What is canine fitness?
Canine fitness is structured, non-medical physical activity intended for dogs that are appropriate for a general fitness or conditioning program.
Fitness activities can focus on areas such as movement, coordination, conditioning, strength, body awareness, and physical activity.
The goal is not to diagnose or treat a medical condition.
How is canine fitness different from veterinary rehabilitation?
The difference is primarily the purpose and medical framework of the service.
Veterinary rehabilitation is medical care provided within a veterinarian-directed plan for an individual patient.
Canine fitness is non-medical activity for dogs participating in general fitness, conditioning, recreational, or performance-related programs.
Some equipment and movement activities may look similar, but the two services are not interchangeable.
What can canine fitness include?
Depending on the dog and the program, canine fitness may include activities involving:
- Controlled movement
- Balance and coordination
- General conditioning
- Land-based fitness activities
- Aquatic activity
- Underwater treadmill activity
- Other appropriate fitness exercises
The activities used depend on the goals of the program and the individual dog.
Who is canine fitness for?
Canine fitness is intended for dogs that are appropriate for non-medical physical activity.
Dogs participating in fitness may include family pets, active dogs, sporting dogs, performance dogs, or dogs whose owners want to provide structured physical activity.
ATC may require information or referral from the dog's primary veterinarian before participation.
What if my dog has a medical or mobility concern?
A general fitness program is not a substitute for veterinary evaluation.
Dogs with injuries, known medical conditions, unexplained mobility changes, pain concerns, or rehabilitation needs should go through the appropriate veterinary process before participating in non-medical fitness activities.
The purpose of that distinction is to make sure medical concerns are addressed within the appropriate veterinary framework.
Does fitness have to involve intense exercise?
No.
Fitness and conditioning are not defined by how difficult an activity appears.
The appropriate level of activity depends on the dog, the program, and the established fitness goals.
A well-structured fitness session should reflect the individual dog rather than simply trying to create the hardest possible workout.
