In a pace gait, both limbs on the same side move forward together. It forces the center of gravity to move side to side, which results in wasted effort as the dog tries to compensate to find center instead of using the proper muscles for propulsion.

In general, the pace is a very rough gait that lacks proper body alignment. Dogs that consistently pace have either been trained this way by walking and trotting the wrong way, or they have something physically wrong. A dog treadmill that is not sized correctly for you dog can also cause a dog to pace. Ensuring your dog has plenty of room to drift and change gait is essential to finding the correct gait to benefit the canine body.

2 Year Old Rescue Dog Bongo is just learning to gait properly. He spent the first 2 years of his life in a kennel and is learning proper movement to help his under developed muscles strengthen the right way. Pacing would create muscle imbalances that could lead to injury if exercise intensity is added to his workouts while he continues to pace. Therefore we are striving to develop the proper gait patterns to build a good foundation on which we can build intensity.

For more information on choosing the right Dog Treadmill or Gait Evaluations please contact us at info@dogtread.com or call 877.563.5151. Our experts are happy to assist you develop a program that is right for your dog.

On The Pet Show with Dr. Katy this week, we’ve got fitness, fire safety and kittens! Quite the combo!

Steve Pelletier joins us again from My Slim Doggy to tell us about advances in their app that can help you keep your pet slim, trim, and living healthier! Not only can you keep track of your pet’s exercise, you can also choose from their database of over 2,000 commercial pet foods to calculate the exact amount of food that your pup should be consuming!

Next, Krista Wickens from DogTread tells us how we can create a Canine Gym right in our own home with some key products from her company. She also gives us some great tips on how to best work out your dogs!

Some very special guests from Keep Kids Fire Safe join us on set to tell us all about how one beautiful pup named Molly is helping to save lives not only in her home state of Arkansas, but all around the country!!!

And finally, Susan Sherman, chief operating 0fficer at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington joins us with three Adorable Adoptable kittens that could become part of your family, and tells us all about how their team of volunteers is helping them cope with Kitten Season…and how you can help, too!

Don’t miss out! It’s a fun show this week!

Cavaletti – Enhances Proprioception, Strengthens Flexors, and Elongates Stride

Good exercise programs (whether they are for dogs or people) should be designed to address the specific needs and goals of that animal or individual.

The best canine fitness programs come from understanding how to establish parameters for frequency, speed, intensity, duration, environment, nutrition.

Skilled Canine Fitness Coaches or Trainers will also understand canine anatomy, physiology and behavior – which are essential components in designing a program your dog can benefit from and enjoy.

Here are the rules of thumb when establishing a good canine fitness program:

1)      Control – Know Your Dogs Limits
Always start at a level that is well within your dog’s comfort zone and focus on controlled powerful movements. Set parameters – gradually increase reps, distance, speed and frequency with continued emphasis on quality canine movement. Many dog breeds have a lot of drive and many really want to please their owners – they are ready to go. They will go above and beyond what they may be conditioned to do.

Remember, excited and uncontrolled movements are not as purposeful and often lack good form. It is your job as a responsible owner to reign in the activity to work on movement and avoid injury.

2)      Make It Fun – Cross Train
Strength and Cardio exercises can generally be done 3-5 times a week. Alternating days and muscle groups (forelimb one day, hind limbs another) will help keep you from over-training your dog. It is good to mix up activities – try balance discs, tunnels, fitness vests, cavaletti. Dogs that are over trained will lose motivation – remember it has to be fun!

3)      Be Flexible – Daily Stretching/Massage
Stretching your dog AFTER exercise is important to maintain muscle resilience and flexibility. Stretching promotes good circulation, providing oxygen to overworked parts of the body, and improves the range of motion. It is also the most forgotten component of home exercise programs (for dogs and people).

4)       Equipment – Tools of the Trade
While equipment is not always necessary for a canine fitness program, there are canine fitness tools that can definitely help you enhance a canine fitness program and provide consistency. The temptation with equipment is often to find the least expensive option. The focus should instead be on the safety for the dog and choosing product that enhances and promotes the best quality movement.

5)      Set Goals – Track Performance
Goals enable us to attach mindfulness to our activities and help us answer the question – why we do what we do. While admittedly, it is also healthy to enjoy spontaneity, a fitness goal can provide you with the structure you need to stick with a program for your dog. When setting a goal for your dog, be realistic (know your breed), write it down, and study the results.

