GAIT K9 Strength & Conditioning

09/01/2025

This is an interesting read. And certainly something to keep in mind during heats.

“In conclusion, I recommend that we keep the hormonal levels in mind, and be aware of the possible effects and role that they may play in the tensile strength of the CCL. Recognize, too, that we are still a long way from understanding the pathology fully – although we are absolutely moving in the right direction.”

I came across the question of whether the estrus cycle, or heat, impacts stifle ligament laxity, and whether it could be a role player in the pathology of cranial cruciate ligament disease in dogs.

So I conducted a search to uncover any studies that may have been done in this area, and found quite a few interesting publications – mostly centered around understanding anterior cruciate ligament ruptures in people, of course!

Keep reading to learn more.
https://onlinepethealth.com/does-heat-play-a-role-in-cranial-cruciate-ligament-tears/

23/10/2024

Hey friends.
I will be taking an extended break, as I focus on my training, and continuing education.
You may still see a scattered post here, and there. 😉
An incredibly tough decision, I will no longer be taking crate tag orders. I appreciate all of your past business, and will miss the fun of creating something with you.
Take care, and hope to see you soon.
Xo
Dana

11/08/2024

It’s toe bean Sunday!

I realize Toe Bean Tuesday would sound catchier, but here we are. 😆

Do you trim your dog’s pad fur? It really helps with grip around the house.

24/03/2024

We always end our training session with an “all done!” Followed by a treat toss. How do you end your training sessions?

06/03/2024

Is there any warmer feeling than when your dog snuggles in on your shoulder? You know, when they put their head there, and then give that little nuzzle to cozy down? ❤️

25/02/2024

🌟🔥SUNDAY SUPERSTAR 🔥🌟 Introducing Deuce! As smart as he is handsome, this guy will be super fun to work with.

18/02/2024

Just like for us, conditioning exercises aren’t always fancy to be effective. It’s about control, proper form, repetition. Making sure you’re targeting the right muscle groups effectively. Before we introduce unstable equipment or increase challenges, we work on solid surfaces, making sure the dogs are able to perform the exercise appropriately, and have proper form before moving on.

Wanna learn more? PM me. ☺️

20/01/2024

Figure 8's! I am teaching Journey each direction, with thoughtful movement. We will work towards full Figure 8 configuration, then multiples. A great cardio option during these cold winter days!

Figure 8’s are great for improving proprioception (limb awareness), and stretching through the spine. It provides a great warm up for continuing exercises. We love them!

Our goal is to trot slow and controlled around the cones keeping a flat back & natural head position.

(I used a target stick to teach the behaviour. Journey can get over zealous when using food lures in movements like this.)

14/01/2024

We spent the weekend renovating my fitness room. Brought our special artwork of our beloved Cabot out from the bedroom. The perfect finishing touch. ❤️

10/01/2024

Cavaletti set up on a budget!

I ordered these cones on Amazon, and they serve the purpose great! I have enough for a cavaletti set up of 6 inside, and a set up outside. For the poles, you’ll need to buy some plastic broom sticks, or if you’re handy, cut some 3/4-1” plumbers pipe.

Suwimut 24 Pack Plastic Agility Cones, 9 Inch Soccer Cones Training Agility Field Marker Plastic Traffic Cones for Training, Football Basketball Drills, Traffic, Activity, Party, Indoor Outdoor Games https://a.co/d/9j1yNai

I love cavaletti, and have seen some amazing results with them.

Should we plan a little cavaletti online zoom? 🤔😁

10/01/2024

We have a cold snap coming. Cavalettis are set up in the dining room. 😁
*photo in comments

06/01/2024

Do you trim your dogs’ fur around their paw pads?

Even short hair breeds like boxers can get long fur around their toes. Trimming it back will help them with traction around the house. Kiss’s needs trimming, so using the opportunity to show you how the fur can grow out over the pads, before I give them a trim. Just a quick zip with our clipper, and good to go! I’ll post after pics in the comments when they’re done. 😃

30/12/2023

How’s the ice in your areas? Our roads & paths are so full. Really impedes getting out for walks. We need to scope out some backroads. 🤔

Today the dogs and I are working on some figure 8’s. Journey hates taking breaks. Can you feel his impatience? He has a puzzle toy for proper breaks. I’ll have a quick video on that soon!