Date: Coming Soon!

Cost: TBD

Duration: TBD

When you watch a dog move, do you ever wonder what you should be watching to objectively evaluate conformation, gaits, and asymmetry? Do you know the common conformation faults and possible consequences of various defects? Do find yourself contemplating on how the muscles, tendons, ligaments and bone produce movement? Can you name the footfalls of the common gaits? Even if you have some insight into a few of the questions, the progressive dog person can always use more. Course Objectives: Students learn basic canine anatomy, palpation, and range of motion skills, conformation evaluation, static and movement analysis. Understanding structure and patterns of movement will enable students to visualize which joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles are utilized during movement. In addition, students will learn to recognize gait abnormalities and will be taught basics of the lameness examination and specific musculoskeletal abnormalities. This knowledge base will enhance owners, trainers, caregivers, breeders, judges and canine body worker’s skills.
Learning Outcomes: After completing this course, the student will be able to
  • know the footfall of the dog’s in all performed gaits
  • employ gait diagramming in their work program
  • list the common conformation faults of the dogs
  • list the structures which make up the stay and reciprocal apparatuses
  • employ the palpation skills required to locate surface anatomy to place markers for bone measurement, joint angle and inclination for conformation and gait assessment
  • know the basic terminology used for biomechanics and canine locomotion
  • know the history of canine biomechanics
  • list the structure and the function of the head and neck
  • know the protocol to analysis canine movement using high-speed cinematography
Course Activities and Presentation: This subject matter for this course is presented in a variety of mediums. Independent home study is required by completing the provided Study Guide prior to the course for those just beginning their studies. The time required will vary on the student’s comprehension level of veterinary anatomy and vocabulary. The classroom lecture portions are usually followed by lab practicals in the classroom and on the subject (in this case the dog). The classroom lecture may be supported by visual aids (slides, PowerPoint, model, specimen or overheads) and discussion. The lab practical vary depending on the topic and can be supported by templates, labeling sessions, gait analysis sessions, muscle and surface anatomy identification and practical hands-on. Independent additional study activities are required in the evening. This study will be evaluated through self-assessments and quizzes. Should you have any specific requirements or needs, please discuss this with the Director of Operations, Mr. Paul Hougard so we can address your needs and prepare the instructor prior to the course. Class Outline:
  • Gait analysis and evaluation guideline
  • Conformation evaluation
  • Locating palpation points
  • Causes and symptoms of the lame horse
  • Subjective analysis of conformation: Limb deviations, rotations, and determination of symmetry
  • Basic anatomy and terminology
  • Preventing lameness
  • Defining and diagramming the basic gaits
  • History of biomechanics
  • Biomechanical techniques
  • High-Speed Cinematography
  • Equipometry discussion
  • Measuring dogs
  • Stay Apparatus: structure, function, and palpation of the forelimb
  • Reciprocal and Stay Apparatus: structure, function, and palpation of the hindlimb
  • Structure and function of the head and neck
  • Video problem solving and discussion
  • Sports analysis/video presentations & problem-solving for various disciplines
None
Required Course Text: What’s Your Angle by Helen Grinnell King Course Handouts: Free
Coming soon!
Coming soon!