Need help setting up a canine fitness program for your dog? Let us know – our team of experts can help you get your dog on the right track to living a longer healthier life. Call us 877-563-5151 or email us info@dogtread.com.

About the Author: As a dedicated lifestyle athlete and co-inventor of the award winning DogTread® Dog Treadmill, K9FIT Vest™ and the StayBall® Balance Ball, Krista Wickens has a unique understanding of the mechanics of fitness for both the human and canine body. As a former fitness product manager, Krista created best-selling products used by the biggest names in Human Fitness for such iconic brands as Reebok, Gold’s Gym and NordicTrack. Her love for animals, particularly dogs started on a Montana Cattle Ranch where she was raised. She trained her first dog Bear at the age of 7. These experiences have led to the development of a unique line of canine fitness products that are designed from a dog’s perspective and take into account the unique aspects of canine behavior and anatomy. Krista is also the co-author and producer of Treading for Dogs DVD and 30-day Dog Treadmill Training Program, please email info@dogtread.com for more information.

FUNctional Canine Fitness Apparel – 4-in-1 Design

The DogTread® 4-in-1 K9FITvest™ is fun wearable fitness apparel that provides dogs not only a calorie-burning boost, but also therapeutic, sensory integration and safety benefits.

OGDEN, Utah (April 11, 2013) – DogTread has announced that its newest ground-breaking fitness product, the gravity enhanced and patent-pending K9FITvest, will be available nationwide starting June 2013 both online and in stores. Manufactured by PetZen® … the company that brought you the award-winning DogTread®, treadmills for dogs, the K9FITvest uses a progressive program called the Fitness Level Scoring System™ to help direct gradual strengthening of a dog’s body from the inside out.

Curb Appeal Resistance Training

“We are very excited that our latest fitness tool will now be available to a larger number of dog owners,” says Krista Wickens, co-owner of PetZen Products. “The K9FITvest is simply – Wearable Fitness. It helps to increase the intensity level of any dog activity. Now an evening stroll around the block can become a Chi-Power-Walk aimed at improving canine endurance and strength, while reducing anxiety and stress.”

The gravity-enhanced K9FITvest (MSRP $69.99) was cleverly designed to integrate resistance and four-way compression control to work naturally with a dogs body and mentally to reduce anxiety. The design also helps prevent excessive shifting or sliding of weights during normal dog activities. Additional benefits include a therapeutic cold pack option for cooling muscles and warm weather; and for safety, reflective piping helps make dogs more visible during nighttime walks.

 The K9FITvest is sold with an exercise program that was designed with vet approval to help guide owners on proper use and exercise form.

Uses for the K9 FITvest include:

Increasing Endurance, Calorie-burn, Building Strength, Body Awareness, Enhancing Flexibility, Proprioception/Balance Training, Prevention of arthritis, Rehabilitation Therapy, Sensory Integration for Anxiety, General Obedience Training.

The K9FITvest is available in sizes extra-small through extra-large and includes prescribed weights for three different fitness levels – Level 1 is the recommended starting level for all dogs, Level 2 and Level 3 weights can also be used with the vest, but are sold separately to encourage all dog owners to start at a Level 1. Additional colors and patterns are slated to be available for fall 2013 for further retail expansion. As well vests can be customized with company logos.

Experts using the K9FITvest have this to say:

 “The K9 fit vest is an exciting new product taking k9 fitness to the next level,” said Anthony Woerner, PTA, CCRP and Animal Rehab Specialist for Animal Health Options. “Its innovative design allows good freedom of movement while also being conscious of dog anatomy and functional movements. It is a good way to increase strength, and performance when used
properly.”

K9FITvest Rock Star

“Proper form and function is what you want to influence when adding resistance to any training program,” said Erika McElwey, EqCnTPM, owner of Change Your Range specializing in Muscle Strengthening Programs for equines and canines. “I have been using the vest with my client’s dogs to prepare for Nationals. They are different dogs when wearing it. I see improvement in their stance immediately when wearing the vest – almost perfect – they reach more in the front when moving. I am very impressed.”

