The Essential Elements: Six Foundation Movements for Every Fitness Program
Written by K9 Fitness Solutions
Some movements show up in almost every canine fitness exercise. At K9 Fitness Solutions, we call them the Essential Elements. They are the building blocks of controlled, balanced and efficient movement, and they give your dog a basis to build on.
These movements are closely linked to how well your dog uses its body, and to a basic level of proprioception, or body awareness. A dog that does them well knows how to engage its body and use it effectively. That is why the Essential Elements form the base of the K9 Fitness Pyramid, underneath every other block of fitness.
The six movements
- Stand to Sit: a tucked sit, with the rear feet coming forward under the dog
- Sit to Stand: stepping back into a stand from the sit
- Stand to Down: folding into a sphinx down
- Down to Stand: rising from the sphinx down
- Front Paws on Target
- Walk Backwards
Each movement looks easy at first glance, but each should be done in a very specific way. Practice them until your dog can do them easily and gracefully. When they are done well, the right muscles are doing the work, and every exercise built on them is safer and more effective.
One more essential element
There is one more essential element, and it isn't a movement at all. It is the communication between you and your dog. Your dog needs to understand what you are asking before it can use its body well, engage the right muscles and build fitness. Without that connection, you and your dog will find the Essential Elements challenging.
Start with our free course
To see whether you and your dog have mastered the Essential Elements, take our free Essential Elements course. You will review the six foundation movements, see exactly how your dog should do each one, and learn the common mistakes to avoid, all while building your communication with your dog.