Dog Behavior

This is the second in a 4 part series of classes focused on canine fitness and conditioning. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive program that will allow you to understand and safely implement an exercise program for dogs. We will review canine anatomy, canine conditioning and physiology, exercise physiology and science, movement and gait, nutrition, common canine conditions, and programs.  This program will help you design a program for dogs – whether it is for overall health and fitness or for a specific sport and activity.  

Gold members will be eligible to go through the examination process to be awarded a certficate in canine fitness. Participants will need to check their own regulatory guidelines by the state and country and are fully responsible for their own limitations. This 4 course series will be followed by a comprehensive examination given by Wizard of Paws and a submission of four case studies.  If the two portions are successfully completed, a Canine Fitness Trainer Certificate will be awarded. Only gold members will be eligible to complete the examination.  

This series will complement the K9 conditioning classes, but with more depth and more detail, in addiiton to further topics. 

Target Audience: Persons interested in learning more on how to work on physical conditioning and exercise with dogs.  Participants may be involved in dog training, exercise, or for their knowledge only. If you are interested in expanding your knowledge on canine fitness and taking it to another level – this program is for you!  You may want to explore a different career and offer programs to clients, friends, or increase your ability to help your own dogs.  

Teaching Approach

 A main lecture will be released weekly, with the homework assignment for that week.  There may be supplemental lectures added to the course.  The supplemental lectures may contain additional homework and/or discussions in the discussion thread. 

Instructor: Debbie (Gross) Torraca

Deborah (Gross) Torraca (she/her), DPT, MSPT, Diplomat ABPTS, CCRP has been involved in the field of animal physical rehabilitation for over 17 years and currently owns a small animal rehabilitation practice in Connecticut called Wizard of Paws Physical Rehabilitation for...(Click here for full bio and to view Debbie's upcoming courses)