About the Company

Located at the base of the Wastatch Mountains in Ogden, Utah, PetZen® Products is a marketer, manufacturer, designer and distributor of pet products. From canine fitness equipment, including the award-winning DogTread® Treadmills, to travel and grooming gear; PetZen specializes in innovative solutions that were designed for the way unique way dogs move, think and learn. For more information about PetZen®, DogTread® Dog Treadmills or the K9 FITvest™ please visit their websites at www.dogtread.com and www.petzenproducts.com

Dog movement involves every organ system in the body; up to 99% of the skeletal muscles and their bony structures.  Just how well the organ and muscle systems are working together (or lack therof) is often seen in your dog’s gait… Understanding proper gait form can help you develop a good exercise program for your dog and identify weaknesses.

Dog Walk Gait – is your easiest and least tiring gait. It also has the longest stance-time; therefore a balanced walk-only workout will strengthen and challenge more of the loading/stabilizing muscles of the Shoulders, Loin and Hind Quarter.

Walking Strength Exercise: Only have a few minutes? Turn just a walk into a strengthening workout.   Start with a quiet stand (1min) – (Most dogs will option to sit or lay-down rather than just quietly hold a stance posture – encourage them to hold their stance).    Slow walk (15-20 human steps) ; hold stance quietly (1min); slow walk (10 human steps) – brisk walk (10 human steps)- slow walk (10 human steps); Hold stance quietly (1min) and Release!  Observe weaknesses that your dog may display – leaning to one side, continually trying to sit instead of holding a stand.

Proper Form for Trot Shows the Diagonal Pairs of Legs Moving Simultaneously. Smooth Floating Appearance.

A Trot Gait –is the gait with the longest suspension time, this is what gives that smooth floating/gliding appearance when a dog moves.  A balanced trot-only workout is the ideal gait for strengthening the top-line/back muscles and is endurance building. While there are many ways to improve your dog’s trot gait, one way is with a dog treadmill. A well-designed dog treadmill allows you to monitor and maintain consistent and continuous speed. A low-profile dog treadmill design will allow you to easily watch for inconsistent movements. For each dog the speed to maintain a trot-gait may be slightly different.

Trot Conditioning Exercise: 20 minutes, continuously, at an extended trot is the best overall conditioning exercise that you can do for your dog.  An extended trot is when the front and rear limbs are at their maximum stride length; long fluid movements where the front limbs are reaching and the back limbs are extending. A dog will tire/fatigue more easily at this gait until properly conditioned so only  start with 3-5 minutes and slowly build up to a 20 minutes. Be advised some breeds may be better suited for 10 minutes max.

A Pace Gait – is not an ideal performance gait and is often termed a lazy gait as it does not work a dog’s body to its full potential.  It falls in between a walk and a trot gait. Identifying this gait can help direct changes to establish a better workout. Generally this gait is seen when an animal is uncomfortable, unsteady or out of balance.  The discomfort can be caused environmentally, or by physical discomfort (tired, out of shape or may be indicative of an orthopedic problem).  The pace gait is also seen in dog breeds that have long legs and short bodies – they use this gait instead of a trot to keep from interfering with their limbs as they come together.  Developing puppies will pace often during different phases of their growth. They lack the strength and balance to hold a good trot gait. It is advisable to wait until your dog has developed the necessary strength to achieve a proper trot gait; otherwise you will risk reinforcing a lazy pace gait that may make your puppy muscularly unsound.

Forelimb and Hindlimb Swing Together on One Side Bearing Weight on the Other Side

During the pace gait, the hindlimb and forelimb of the same side will swing and land in unison while bearing weight on the other side in the same manner.  Movement will seem choppy, rough. The dog’s body will move from side-to-side, this movement pattern is laterally strengthening, but not beneficial for developing core strength.  Furthermore, a dog that paces more than trots will be muscularly unsound and may be predisposed to arthritis early in life.   A pacing gaited dog will often display topline weakness and have instability of the knees that can lead to more serious lameness overtime.  If you see this gait consistently in your dog – consider more core strengthening activities or see a professional, more may be at play under the skin.

A Run Gait – is your gait of propulsion, therefore a balanced run-only workout (like fetching), will be strengthening more the muscles of propulsion; Pelvic and Hip Flexors, Hamstrings, Gluteal and the Pectorals.  It is not a sustainable gait but rather a sprint-like gait.

Run Interval Exercise: Practice controlled fetch and retrieve to ignite and develop your dogs fast twitch muscles. Use a run gait on the out for retrieval and a trot on the return. Watch for abnormality of the gait such as inability to run, lameness, unsteadiness.

