[AU-080] Canine Fitness Programs

• You must be enrolled in this course to access the course forum.

Canine fitness is a targeted approach to keeping your dog strong, agile, and injury-free through structured exercises that build core strength, body awareness, balance, and coordination. In this self-paced online course, you’ll learn how to safely progress your dog from beginner to advanced levels of fitness with clear instruction, video demonstrations, and expert tips. Whether you’re prepping a performance dog or just want your pet to live a longer, healthier life, our Canine Fitness program offers a fun, effective way to meet your goals at your own pace. Choose the level that fits your dog best—Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced—and start building a stronger, more confident canine today!

Additional Course Details

• Faculty:
  • Shelly Switick
• Dates:
  • Independent Study Registration starts on July 8, 2025 and is open-ended.
  • Course material access never expires.
• Level:
  • Open to All
• Equipment needed:
  • Below is a list of items that I like to use in the fitness courses – but nothing is required. We can make modifications for most anything. Fitness is very FLEXIBLE and I can make substitutions for a lot of the exercises.
  • All Courses – My Favorites/Worth It/Must Haves:
    • Foam Balance Pad – one of my favorites and most versatile pieces. I use the XL size for my 25-40lb dogs. A small dog might could get by with a Large. 1 will get you by but I will often utilize 2 at the same time (or stack them). Cato Platforms – I have found the best benefit of having 1 of each size. Hands down LOVE these.XL Size

      Standard Size

      Feed Bowl – commonly found at a local feed supply store. The larger 4 quart is usually fine (something that your dog can place 2 feet on comfortably and not be squished. You just need 1.

  • Nice to have:
    • *If you have something at home that you are using or make your own equipment – consider adding traction tape to top so your stable equipment is non-slip. Elevated Platform – I don’t have a Klimb – I find they are very expensive for their purpose. If you have one, we will use it. But if you don’t and want to consider an affordable option I recommend this folding stool. I will often use things I have around the house as well, like a bench, ottoman, etc.
  • Intermediate/Advanced Specifics (In addition to the above):
    • Propel Air Platform – I love this one more than a fitbone style. 2 of these can honestly do so many of the exercises. It can cover majority of the unstable inflatable exercises. Similar to the propel but more affordable are these 14″ balance disc. Paw Pods (can be substituted with a cato plank, balance pad, or inflatable disc/propel/fitbone). These are worth getting NICE ones because unstable ones really just cause everyone frustration and it’s not a good time. TotoFit – Shipping is on the pricey side. Best quality though. 

      Flexiness – These are not perfect, but not as offensive and spikey as others. 

      Cavaletti + Cones – I get the bars as broom handles from the dollar tree or you can use wooden dowels from the hardware store. Trotting cavaletti exercises that we will cover won’t need the cones – you could prop up the bars with a book or brick.

• Office Hours:
  • Available at all times.
• Types of participation:
  • Beginner Level: This entry-level course introduces your dog to the fundamentals of fitness and body awareness. With a focus on building confidence, balance, and control, dogs will learn to safely engage with basic/stable equipment and begin developing strength for sports. Ideal for young or inexperienced dogs ready to start their fitness journey.
  • Intermediate Level: For dogs with a foundation in body awareness and basic fitness skills, this level challenges them with exercises that improve coordination, muscle engagement, and functional strength. Intermediate adds in more difficulty from the beginner level, making it ideal for focusing on strengthening your dogs muscles/tone and endurance. Each week adds progressive difficulty, helping dogs build power, control, and readiness for sport-specific movements.
  • Advanced Level: This level is for dogs who have completed the intermediate and are ready for increased challenge and precision. Exercises focus on advanced strength-building, dynamic balance, and explosive power using more complex movements and less stable equipment like inflatables and elevated platforms. Perfect for dogs preparing for high-level sport performance or needing targeted conditioning to improve stride, jumping, box work, and overall endurance.

Course Information

Estimated Time: Independent Study: Lifetime Access

Difficulty: Open to All

Categories: Flyball, Independent Study Registration Open

Course Instructor

Shelly Switick Instructor