to several steps sideways before rewarding and make sure to work both directions.

Interested in learning more? There are great fitness programs available both in person and online through rehabilitation veterinarians and certified canine fitness trainers!