Gait abnormalities can be associated with a variety of conditions under the skin – neurological and joint conditions associated with gait could be seen as inability to gait properly, lameness, development of a visibly protective mode of walking, arching of the back, lowering of the head. Be vigilant and watch your dogs gait for any signs of unusual patterning.

If you have questions about the quality of your dog’s movement, how to avoid pacing or other questions about gait send us an email info@dogtread.com. Our DogTread experts can help evaluate and develop a plan to enhance your dog’s movement and performance.

About the Authors:
As a dedicated lifestyle athlete and co-inventor of the award winning DogTread® Dog Treadmill, K9FIT Vest™ and the StayBall® Balance Ball, Krista Wickens has a unique understanding of the mechanics of fitness for both the human and canine body. As a former fitness product manager, Krista created best-selling products used by the biggest names in Human Fitness for such iconic brands as Reebok, Gold’s Gym and NordicTrack. Her love for animals, particularly dogs started on a Montana Cattle Ranch where she was raised. She trained her first dog Bear at the age of 7. These experiences have led to the development of a unique line of canine fitness products that are designed from a dog’s perspective and take into account the unique aspects of canine behavior and anatomy. Krista is also the co-author and producer of Treading for Dogs DVD and 30-day Dog Treadmill Training Program, please email info@dogtread.com for more information.

Erika McElwey, EqCnTPM is a member of DogTread’s Expert Coaching Team and owner of Change Your Range.  Erika has been working in the Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness Field for 14 years.  She certified in Trigger Point Myotherapy in 1999; Obtained a Bachelors of Science in Animal Science PreVeterinary Studies from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2001.  During her studies Erika worked as a veterinary technician at a small animal hospital local to her home in western Massachusetts. Upon graduation she started working for Dr. Michael W. Stewart, DVM in Windsor CT managing the Animal Rehabilitation Center for 7 years.  As part of this Vet/Therapist Rehab Team, she provided Hydrotherapy Rehabilitation and Strengthening Programs for both Horses and Dogs, which included canine gait retraining and stride enhancement.  Now as owner of Change Your Range, she designs safe and effective home strengthening programs for pet owners nationwide.  She works with all breeds performing in Show, Agility, Dock Diving, Herding, Schutzhund, K-9 Police, Search & Rescue, K-9 Veterans and more.

Dogs walk, that’s what they do – so it may seem trivial to many dog owners that there is a right and wrong way. However, walking the right way means a lot to your dog, and Canine Behaviorists and Trainers often use it in their treatment plan.

The Wrong Way Dog Walk
Dogs are not like humans, they have their own unique needs, and the instinct to move daily at a forward continuous speed, for at least 45 minutes (for many breeds) or more each day, is integral to their core well-being. For many dog owners, walking the dog means a leisurely stroll around the block sniffing, peeing and greeting neighbors. While it is evident that the dog is happy to be outside it isn’t purposeful enough to help correct behavior challenges or intense enough to elevate the heart rate.

Canine Behaviorists agree, dogs that are taken for walks are better behaved, less destructive, obsessive and have fewer separation/dominance issues. The problem and fear for many is that to help their dog overcome behavior issues they must risk public confrontation. This is where a dog treadmill can help. Walking your dog the right way in a controlled environment can greatly increase your chance of success if used before taking them outside, especially if the dog treadmill is already designed to work harmoniously with nature’s instincts.

The Right Way Dog Walk
Your dog should walk behind you or beside you, not in front of you. Your dog is looking for your lead.

The Problem: when you let your dog walk in front of you, you are communicating that he or she is the boss, the leader. So, they begin to make the rules that you won’t. Hence some behavior challenges may develop.

DogTread Dog Treadmills were inspired by the need for an unconventional dog treadmill that was designed through the eyes of a dog, rather than people, to satisfy their primal need to be walked the right way.

DogTread helps reinforce a leader position in a controlled environment – with lower sides and an integrated console – you can position yourself either beside, or in front of your dog without a barrier to inhibit communication. This makes it easier for your dog to focus on you his/her leader. As well, the unique treat training bowl provides positive reinforcement that helps trigger the migratory drive to hunt for food while on the move; and the noticeable absence of a leash binding mechanism invites dog owners to take a more active role in their dog’s health and behavior regimen.

