Penn Vet Working Dog Center Performance Medicine

The Plank! Although simple for the dog to perform, the exercise does require the handler to have a keen eye and attention to detail. Depending on the size of the dog the set up for the forelimbs may change. The forelimb platform consists of two cinderblocks side by side, then stacked cinder blocks until the top of the block is at the dog’s chest or manubrium height. This stack should be positioned so that the dog’s forepaw can fit between the edge and the stack. The stack is ...used to help keep the dog’s forelimbs perpendicular to the ground. The hindlimbs are place on the front edge of the rear cinder block. For guidance on the appropriate distances for the Plank please see our paper below and future posts! The Plank works the same muscles as a human plank exercise with the main focus on core stability! Upton, a 11 month old Lab in training for USAR. This distance is level 6 out of 10 for Upton’s size. Click this link to find the entire PVWDC FTW Program. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00470. #pennvetworkingdogcenter #pennvetwdc #performance #k9 #pvwdconference #k9unit #dualpurposek9 #dogathlete #rehab #caninefitness #k9handler #k9fitness #k9sportsmedicine #performancemedicine #workout #dogworkout #workingdog #searchandrescue #singlepurposek9 #labradors #malinois #germanshepherd #dutchshepherd #USAR Kasey Seizova 2020 Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania

Check out this newly published review article by Dr. Chris Zink about working dog structure and the relationship with function. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.559055

We have recently received direct messages asking for posts of how to set up the Fit To Work exercises. For the remainder of the week we will be posting photos of the set ups for FTW. In response to the requests we are creating instructional posters as well, more details to follow once the posters are finalized. here is the Squat set up. The platform where the dog squats is created by two side by side standard cinder blocks (16in x 8in x 8in). The stack is created by placin...g two cinder blocks side by side and stacking them two by two until the maximum height for that dog for their given level of fitness. The maximum height is determined by the size of the dog. The stack may not be higher than the dog’s shoulder highlighted by the blue line in this photo. Click this link to find the entire PVWDC FTW Program. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00470. #pennvetworkingdogcenter #pennvetwdc #performance #k9 #pvwdconference #k9unit #dualpurposek9 #dogathlete #rehab #caninefitness #k9handler #k9fitness #k9sportsmedicine #performancemedicine #workout #dogworkout #workingdog #searchandrescue #singlepurposek9 #labradors #malinois #germanshepherd #dutchshepherd 2020 Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania Photo Credit Krasimira Seizova

Register here to learn about the occupational hazards of working and sport dogs from Dr. Otto! https://my.royalcanin.com/livece https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZfRmS9E1QbqLeJL3I2IZpw

Proud to share this video of National Disaster Search Dog Foundation K9 Bosco. SDF has begun to implement our Fit To Work program with all of their dogs. In the video, Bosco is doing an advanced exercise at an advanced level. This exercise is the Chipmunk also known as the sit pretty or beg. Note Bosco’s excellent sit position with his knees over his toes, straight spine, and neutral head position. In addition to holding his body weight he has to maintain his balance on the u...nstable surface below. CAUTION: this is NOT safe for all dogs. A dog must have an established posture sit, strong core (abs and back) muscles, and advanced proprioception skills. We are thrilled that the SDF dogs are excelling and enjoying our Fit To Work program! #pennvetworkingdogcenter #fittowork #searchdogfoundation #pennvetwdc #performance #k9 #pvwdconference #dogathlete #rehab #caninefitness #k9handler #k9 #pvwdconference #k9unit #dogathlete #rehab #caninefitness #k9fitness #k9sportsmedicine #performancemedicine #workout #dogworkout #workingdog #usar #labradorretriever #labradorsofinstagram #search #searchandrescue #wildernesssearchandrescue

Pictured is the Plank exercise. The Plank is a safe and effective way to primarily build core (back and abdominal) stability. Secondarily the Plank develops proprioception, forelimb stability, and hindlimb stability. Form and function of this exercise is simple yet precise. See future posts when we will discuss how to develop the Plank with your dog. PVWDC Coyote at12 weeks of age. Credit @adogtrainersdiary.

Today as we celebrate our 8th Anniversary, we honor those who lost their lives and those who served at 9/11 through our working dogs. We are proud to be able to honor their legacy by researching the best methods of injury prevention, recovery, and peak performance for our K9 heroes. ______________________________________ K9 Bretagne, TX-TF1 who served at 9/11 sits with her namesake Bretagne who is a PVWDC graduate trained in diabetic alert. ______________________________________ Design By Shelby Wise

The PVWDC Fit to Work program has made it to the West Coast! Ukee, a 10 month old German Shorthaired Pointer demonstrates the FTW Squat. The Squat builds hind end musculature as seen in the video. Click this link to find the entire PVWDC FTW Program. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00470. #pennvetworkingdogcenter #pennvetwdc #performance #k9 #pvwdconference #k9unit #dualpurposek9 #dogathlete #rehab #caninefitness #k9handler #k9fitness #k9sportsmedicine #performancemedicine #workout #dogworkout #workingdog #searchandrescue #singlepurposek9 #germanshorthairedpointer

Click the link to see the Penn Vet Working Dog Center August Newsletter. There is a video at the end of the article demonstrating the Fit to Work exercises!

PUBLISHED!!! Our methods paper on the new Fit to Work program is officially out for the public! Click the link to read the entire paper. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00470

Bacco a 10 week old Malinois donated from @integrity_k9 is demonstrating how to exposure and train a puppy to perform the Squat exercise. The Squat and several other exercises are part of the PVWDC Fit To Work Foundational Fitness Training Program. A methods paper on the program is set to be published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science journal very soon! You can view the abstract here https://www.frontiersin.org//10./fvets.2020.00470/abstract. ... #pennvetworkingdogcenter #pennvetwdc #performance #k9 #pvwdconference #k9unit #dutchiesofinstagram #dualpurpose #dualpurposek9 #bitework #dogathlete #rehab #caninefitness #k9handler #k9fitness #k9sportsmedicine #performancemedicine #workout #dogworkout #2020 #workingdog #malinois #malinoisofinstagram #gsdofinstagram #usar #labradorretriever #labradorsofinstagram #search #searchandrescue

Swimming with an appropriate sized canine flotation device (life jacket) is an excellent activity for both rehabilitation and fitness. Note in the video, Baily’s range of motion in all four of her limbs. Many dogs will try to swim with their forelimbs only or as the predominant propeller. Always encourage your dog to use their hind limbs in full range of motion while swimming by supporting their body weight via a life jacket, pool noodle or an arm under their abdomen. cre...dit to @adogtrainersdiary : Baily is a 9yo German Shepherd. She became a performance medicine client following retirement from schutzhund competitions. Baily’s goals are to help with some age related mobility restrictions and re-establish overall muscle mass. #pvwdc #pennvetworkingdogcenter #pennvetwdc #performance #k9 #k9unit #gsd #germanshepherd #germanshepherdofinstagram #labradorretriever #sportingdog #schutzhund #bitework #dogathlete #rehab #caninefitness #k9fitness #k9sportsmedicine #performancemedicine #workout #dogworkout #swimming #dogswimming #dogswimmingpool