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September 2007
CANINE STRUCTURE, MOVEMENT &
MASSAGE SEMINAR
In September, Joanne Lang MCMT came to Alaska and Gone
To The Dogs for the first time. She brought her
expertise and lost her luggage. Lucky for us, she carried on her
seminar materials.
Participants included agility handlers, mushers and pet owners.
Her class, although geared toward athletic dogs, was applicable
to all of our best friends.
The seminar included assessment of each dog’s structure (with
focus on the front end) as well as beginning core exercises to
condition them for the activities they participate in. Owners
also learned basic massage techniques to help them address any
problem areas as well as a bonding technique. Some of the dogs
really got into this.
Joanne has a wealth of experience with and an excellent eye for
quadrupeds. Her methods for training dogs to move from the rear
were reinforced with videos, observation and exercises.
Participants left the seminar understanding why they were doing
the exercises they were taught as well as with a new
appreciation for paying attention to their dog’s body language.
Conditioning for sport instead of using sport for conditioning
was the mantra of the weekend.
Participants said that they appreciated the “hands on” approach.
Although the weekend was long and packed with information,
A good time was had by all. “I really enjoyed this class. I know
that the techniques will help my athletes perform their job more
safely and comfortably. I will be able to take the information
back to all of my dogs”
“We should’ve had a slumber party...when are you coming back for
Part II?”
“I will definitely use the exercises and warm-ups especially”
Joanne only got a taste of Alaska but she is hungry for more.
She will be returning in February/March for Part II and the
start of the Iditarod!
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