Connecting your dog’s brain to continuous movement and your position as the leader can help establish the highest level of fitness and behavior for your dog. Your dog is looking for your lead!

IMPORTANT NOTE: NOT ALL BEHAVIOR CHALLENGES  ARE  EASILY SOLVED WITH JUST EXERCISE. SOME MAY REQUIRE OTHER TECHNIQUES AND A DIFFERENT PLAN. IF YOUR DOG’S BEHAVIOR IS ESPECIALLY CHALLENGING OR AGGRESSIVE, PLEASE SEEK THE EXPERTISE OF A PROFESSIONAL.

If you need help in locating a professional – let us know? If you are considering a dog treadmill for your dog, or you are a Vet or Canine Rehabilitation practice and want additional information on this topic – please email us at info@dogtread.com, call us at 877.563.5151 or visit our website www.dogtread.com.

About the Author: As a dedicated lifestyle athlete and co-inventor of the award winning DogTread® Dog Treadmill, K9FIT Vest™ and the StayBall® Balance Ball, Krista Wickens has a unique understanding of the mechanics of fitness for both the human and canine body. As a former fitness product manager, Krista created best-selling products used by the biggest names in Human Fitness for such iconic brands as Reebok, Gold’s Gym and NordicTrack. Her love for animals, particularly dogs started on a Montana Cattle Ranch where she was raised. She trained her first dog Bear at the age of 7. These experiences have led to the development of a unique line of canine fitness products that are designed from a dog’s perspective and take into account the unique aspects of canine behavior and anatomy. Krista is also the co-author and producer of Treading for Dogs DVD and 30-day Dog Treadmill Training Program, please email info@dogtread.com for more information.

Most dogs and their owners love to play the Fetch Game. Its quality time spent while exercising. But what benefits is your dog really getting from this exercise and how can we make it better?

Fetch -Involves short bursts of running and abrupt stops.  Heart rate increases and some dogs jump, up and down, in between retrievals to help build hind leg strength.  During the retrieval process your dog must reach down and get the item.   Then the dog returns for another round.

This reactive style of Fetch is great for getting the zoomies out, but if you structure your Fetch Game to include a few basic managed canine interval training techniques you will reinforce better movement and a stronger, healthier dog – while still having fun:

Manage Gait Changes and Distance

Speed changes can help your dog to use all of its muscle groups to develop strong shoulders, back and hind limbs. This can be accomplished by using different gaits during the retrieval process.  I prefer using both a run and a free trot gait to get the full benefit of using all the muscle groups.

The run gait uses all four limbs in a very short and quick series of suspension, landing and push off, this helps to develop the back of the hind limb (Hamstrings), Hips (Gluteal), lower Back (Lumbar) and Shoulders (Triceps).

The trot gait is your longest suspension gait time and it helps to strengthen the top-line/upper back and shoulders (Lats/Triceps), Abdominals and front of the hind limb (Quadriceps), while building endurance.

To achieve interval benefits – Your goal is to increase the trot to run ratio. In other words your dog will trot twice as long as he/she will run. To accomplish this throw the ball and initiate a run gait for the “out” portion of the retrieval. Then turn and walk away from your dog, increasing the distance your dog must travel for the return.  Let him/her return the retrieved item in an easy trot. To do this do not elicit a lot of fanfare on the “return” – stay calm and reward when your dog returns the fetched item.  This is also easier to achieve once your dog gets the initial zoomies out.

Wait for it…Add Strong Sits

When your dog returns the ball ask him/her to sit squarely (without flopping into a sloppy sit) and WAIT while you throw the ball.  Then release your dog to fetch the ball, this will increase excitement and speed on the out section of the retrieval. Then as recommended, turn and double your distance for the return.  If your dog has trouble waiting you will need to work on this obedience technique before incorporating it into this workout. You can still ask for the square sit and wait a few seconds before throwing the ball again.

Make It Even

Final note. Watch how your dog picks up the ball and note which way he/she turns (to the right or to the left) on the return.  Some dog’s will balance this on their own if so, congratulations you are halfway there. If your dog chooses to turn to the same side each time he/she fetches and returns the ball; then ask your dog to do a few turns/twirls in the opposite direction from their preferred side.  There can be many reasons for a side preference and you might find that the opposite direction may be more difficult.

