Front Matter

246 Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation

dog’s height at the withers (Figure  10.26) (see
Chapter  2). The distance between the poles
is gradually increased 0.5–1′′ at a time so that
the dog must increase the force with which it
pushes off with the thoracic and pelvic limbs
and use the core musculature to suspend itself
over the ever‐increasing distance. To add an
additional strength component, the height of
the cavaletti can be increased to approximately
the height of the dog’s carpus.
Plyometrics. Plyometrics are exercises in which
muscles exert maximum force in short inter­

vals of time, with the goal of increasing power

(speed‐strength). Bounding from side to side

over a low jump is one way to accomplish

this (Figure  10.27). Generally, only experi­

enced trainers can get their dogs to land and

take off immediately, spending minimal time

on the ground.

Pelvic limb strength exercises

Running up hills. Having a dog retrieve

an object while running up progressively

Figure 10.25 Retrieving over short distances in the water is an excellent exercise as the dog gains strength pushing in
and out against the water.

Figure 10.26 Trotting over cavaletti poles spaced about as far apart as the dog’s height at the withers, then over
gradually increasing distances, is an excellent overall strengthening exercise.