Gait Analysis for the Performance Dog

Course overview

Locomotion is the movement of the body that allows it to move from one point to another location. Gait analysis can be considered an art, as the viewer needs to have a good understanding of the normal gait patterns and issues associated with abnormal movements. It is the intent of this course to build upon the information provided in the functional anatomy course and the biomechanics course and utilize this knowledge in an applicable manner. This is very helpful when the professional is developing a conditioning program, identifying performance deficiencies, or making decisions related to a rehabilitative program. Dogs and other animals cannot talk like the human subjects. So, it can be very hard to understand how a dog is feeling, their aches or pains, or any other underlying issues they may be experiencing. Analyzing canine motion is very complex in its nature, but it can be used as a helpful tool to assess musculoskeletal health, identify areas that may benefit from conditioning programs and used as a basis for building rehabilitation programs.