The AKC Fit Dog program (https://www.akc.org/sports/akc-family-dog-program/akc-fit-dog/), developed in collaboration with Blue-9 Pet Products, is designed to help keep your dog in shape while teaching essential fitness and body awareness skills. Through proper instruction on form and safety, you will learn exercises to enhance your dog's balance, flexibility, stamina, and overall body fitness. Many of these exercises also serve as a foundation for fun and creative tricks. This course utilizes luring, capturing, and shaping techniques to teach new skills, ensuring a fun and engaging learning experience for both dogs and their handlers.
Sessions run for 6 weeks and are held Wednesday nights at 7:00 PM.
Pre-registration is required and payment must be received to guarantee a spot in the class. Fit Dog Level 1 is $90. Class size is limited to 8.
Prerequisites:
- Dogs must be at least 6 months old and have no underlying orthopedic issues or veterinary restrictions. Exercises will be modified for dogs under a year.
- Dogs must have completed a puppy or beginning obedience class.
The minimum age for handling a dog or puppy in class is 12 years, and all handlers under 16 years must have a parent or guardian present during the class.
DOGS MUST BE IMMUNIZED. Proof of immunization will be requested upon registration or you must bring documentation to the first session.
Fit Dog Level 1 skills:
· Tuck Sit
· Nose Touch
· Front Paw Targeting
· Shake Paws
· Cookie Stretches
· Kick Back Stand
· Spins
· Fold Back Down
· Cavaletti Poles
· Rear Leg Pivots
Equipment:
Dogs should wear a well-fitted flat collar or martingale. A list of optional equipment for home practice will be provided during the class.
Certification:
A passing score in this class fulfills one of the requirements for earning AKC Fit Dog Titles. These non-competitive titles allow dog owners to choose from a variety of activities to qualify, and additional details will be provided during the course.
For questions or more information, please call Cathy Keeler at (530) 622-6909.
