Growing Up FDSA - Free Ebook

Build a Winning Conditioning Plan!

Don't let the title fool you... this class isn't limited to "sport" dogs. The principles of effective conditioning apply to every dog, whether they're a cherished family companion, hiking buddy, therapy dog, conformation competitor, performance athlete, or simply your best friend.

In human athletics, we don't wait until someone is an Olympian to think about fitness ... we recognize that everyone benefits from a program that's appropriate for their body, lifestyle, and goals. Dogs are no different. The same principles that help canine athletes perform at their best also help pet dogs move more comfortably, stay stronger as they age, recover from life's everyday adventures, and enjoy a healthier, more active life.

If you want your dog to move better, feel better, and stay active for years to come, this class is for you.

Fitness and conditioning are the foundation of a healthy, capable dog. A thoughtful fitness plan isn't just about building strength ... it's about improving movement, balance, coordination, confidence, and overall physical well-being. Every dog benefits from a conditioning program that's tailored to their individual body, lifestyle, and goals.

This class is designed for everyone, regardless of your dog's age, activity level, or your previous experience with canine fitness. Whether you're just getting started or looking to take a more intentional approach to your dog's conditioning, you'll gain the knowledge and practical skills to build a program that works for your individual dog.

Throughout the class, you'll learn how to evaluate your dog's current physical abilities, identify areas that would benefit from targeted conditioning, and create a progressive fitness plan tailored to their unique needs. We'll discuss how to safely select and progress exercises, build balanced conditioning programs, and adapt your plan as your dog grows, ages, or their activities change.

This class is designed to give you tools you'll continue using long after the course ends. You'll work through multiple conditioning plans and exercise progressions so you understand not only what to do, but why you're doing it. By the end of the class, you'll have the confidence to assess your dog's physical needs, create a customized conditioning plan, and continue building strength, mobility, and resilience for years to come. New exercises have been added to this course. 

Whether your goal is a healthier family dog, a stronger canine athlete, or simply helping your dog enjoy an active, mobile life, this class will give you the framework to get there. One of my favorite things about conditioning is that the benefits extend far beyond fitness. As a behavior specialist, I see every conditioning session as an opportunity to build confidence, improve communication, and strengthen the partnership between dogs and their people. My hope is that you'll leave this class not only knowing how to build an effective conditioning plan, but with a deeper understanding of your dog's body ... and an even stronger bond with your teammate.

Teaching Approach

Learning happens best with clear structure, consistent expectations, and a step-by-step approach that builds skills intentionally. With years of university-level teaching experience, I bring research-informed methods and thoughtful lesson design to every class. My goal is to help handlers understand not just what to do, but why it works, so they can raise confident, capable dogs who move intentionally and perform their best in sports, the show ring, or everyday life.

In my online classes and workshops, handlers are guided step by step to create custom conditioning plans for their dogs. Each week includes lectures with videos and images to bring the concepts to life, while homework follows a consistent, progressive structure that builds foundational skills before adding more advanced exercises. Supplemental materials offer alternative equipment options and creative DIY solutions, making it easy to participate no matter what setup you have at home.

Students enrolled in working Gold spots receive personalized guidance through a combination of voice-over video reviews and written feedback. This approach allows each team to get targeted, practical support while also giving auditors the chance to learn by observing the coaching process and applying those insights to their own training.

This class will have a Teacher's Assistant (TA) available.

Instructor: Ashley Escobar

 Ashley Escobar (she/her) has been training dogs and their people for over 20 years. She is a retired college professor of mathematics with a masters of mathematics and also holds a master’s degree in veterinary science, with advanced veterinary coursework and a background in clinical canine rehabilitation also studying animal biomechanincs. ..(Click here for full bio and to view Ashley's upcoming courses)