K-9s in Motion With John Nielsen, CVT, VTS (ECC, Physical Rehabilitation), CVPP, CCRP, CCFT
As many performance owners/handlers know, it’s frustrating when a performance dog cannot participate in their sport due to an injury. When it comes to dogs participating in dock diving events, or any events requiring the dog to jump, injuries are often located in the toes, shoulders, hips, stifles, back and pelvis. Any of these minor or major injuries can prevent the dog from performing to its utmost potential.
Spotting potential problems early/prevention
According to John Nielsen, “Owners/handlers often report changes in performance, such as reluctance to jump off the dock, timing issues and a reduction in jump length or swim speed. Between competitions and training, owner/handlers may observe stiffness in the dog's daily movement or upon rising, a reluctance to get on or off furniture or use stairs, or even hesitancy to get in and out of a vehicle.”
Although the "slipperiness" of the dock surface is less likely than handler error to contribute to injuries, the dog's overall fitness also profoundly affects this. In addition to training skills needed for their sport, the dog should be athletically fit enough to participate regularly. According to John, such fitness should include body awareness, core muscle strength and stability and body control (being able to accelerate and decelerate rapidly and safely).
In future newsletters, John Nielsen will explore early signs your dog may have an injury, possible treatment options for the more common injuries associated with dock diving dogs, and simple exercises that you could include in warm-up routines that will reduce the occurrence of injuries. Nielsen, CVT, VTS (ECC, Physical Rehabilitation), CVPP, CCRP, CCFT, is the Co-Owner and Lead Practitioner of K-9 In Motion. His 25+ years of veterinary experience includes practicing and teaching at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Teaching Hospital, working in small animal and exotic general practice, working in emergency and specialty medicine, and working in the sports medicine field. John is a double-boarded veterinary technician specialist in Emergency and Critical Care and Physical Rehabilitation. In the meantime, enjoy the time spent participating in the sport with your dog, and good luck!
K-9 In Motion, LLC.
Cottage Grove, Minn.
612-240-8640