Canine & Human Fitness Together In One Class!
Cavaletti — Great Canine Fitness Activity
Cavaletti is a great exercise to add to your pet’s fitness routine, but what is it?
Simply put, cavaletti is low-set poles. By encouraging your pet to slowly walk over each pole* you:
Work your pet's hip flexors
Maintain and/or improve your pet's stride length
Help develop your pet's hind end awareness
Enhance you pet's sense of timing
*Your pet should slowly walk, not jump, over each pole. This will be especially hard for pets who have participated in agility.
Don’t have cavaletti? No problem. Check out my DIY Cavaletti Guide and Cavaletti instructions below.
A Few Cavaletti Guidelines
Height
The poles can be set at varying heights from or directly on the floor but should never be any higher than your pet’s hock (see photo on next page). Doing so often causes compensation elsewhere, like the back, which can lead to chronic/acute pain and/or injury.
Distance Apart
Begin by spacing each pole approximately one and a half body apart. Adjust as needed after observing if your pet can fully extend through each limb as they walk over every pole. Pet 2 feet long = Poles 3 feet apart
# Of Poles
This might be limited by the number of poles and/or books you have around your home. If possible, set up 4-6 poles, but you can do this with as little as one pole, making sure to have your pet approach the pole and then continue walking after stepping over it in a straight line.
You’ll Need
Broom, Mop, Swiffer, And/Or Any Other Rod To Act As A Pole (Nothing Toxic To Your Pet!)
You Pet’s Favorite Treats Or Kibble Prepared Into Pea-Sized Pieces
Carpet, Yoga Mat, Or Other Non-Skid Surface
At Least 4 Heavy Books For Each Pole
How To Cavaletti
Go to a carpeted room or lay down a yoga mat or other non-skid surface and set up cavaletti as pictured.
With a close, baited fist, lure your pet over the poles, holding your first at their nose height (long, level spine and neck from the base of the tail to the tip of the nose). Tell them your conditioned reinforcer (“Good”) and give them a treat after each or every few poles.
Return back and forth for a total of 10-20 poles. Repeat for 2-3 sets, making sure to watch for fatigue, and asking your pet to hold a stand (four feet on floor).
Troubleshooting Cavaletti
Your pet’s nails or feet are hitting the poles
The poles may be placed too high or your pet might be (getting) fatigued. The poles are getting knocked over: The poles are definitely too high and/or your pet is fatigued. Your pet is refusing: Your pet is fatigued. Take a slight break before continuing. If refusal continues, end your training session.
The poles are getting knocked over
The poles are definitely too high and/or your pet is fatigued.
Your pet is refusing
Your pet is fatigued. Take a slight break before continuing. If refusal continues, end your training session.
Cavaletti Intensity Level Options
Increase
Place the poles over an unstable surface like pillows, cushions, or wobble boards. This will combine balance and proprioception as well as hip flexion.
Decrease
Lower the poles or reduce the number of reps and/or sets.
Share Your Cavaletti Creation
Share a photo or video of your pet using your DIY Cavaletti on facebook.com/feetandpaws
Exercise With Your Dog With Feet & Paws
Workout With Your Dog Classes
Private Canine & Human Fitness Training
Get & Stay Fit With The Best Exercise Buddy!
Pack Walks In & Around Eugene
Be social & active with your dog. All dogs welcome.
Other Dog & Fitness Training Opportunities
Dog & Puppy Training Classes
Guide Your Dog Through
The Basics & Beyond
The Basics & Beyond
Private Dog & Puppy Training
Establish Desired Behaviors & EliminateUnwanted Ones
Private Canine Fitness Training
Help Your Dog Lose Weight, Gain Strength, & Burn Energy
Canine Only Fitness Training
Focus On Your Dog’s Health—
This Class Is Going To The Dogs!
This Class Is Going To The Dogs!
Start My Free 21 Day Training Crash Course
Over the next three weeks, you’ll get helpful dog training tips and tutorials, fun canine and human fitness training exercises, and a collection of other healthy living guides right to your inbox.
You’ll also receive additional dog and fitness training pointers, cute and inspirational stories, and my class and pack walk schedule through my regular Fun Feet Pawblication©.