By adding these small changes to your Fetch Game you can get the zoomies out and turn it into an interval and strength building workout. Watch your dog closely for signs of fatigue and don’t overdo.  Fetch like any activity requires a gradual progression.

For more information, or questions about your dog’s fetch or exercise program please inquire about DogTread’s Fitness Coach Programs to get the best advice for enhancing your dog’s fitness.  Contact us at info@dogtread.com so we can schedule a program for you.

About the Author:  Erika McElwey, EqCnTPM is a member of DogTread’s Expert Coaching Team and owner of Change Your Range.  Erika has been working in the Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness Field for 14 years.  She certified in Trigger Point Myotherapy in 1999; Obtained a Bachelors of Science in Animal Science PreVeterinary Studies from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2001.  During her studies Erika worked as a veterinary technician at a small animal hospital local to her home in western Massachusetts. Upon graduation she started working for Dr. Michael W. Stewart, DVM in Windsor CT managing the Animal Rehabilitation Center for 7 years.  As part of this Vet/Therapist Rehab Team, she provided Hydrotherapy Rehabilitation and Strengthening Programs for both Horses and Dogs, which included canine gait retraining and stride enhancement.  Now as owner of Change Your Range, she designs safe and effective home strengthening programs for pet owners nationwide.  She works with all breeds performing in Show, Agility, Dock Diving, Herding, Schutzhund, K-9 Police, Search & Rescue, K-9 Veterans and more.

Alternating periods of intense effort with periods of moderate to low efforts is known as Interval Training and it is not just for humans. Your dog can easily achieve the same benefits when performed outside on the trail, at the park, from a bike, and yes, even a dog treadmill.

The advantage of the dog treadmill is that you will be able to monitor and obtain a consistent speed and track time while paying very close attention to form.  Proper form, whether inside or outside, can not be under-emphasized and is essential in strengthening your dog’s muscles.

Interval Training Benefits:
- Increases Metabolic Rate – Translates to Burning More Calories
- Strengthens and Increases Muscle
- Promotes Smoother Transitions Between Gaits – Walk to Trot, Trot to Run
- Releases Feel-good Endorphins – Improves Your Dog’s Mental State

Before beginning any exercise program, make a trip to the Vet to establish a clean bill of health and then follow these steps:

1      Start Slow – If your dog is not currently exercising, or is overweight, start slow and build his or her cardio and strength safely. Overweight dogs may only be able to do 5-10 minutes to start. That’s ok – it’s a start and is better than nothing.

2      Build Your Dog, Don’t Push Your Dog  – Add intensity gradually in short bursts (smaller amounts more frequently). Your goal is to strive for a consistent 20 minute workout.

3      Always Cool Down – Provide time for your dog’s heart rate to return to normal and muscles to ease into a resting state (cool down). Stretching and Massage are ideal and dogs love it!

BEGINNER WORKOUT: Ideal for dogs not involved in an exercise program or for overweight dogs
Duration: 5-10 minutes – watch your dog for excessive panting
Interval Workout: Start with a slow walk (3-5 minutes), stretch (3 minutes), slow walk (3-5 minutes), stretch (2 minutes)

INTERMEDIATE WORKOUT
Duration: 10-15 minutes
Interval Workout: Slow walk (3 minutes), Slow Jog (1-2 minutes), slow walk (2-3 minutes), Slow Jog (1-2 minutes), slow walk (2-3 minutes), stretch (3-5 minutes)

ADVANCED WORKOUT
Duration: 20 minutes
Interval Workout: Normal Walk (3 minutes), Brisk Jog ( 1-2 minutes), Normal Walk (2-3 minutes), Brisk Jog (1-2 minutes), Normal Walk (2-3 minutes), Brisk Jog ( 1-2 minutes), Normal Walk (2-3 minutes) – Cool Down (3-5 minutes)

ATHLETES WORKOUT
Duration: 30 minutesATHLETES WORKOUT
Interval Workout: Walk (3 minutes), Stretch (3 minutes), Slow Jog (2-3 minutes), Run (2 minutes), Slow Jog (2-3 minutes), Run (2 minutes), Slow Jog (2-3 minutes), Run (2 minutes), Slow Jog (2-3 minutes), Run (2 minutes) – Cool Down (3-5 minutes)

*Remember to watch your dog during these interval cycles, especially at faster speeds. You may need to adjust the time that your dog is in a particular cycle. If your dog’s form changes then the speed could be too fast and uncomfortable. Movement should be free and easy. If you want to have your dog’s movements analyzed, please send your video to info@dogtread.com for a free consult.

