December schedule

Iliopsoas injuries are unfortunately becoming a fact in many performance dogs' lives, as well as the lives of active dogs. This course will review the reasons why so many dogs are suffering from iliopsoas issues, prevention of these problems, exercises and activities to assist in the prevention, addressing and recognizing and injury, appropriate exercises for an injury, and a safe, successful and realistic return to activities. Easy steps may be taken to assist in stacking the cards in your dogs' favor to help with the prevention of an iliopsoas problem. Dogs with predisposing factors, such as canine hip dysplasia, stifle disease, or lumbar transitionial vertebrae, should take extra steps to help them live an active and pain free life for the longest time possible. Your dog may be knocking the occasional bar in agility or refusing to walk on a slippery surface - there are many levels of iliopsoas problems and they all need to be addressed. Chronic iliopsoas problems may be associated with pelvic weaknesses or range of motion deficits. This course will not only examine the coordination of care for a dog with an iliopsoas problem but also steps to take to prevent an injury.

Senior dogs are the best, aren't they? Mature, skilled, and in tune with us! But, this is also the life stage when a bit of worry starts to creep into our thoughts. Are they strong enough? Am I doing enough to keep my older dog fit and happy? How do I know if my dog's aging is progressing normally? If you find that you are asking yourself any of those questions, this class may be for you!

Core strength is essential for absolutely everything that we, and our Canine teammates, do. From sitting, or standing still, lifting and moving limbs, to more complex whole body movements. The core musculature controls it all. This means that the core strength and mobility of both you, and your Canine teammate, can have a huge impact on functionality in life, and ease and success in sports and dog training related activities.

This course helps dogs learn patience, precision, and self-control through structured pattern games and targeted conditioning exercises. Each week blends mental focus work with physical awareness to build calm, thoughtful movement (see syllabus for details).