Silvia Lavallee BMR, PT, AFCI, C.H.A.P.
What is the optimum method to get a Show Dog in peak condition?
Treadmill, running? Please advise.
Nice question. Latest research by Weigel, Arnold, Hicks and Millis: Biomechanics of Rehabilitation showed that walking on a treadmill had a shorter stride length. Swimming has less extension range of motion of the limbs than is needed in walking. Swimming does not work the musculoskeletal system the same as weight bearing exercises. Conditioning is sport specific, so these activities, though useful as a general exercise program, should not be counted on to provide the conditioning required for performance activities. Also treadmill walking can be harmful if the dog is tense or fearful as they completely alter their body mechanics especially back movement. Some dogs love treadmill and do it properly so they are fine to do some work to build cardiovascular fitness. Training of cardiovascular and muscular systems is essential to conditioning. Training is needed to teach sporting dogs the specifics of sporting activities. Conditioning begins early, but no strenuous work until the growth plates have closed. Prior to this playing with littermates, self-motivated activities such as walks and exposure to sport is needed. By exposure to sport I mean, fetching dogs learns to carry a toy, fly ball dog learns to do a speedy recall and learn the sound of the box, agility dogs learn to walk over a “bump”, go through a tunnel etc, learn commands, and proper social behavior. Hind end awareness and strength is very important. Coordination and balance exercise also is very important as the dog can concentrate on the task rather than try to think about balance shifts. Coordination also means there is less chance of injury.
Strengthening exercises must be sport specific, and the muscles need to be strengthened in a way similar to how they are used in the activity. To be a strengthening exercise it must be constantly progressing. You actually cause muscle damage and repair to gain strength and mass, and thus alternate day work is usually advised (or at least varying the activity, or following hard day easy day principle). Strength exercise includes trotting, trotting uphill, controlled ball play, carting, retrieving, dancing, Cavaletti, circles etc. Speed exercise must include acceleration/deceleration, playing and racing with other dogs. Endurance work should aim for being 15 minutes of aerobic activity several times a week. Proprioceptive activities will teach the dog limb position awareness. These include walking across various surfaces, walking across various obstacles of different shape, height and space. Balance exercises teach the dog how to respond rapidly to changes in body position. These include walking on a trampoline, teeter-totter or balance board, change of direction in travel, hills, walking on planks etc. Remember though that adequate rest is needed during a conditioning regime to prevent muscle fatigue and overuse injuries. Sporting dogs need to exercise all year round with specific competition training beginning 2 months before the season.
“Rehabilitation and Conditioning of Sporting Dogs” Marcellin-Little, Levine, and Taylor.
The single most important factor to lengthen the career of a canine athlete is to keep them
LEAN!
A dog must be conditioned to a point where competent and comfortable performance exceeds the competition demand to minimize risk of injury.
If he can’t, you have to lower your goals or find an activity more suited his limitation and abilities.
Consider your dog’s strengths and weaknesses and create a conditioning program unique to him. For example: a dog with minimal shoulder layback should have the agility jump at full height only when there is excellent footing and landing surfaces available. Jumping practice done with few repetitions.
The moment fatigue occurs the level of performance diminishes and focus is diverted away from the activity.
Obedience usually has dogs training for 1- 1 ½ years before the first competition. Agility is far more stressful, and more complicated, yet often they compete early.
Before a dog trials he should be capable of running the full course at full height.
Growth plates should be closed
He should be mentally ready to handle the stress (some dogs mature later).
Must be both obstacle performance and technical ability trial ready. (He must be capable of doing the whole course without injuring himself or the trainer.)
If he is not relaxed and confident he runs a higher risk of injury.
One key element in fly ball is a speedy recall. A lot of ground work training can be done early in life. Moderate bump jump, sound of box triggering, ball retrieves (safely), hide and seek gimme 5 with duct tape etc. Basic obedience gives a good foundation.
Swimmers turn done properly; (not twisting or arching back/legs) is much less stressful on the dog.
Conformation dogs should be conditioned in a trot, with balance rhythm coordination, and strengthened to have optimal muscular fitness for the job they were designed to do. If old enough galloping really strengthens the topline.
I hope this is helpful.
Now here is some food for thought. Just a topic to think about until more studies can confirm similar findings. An interesting article by Chris Zink talks about early spay altering the closure of growth plates, causing uneven body bone proportions. (If the femur is normal length at 8 months when a dog gets spayed or neutered, but the tibia, which normally stops growing at 12 to 14 months of age continues to grow, then an abnormal angle may develop at the stifle. In addition, with the extra growth, the lower leg below the stifle becomes heavier (because it is longer), causing increased stresses on the cranial cruciate ligament.) The dogs are more gangly and uncoordinated. This will affect performance and resistance to injury or early degeneration causing a shortened career. Hmmm will have a big impact on sports if ever proven true.
Silvia Lavallee BMR PT, CHAP, AFCI