Join our FitDog Friday Blog Hop to Share Ideas about Keeping Your Dog Strong and Healthy!

About the Author: As a dedicated lifestyle athlete and co-inventor of the award winning DogTread® Dog Treadmill, K9FIT Vest™ and the StayBall® Balance Ball, Krista Wickens has a unique understanding of the mechanics of fitness for both the human and canine body. As a former fitness product manager, Krista created best-selling products used by the biggest names in Human Fitness for such iconic brands as Reebok, Gold’s Gym and NordicTrack. Her love for animals, particularly dogs started on a Montana Cattle Ranch where she was raised. She trained her first dog Bear at the age of 7. These experiences have led to the development of a unique line of canine fitness products that are designed from a dog’s perspective and take into account the unique aspects of canine behavior and anatomy. Krista is also the co-author and producer of Treading for Dogs DVD and 30-day Dog Treadmill Training Program, please email info@dogtread.com for more information.

A well-rounded canine exercise program should include resistance training. Find out how to add resistance safely and effectively to benefit your dog’s health.

Did you know that canine resistance or strength training is the one type of exercise that not only improves your dog’s cardiovascular and structural strength, but it can also improve balance, increase bone density and help your canine lose weight?

Canine Resistance training, also known as strength training in the canine world has long been relegated to constricting weighted vests, cart pulling, chain pulling or precariously loaded backpacks. The unpredictable shift of weights and constriction of movement make them potentially dangerous and not ideal for those without extensive knowledge in canine movement and anatomy.

However, using resistance training products that are made to work with a dogs body, like the K9 Fitness Vest™, can not only help your dog build strength, but it is a great way to add versatility to any dog activity. The K9 Fitness Vest was designed not to slide, shift or chafe. Progressive Fitness Level programming enables you to gradually and progressively challenge different muscles safely. Additionally, the compression material also helps with sensory integration providing a gentle hug and pressure to help your dog become less sensitive to new activities like using a dog treadmill or walking in a crowd, but consider these other benefits.

Canine Resistance Training: The Why
The goal of resistance training is to gradually and progressively make ordinary movements more difficult with the end goal to strengthen the muscular, skeletal and cardiovascular systems and overall improve canine health.

1. Build a Strong Foundation
Bone density and muscle strength is critical for maintaining a sound structural canine form. It is the foundation for everything a dog does. Without the basic building blocks secure and strong the body becomes a house of cards. Resistance Training has been proven in both the canine and human world to help reverse bone and muscle loss and establish a sound foundation from which to develop a strong dog for athletic performance or for companionship health.

2. Target Multiple Components of Fitness
Resistance Training is also known as Strength Training because it strengthens and tones muscles, but it also is known to improve endurance, body composition (reshaping of the muscles) flexibility, balance and posture.

3. Disease Prevention
Rehabilitation experts often prescribe resistance activities for human and canine patients that have or are prone to develop arthritis and osteoporosis. As well it can be used to help improve glucose control in some cases of diabetes.

4. Improve Behavior
Just like cardio activities, resistance training can also elevate the natural endorphins which make dogs feel good.

5. Jump Start Weight Loss
More calories are needed to make and maintain muscles. Resistance training is known to boost metabolism so it can help to jumpstart a weight loss program, if done correctly. For extremely overweight and obese dogs a special program is recommended and you should seek advisement from your Vet.

Get Fit. Play Fit. Stay Fit™
Resistance training just like any exercise program works most effectively utilizing a holistic strategy. That simply means in addition to an exercise program you shouldn’t ignore the nutritional needs, proper hydration, stretching and rest that is also required to build a strong foundation.

It is always best to get a clean bill of health from your Vet before beginning any exercise program. If your dog has health issues, talk to your Vet about what type of Exercise Program is best. You can also work with a knowledgeable Canine Fitness Expert to design an Exercise Training program that will be safe and effective for your dog.

