K9 Fitness Solutions

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 yo...