Blog
20 Jan 2017
Back and Leg Pain in Agility Handlers
BY MARGARET KRAELING, DPT, CCRTAt agility trials, I often hear handlers complaining of low back and knee pain after running their dogs all weekend. Certainly, the terrain is not ideal being either soft sand, uneven dirt (some sections softer than others) or grass which may be uneven and / or wet and slippery. Although we all try to use the best shoes possible it is still not an ideal situation.There are, however, some other things to consider. One of these things is “handler control”... More
30 Nov 2016
Ohhh! My aching back!
By Sue VanEvra, BSc, MSc, BHScPT, Dipl. Canine Rehab (c)Whether you compete with your dog in sporting events or shows, work with dogs (as a veterinarian, groomer, trainer, etc), or simply walk your dog … you are constantly using your back! You might be running, lifting or carrying equipment (or your dog!), bending forward, walking holding a leash, squatting, turning, etc, etc… There are lots of ways to keep your back healthy in order to stay injury free with any activity that you d... More
05 Sep 2016
Arghhh! I sprained my ankle running agility with my dog! Will I still be able to compete??
Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries among agility dog handlers. Running on uneven terrain, accompanied by quick changes in direction, stops and turns puts the agility handler at increased risk of rolling an ankle.Ligaments are the tissue that hold bones together and a sprain means that one or more of the ligaments in the ankle have been damaged. A lateral ankle sprain occurs when the ankle inverts (toes turn inward and foot is pointing down), and the ligaments on the outside of the... More