Need a Canine Fitness Expert? If you are considering implementing resistance or exercise training program or products for your Vet or Canine Rehabilitation practice, your Retail Store, or your home, and want additional information on this topic, or perhaps you need help with the training process, please email us at info@dogtread.com, call us at 877.563.5151 or visit our website www.dogtread.com

About the Author: As a dedicated lifestyle athlete and co-inventor of the award winning DogTread® dog treadmill, K9FIT Vest™ and the StayBall® Balance Ball, Krista Wickens has a unique understanding of the mechanics of fitness for both the human and canine body. As a former fitness product manager, Krista created best selling products used by the biggest names in Human Fitness for such iconic brands as Reebok, Gold’s Gym and NordicTrack. Her love for animals, particularly dogs started on a Montana Cattle Ranch where she was born and raised. She trained her first dog Bear at the age of 7. These experiences have led to the development of a unique line of canine fitness products that are designed from a dog’s perspective and take into account the unique aspects of canine behavior and anatomy. Krista is also the co-author and producer of Treading for Dogs DVD and 30-day Step-by-Step Treadmill Program, please email info@dogtread.com for more information.

Without regular activity we (our dogs and us) become irritable, restless, we gain weight, we lose muscle tone, we become less productive and we bark more! Plainly, we just don’t feel as good.  The good news…You don’t need to train for a marathon to feel good – you just need to move at a pace that will elevate your heart and make you breathe a little harder.

Failing to exercise can lead to a variety of health problems for you and your dog. From the more obvious weight gain to sometimes the less obvious depression, plus the lack of exercise is proven to lead to a shorter life for both dogs and their people. If getting started is difficult, consider these 5 tips:

1)      Rise and Shining – Exercise early in the morning, before you eat breakfast, before phones ring, before anything. Rising early to work out jump starts your metabolism – yes you actually will burn more calories throughout the day if you begin with exercise. Start by setting your alarm 15 minutes early and work up to 40 minutes to an hour before you start your regular morning routine.

2)      Workout Buddy – The best workout partner you could ever hope for is your dog. They won’t bail on you with a list of excuses. They enjoy just being with you. They won’t tell you they don’t want to go. They don’t have the same hang ups that we do about exercise. They are just glad to go anywhere with you. Granted some dogs are more suited for longer outings than others. But all dogs need exercise and benefit from a good endorphin rush as much as we do.

3)      Convenience – If it isn’t convenient, we often won’t follow through. If weather is an issue, plan to exercise indoors. Treadmills made for humans and dog treadmills are a great way to exercise together. Even a Rower, Elliptical or Stair Climber next to your dog’s treadmill is a great way to exercise together.  If you plan to go outside, set out your clothes and shoes the night before.

4)      Consistency – You don’t need to create an elaborate workout plan. Make it simple to start. If you haven’t exercised for a while, just strive for consistency. Start with small goals and then extend them. Make a commitment to give yourself and your dog 10 days of consistent exercise – then add 10 more. Over 90% of people who exercise consistently exercise in the morning.

5)      Purposeful Movement – Whatever activity you choose, do it with purpose and intensity. Pay attention to your movements and form think strength and purpose. Enjoy the activity you are doing, smile. I like to find a positive mantra to read and focus on before I exercise. Repeat it over and over as you move.

I encourage you to take care of you and your dog(s). You have one life to live – live it well and live it full!  Be good to yourself and the ones who look to you to help make their life long and happy.

If you need help getting started we are happy to help you. We have people coaches and dog coaches to create easy Fur Fitness programs for you to follow.

Your DOG is your BEST WORKOUT Buddy! See Customer Callie and Frank Bradford working it out together.

About the Author: As a dedicated lifestyle athlete and co-inventor of the award winning DogTread® dog treadmill, K9FIT Vest™ and the StayBall® Balance Ball, Krista Wickens has a unique understanding of the mechanics of fitness for both the human and canine body. As a former fitness product manager, Krista created best selling products used by the biggest names in Human Fitness for such iconic brands as Reebok, Gold’s Gym and NordicTrack. Her love for animals, particularly dogs started on a Montana Cattle Ranch where she was born and raised. She trained her first dog Bear at the age of 7. These experiences have led to the development of a unique line of canine fitness products that are designed from a dog’s perspective and take into account the unique aspects of canine behavior and anatomy. Krista is also the co-author and producer of Treading for Dogs DVD and 30-day Step-by-Step Treadmill Program, please email info@dogtread.com for more information.