Have you been working on the foundation FUNCTIONAL FITNESS exercises? If you and your dog are relatively fluent (e.g., 80% successful) with the foundation FUNCTIONAL FITNESS exercises, it is time to build upon the foundation skills and progress forward. Check out the three progression FUNCTIONAL FITNESS exercises!

These fitness exercises build upon the functional aspect of the foundation functional fitness exercises, and further improves your dog’s balance, body awareness, and strength.

FUNCTIONAL FITNESS EXERCISE 4:

Move between two targets -> Side stepping

Goal:

• Side-step (i.e., move sideways) between targets

Benefits of this exercise:

• Promotes body awareness

• Strengthens abductors (i.e., muscles that move joints away from one another) and adductors (i.e., muscles that move joints closer to one another)

How is this exercise FUNCTIONAL?

• This exercise builds upon the pattern of moving between two targets. As we change the distance between the targets, the dog is encouraged to move in their most natural manner, which allows the natural movement of side-stepping

• Side-stepping helps strengthen the abductors (of the leading leg) and the adductors (of the following leg)

• As the dog increases confidence in side-stepping, we can gradually fade out the targets

FUNCTIONAL FITNESS EXERCISE 5:

Go around an object

Goal:

• Go around an object, clockwise and counter-clockwise

• Aim for controlled steps instead of “swinging” the body around

Benefits of this exercise:

• Promotes flexibility and balance

How is this exercise FUNCTIONAL?

• Similar to the circles exercise, this exercise simulates the dog’s movement of going around an object in their everyday life

• By using a target (i.e., a bowl in the video), we further encourage the dog to actively engage their muscles for flexion and extension as they move around an object, essentially engaging in active stretching

• This exercise can help improve a dog’s range of motion, and potentially reduce risk of injuries

• This is also an excellent warm-up prior to exercises

FUNCTIONAL FITNESS EXERCISE 6:

Moving step up/down between cones

Goal:

• Stepping up and down a slightly elevated surface while moving between two targets

• Aim for controlled movement and individual step up/down

Benefits of this exercise:

• Promotes body awareness and balance

• Improves endurace

• Builds independence

How is this exercise FUNCTIONAL?

• This setup combines several of the FUNCTIONAL FITNESS exercise to mimic what a dog may encounter in the real world: go from one end to the other while navigating a step

• Building upon the pattern of moving between the targets, the dog is encouraged to move in a controlled manner in their natural gait, which allows them to be more cognizant of their feet placement as they step up and down the elevated surface

• By encouraging the dog to move in their natural gait, it is easier for us to identify potential abnormalities (e.g., favoring one leg, difficulty with stepping down) for early intervention and/or treatment

• A dog with better body awareness is much better at navigating different terrains and/or objects they encounter in their everyday lives, which can potentially reduce risk of injuries

If your dog is not feeling well and/or has prior injuries, please consult your veterinarian prior to adding any new exercises. It is always better to err on the side of caution.

For dogs with no known injuries and/or illnesses, these FUNCTIONAL FITNESS exercise progressions are safe and appropriate for healthy dogs of all ages, from wee puppies to senior dogs. Once your dog is comfortable with the foundation FUNCTIONAL FITNESS exercises, these progressions can be used to further improve their balance, body awareness, and flexibility. Many dogs will also gain confidence as they become more fluent in these exercises.

Incorporate some of these FUNCTIONAL FITNESS exercises 3-4 days a week and help improve your dog’s well-being. Even if you only have 5 minutes a day, you can probably fit in 1-2 FUNCTIONAL FITNESS exercises!

Happy training!