AKC Fit Dog
Prerequisite – Dogs must be able to work off-leash around other dogs and maintain a one-minute stay
The Truckee Meadows Dog Training Club AKC Fit Dog classes are designed to develop strength, flexibility, coordination, body awareness, confidence, and endurance in your dog. For you, the handler, the classes will help apply attention, hand signals, and connection with your dog. All these skills are required to be successful in any dog sport and in conformation. Even if you don’t plan to work your dog in a specific discipline, every dog needs to be fit to enjoy a long, happy life with you. If your goal is to have some safe fun with your dog, a Fit Dog class fits the bill.
So, what do you do in an AKC Fit Dog class? You and your dog work with specific equipment such as adjustable platforms, balance pads, target bins, and Cavaletti poles. The equipment provides space parameters and balance challenges to maximize the usefulness of the exercise and ensure that the movements are performed safely with proper form. The final class in each Level is a Group Fit Dog Walk that can be modified in distance for the individual dog and handler.
There are three progressive levels of Fit Dog training: Levels 1, 2, and 3. Each level teaches the basic movements and exercises required for the successive level. AKC also offers 3 Fit Dog titles.
All dogs must be able to work off-leash around other dogs and handlers. Also dogs must be able to maintain a solid one-minute stay. Dogs who are injured, obese, in pain, or structurally limited in a way that would prevent them from safely performing the exercises should not take the class. Since the equipment can be adjusted, dogs of all sizes, ages, and abilities are welcome to join the fun.
