AKC FIT DOG Class

The AKC FIT Dog is a fitness class designed to build your dog’s fitness, flexibility, cardio, and confidence through various skills taught over 6 weeks.

This class counts towards your dog’s AKC FITDOG Title as an achievement for your commitment with your dog!

Taught by Ashley Badgley, AKC FIT DOG Instructor, AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Certified Canine Behavior Practitioner, Certified Trick Dog Instructor

Benefits of FIT DOG Course

We know how important staying fit is for humans, but fitness also is very important for our dog’s physical health, mental health, and behavior. So what benefits can you expect?

  • Confidence building for anxious, reactive, and shy dogs

  • Stronger bond between you and your dog

  • Increased listening skills

  • Less boredom and destructive behaviors

  • Tires out hyper and energetic dogs

  • Learn how to practice fitness safely and with proper form

  • FUN for you and your dog!

This is a virtual class held in a private Facebook group.

Required Equipment for Class

  • Well Fitting Harness or Collar (Such as Blue-9 Balance Harness)

  • Regular 5-6 Foot Leash

  • Training Treats your dog LOVES

  • Treat Pouch or pocket to hold treats in

  • Training Platform such as a KLIMB or Cato Board (You can use any solid platform or low profile dog bed that is no more than 12” tall)

  • Two Rubber Feed Bowls (Available at farm stores too) or another solid bowl that your dog can fit both front paws on.

Optional Equipment:

Dog and Handler Requirements

You should have a base level of training done with your dog so they understand how training works. You may have attended puppy or basic manners classes with your dog or have done most training at home.

Dogs who attend must be in good health with no current injuries or prior injures that may inflict discomfort or pain. If your dog has a prior injury, please consult your vet first before joining FIT DOG Class.

This class is taught using positive reinforcement training. Dogs should not be forced to perform any fitness behavior for class or evaluations.

FAQs

  • During Level 1 FIT DOG class you will learn the following skills

    • Canine Fitness Safety

    • Tuck Sit

    • Nose Touch

    • Cardio Warmup Games

    • Front Paw Targeting

    • Shake a Paw

    • Cool Down Games and Flexibility

    • Kick Back Stand

    • Spin Left/Spin Right

    • Cavaletti Poles

    • Fold Back Down

    • Pivoting with Rear Legs

    • How to Troubleshoot

    • And much more!

  • This class earns you points towards your AKC FIT DOG Title but there are other categories required to qualify such as a group walk, independent walk, swimming, or other activity. Your FIT DOG instructor can direct you to an activity that can help you earn you points!

    For Bronze, this class is worth 3 points, Silver 6 points, and Gold 3 points.

    Once you complete Level 1 class, you can move onto Level 2 class, and then Level 3!

  • More info can be found on the AKC’s website. If you have any specific questions you can also reach out to me.

  • Once you sign up for the class, you will be emailed a link to join the private Facebook group. Introduce yourself and your pup!

    Once class begins, videos will be posted each week with exercises for you to practice with your dog at home. Feel free to ask any questions in the group and share videos of your progress!

    Videos are not Live so don’t worry about being there at a specific time.

    When class wraps up after 6 weeks, you can submit your videos to earn points towards your AKC FIT DOG Title by posting to the group, or privately messaging/emailing me.

AKC FIT DOG Group Walks

Another great way to earn AKC FIT DOG Title points are group walks!

These are randomly scheduled, to see the next group walk, follow the Canine Speak Dog Training Facebook Page!