Canine Conditioning Clinics
Canine conditioning draws upon exercises from human and equine training, to re-educate neuromuscular function to restore balance in the canine body.
It is based on extensive scientific principles and can help dogs at all stages of life and who participate in all levels of activity. It is particularly helpful for canine athletes and those who are older but still active!
Katy, one of our Registered Veterinary Nurses, is also our resident Canine Conditioning Coach and runs our Canine Conditioning Clinics.
While our human athletes carry out extensive training to excel in their sports, we don’t expect the same level of dedication from our dogs. However, this can lead to poor performance and injury. Canine conditioning has been demonstrated to enhance the performance of our canine athletes. It has also been shown to be beneficial for everyday pets, contributing to optimal health and preventing injuries.
The canine conditioning foundation course can strengthen core muscles, improving balance, flexibility, speed, coordination, control, and power. By performing these exercises in a slow and controlled manner, we can promote correct muscle recruitment and address imbalances commonly observed in dogs, particularly those engaging in unilateral activities (even if it’s simply turning in the same direction at the bottom of the stairs).
These exercises also foster calmness, build confidence, and strengthen the bond between you and your canine companion. Puppies as young as eight weeks of age can participate in these exercises. Arthritic pets will receive a more tailored program designed to be gentle on their joints; these exercise plans are integrated into our arthritis clinics for our older canine patients.
Initial Canine Conditioning Clinic
Before enrolling onto a canine conditioning program, each dog will have a full assessment to ensure they are a suitable candidate to continue onto the program.
This will include a 90 minute assessment; looking at muscle measurements, static analysis, dynamic gait analysis, dynamic non-rhythmical exercises, range of motion, and body condition scoring. If there are any concerns at this point you will be referred back to the veterinary surgeon for an assessment, where they will agree a treatment plan. This may include the conditioning program once the vet has given them the all clear.
The fee for this clinic is; £100
And remember, members of our Pet Health Plan receive a 10% discount.
Canine Conditioning Course
If they are suitable to continue with Canine Conditioning, every dog will start with the 6 week foundation program, learning how to do the exercises in a slow and controlled manner. This ensures that the correct muscles are engaged and the correct form used, helping to build core strength; before progressing through an intermediate or advanced program with plyometrics for the athletic dogs. Tailored programs can be introduced if you find you are short on time or if we are correcting muscle imbalances, like those often seen in one sided sports.
Foundation program
The foundation program involves 2 one hour appointments, teaching you all the exercises that make up the foundation program. A third appointment at week 3 to repeat muscle measurements and go through any problems you may be having. Then there are two weeks at home before a final assessment at week 6. Support will be given via Whatsapp with video sharing, photographs and messaging. These exercises are carried out once in clinic and carried out a further 2 times at home, with the weeks at home being carried out 3 times.
The foundation program consists of 4 hour long appointment, unlimited Whatsapp support and lasts 6 weeks.
The cost for this is £250 and Pet Health Club members receive a 10% discount
Intermediate Program
The intermediate program is a four week program, that expands on the basics learnt in foundation; making it a little bit more fun for you and your dog, building up the difficulty over time. Not all dogs will reach the advanced stage, but there are many exercises in the intermediate that can be continued at home.
The intermediate program costs £175 and, again Pet Health Club members receive a 10% discount
Advanced Program
The advanced program is mainly for sporting dogs and includes plyometric training to aid with impact support, acceleration and deceleration. There tends to be no set time line for the advanced program with clinics being on a week by week basis.
These clinics are priced individually and all fees will be discussed fully with one once you and Katy have decided what will most benefit your dog.
