528 Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
worsens on softer terrain usually is associated
with a soft tissue injury. A lameness that wors-
ens on a harder surface frequently results from
an injury to a bony structure such as a joint
articular surface (e.g., osteoarthritis, joint insta-
bility, cartilage damage).
Injury therapy end goals can be different for
the working dog and handler than those for the
average pet and even competitive dog owner.
Injury recovery back to basic life functions may
be adequate for an animal that is fairly inactive
or is competing at focused activities a few days
a month, but basic function may not be enough
for some working tasks. The physical demands
of strenuous physical activity, often combined
with the neurological demands on other senses
such as scent, vision, and hearing, mean that
many working dogs are using maximum body
resources in multiple ways while training and
working. The presence of lingering pain, weak-
ness, or mechanical dysfunction can affect drive
and diminish endurance, scent capacity, and
ability to physically negotiate difficult terrain.
Element 2: The handler
Dogs come with handlers and trainers who
have their unique dog knowledge base and
their own high determination to succeed at
their jobs with their canine partners. Handlers
are often the bridge between the therapist and
the sponsoring agency, so it is key to have a
relationship based on good communication
and a common knowledge base (Figure 21.6).
Some handlers may be new to dog handling
with limited knowledge of anatomy, gait, and
the musculoskeletal and neurological demands
being placed on their dog, while others may
have more experience in specific aspects of dog
handling. Some handlers have a sensitive and
almost intuitive feel for their dog and others
may have a higher threshold before becoming
aware that a problem exists.
Most working dog handlers are goal-oriented
so their focus may be more on the outcome
rather than the process. Taking extra time in
the initial consultation with a dog/handler
pair can reduce the likelihood of miscommuni-
cation later, and helps develop a relationship
built on trust and knowledge rather than
conflict and misunderstanding. Because of the
goal-intensity of the handler, a veterinary ther-
apist might have to emphasize the importance
of rest more than might be necessary with a
single-owner dog. Determining a handler’s
perspective, competence, and even terminol-
ogy usage are the keys to creating a successful
health-care team.
If a veterinarian or therapist is unclear about
the terminology that a handler is using, he or
she should have no hesitation in asking the
handler to explain or clarify. Clear verbal com-
munication and written directions are key so
that handlers know what is expected of them,
the goals and timeline for rehabilitation, and
possible problems that might arise during the
rehabilitation period.
An example of terminology confusion
between the veterinary medical world and the
dog handling world is the use of the word
“conditioning.” To a veterinary rehabilitation
therapist, this term refers to a progressive
strengthening program designed to restore a
body-wide specific level of musculoskeletal,
neurological, and cardiopulmonary function.
But to dog trainers, conditioning refers to the
process of training a desired behavioral
response to a particular stimulus (DepartmentFigure 21.6 Handlers vary in their knowledge of canine
anatomy, gait, and health needs. This handler’s
knowledge helps to keep his dog injury-free under
extreme conditions. Source: Photo by Andrea Booher,
courtesy of FEMA.