An introduction to canine conditioning
By Faye Sparkes
Faye Sparkes showing Optimus Therapy Tech dog Indy, the basics of canine conditioning.
Canine conditioning provides a systematic approach to training your dog, both physically and mentally, in order to enhance health, well being and performance.
For Optimus Ambassador, Faye Sparkes, it’s one of a number of services she provides her patients and an integral part of her own dogs lives, helping to keep them fit and healthy. Here, Faye describes her assessment process for patients and how conditioning forms part of a wider treatment programme for Golden Retrievers Pippie and Lilli.
“Canine conditioning is an integral part of my dogs lives, to help they be as healthy and fit as they possibly can be. ”
Firstly, it’s important to be aware that the foundation skills for canine conditioning must be solid before you move up the levels of difficulty. Some dogs may never be physically able to work on unstable items, however fab they look on social media.
Where do we start?
All my clients’ dogs receive a gait assessment before they start and we then work on floor positions before moving on to stable items. For dogs, recovering from injury, canine conditioning forms part of their physiotherapy (and rehabilitation) treatment, but it’s also a great tool for owners who want to keep their dogs on top form, whether they’re pets or working dogs.
Every dog has its own exercise plan that guardians will follow at home in order to maximise the benefits in-between sessions. Sessions are short - a max of 30 minutes - and yes, that’s true even for the working collies as we we don't want to over-exert the dog.
Introducing the dogs
Pippie loves her canine conditioning sessions with Faye.
Meet Pippie - a 7 year old Golden Retriever
Pippie has been enjoying canine conditioning since a puppy and loves to work!
However, foundations are key and while she can do the fancy unstable items, it isn’t always needed to get results..
Three years ago Pippie had puppies. Her exercise plan flexed before, during and after pregnancy, helping her get back to her old self. A few months ago she was spayed, so once again, different exercises were required to help her before and after surgery.
Pippie receives clinical canine massage treatment sessions every month, using Optimus Lumina, red and infrared light therapy when needed. She also undertakes canine conditioning twice weekly with these sessions replacing her walks for the day.
Meet Lilli - a 4 year old Golden Retriever
Two years ago Lilli ruptured her left cruciate ligament. Luckily for her, she has enjoyed canine conditioning sessions since puppyhood. As a result, she had a really strong start and was in great condition prior to her surgery, which also supporting her recovery post-op.
Lilli exhibits left hind leg rotation due to bone placement from the surgery: this affects her the most and our exercises are tailored to supporting her compensatory body. She really enjoys her sessions and runs up into my Treatment Room.
With Lilli, I use stable items to help her learn how to hold and move her body in the correct way. We do lots of pole work!
Lilli also benefits from clinical canine massage sessions every two weeks and we use the Optimus Lumina red and infrared light therapy device three times a day. She undertakes 3 canine conditioning sessions per week, and these replace her walks on those days.
For more information on Faye’s work with canine conditioning, canine massage and rehabilitation, please visit: Sparkes Animal Therapies.
