Canine Exercise Physiology

What is Galen Natural Progression Canine Exercise Physiology?

Galen Natural Progression (GNP) Canine Exercise Physiology is our method of creating a balanced and fit dog that can fulfil their natural, optimum, biomechanical function* for maximum health, longevity and mobility.

Through the use of unique GNP© exercises that encourage the development of the dog’s integral muscular strength, that positively affects movement, balance, flexibility and health.
The exercises are beneficial for dogs needing corrective treatment, i.e. lameness or mobility issues. Equally they help to maintain core balance and enhance muscle strength and condition keeping your dog fit, active, healthy and happy. (see page Galen Natural Progression) link to GNP page

* Biomechancial function is the synchronisation of the muscular system that will enable correct phasing of muscles to provide the stability of structure globally through the dog to facilitate the appropriate foundation to help sound and robust movement.

About the Course

Level 3 Accreditation (A level equivalent)

This course is designed to develop the skills involved with Canine Exercise Physiology. These can then be applied in either a one-to-one, prescriptive therapeutic exercise scenario, to aid mobility or to run non-specific exercise classes that will aid balance, flexibility and core strength.

One to ones – these can be for all dogs that are demonstrating a lack of mobility or suffering gait issues. To be used as a stand-alone treatment or is very effective when used with other forms of appropriate therapy. It can also be used to specifically enhance strength, balance and flexibility issues for an otherwise fit dog.
Classes – for adults or puppies, working towards a discipline or for promoting fitness longevity.

The Tutors

They have been developed this course from over 50 years of combined experience and knowledge that make this course unique.

Julia Robertson – established Galen therapy Centre in 2002, specialising in Canine Myotherapy, a therapy developed through her specialist treatments. Through working with dogs has gained an exceptional view on stresses that the canine experiences in most situations. She has a specialised knowledge and understanding of canine movement from the muscular skeletal perspective including the associated physiology of actions and injury patterns.

Liz Pope – has worked professionally with dogs at a high level for many years, she is a Kennel Club A1 listed judge. She has developed a finely attuned ‘eye’ to the most exacting movement differentials of the canine. This has given her the ability to associate movement patterns to the application of the appropriate exercise that will develop positive change.

On this course you will receive the benefit of both tutor’s combined knowledge and experience.

They have combined to write – Exercising your Puppy – A Gentle and Natural Approach (publishers Hubble and Hattie) and also a unique DVD – Tongue to Tail – The Integrated Movement of the Dog. (Parkes Productions 2011).

Opportunities once Qualified

Qualified GNP Canine Exercise Physiologist’s® have the opportunity to use these exercises not just for one-to-one’s (for a specific corrective situation when using a prescriptive exercise regime) but also to run classes for both puppies and adults designed to enhance balance, flexibility and core stability. This would be of huge benefit to any professional who is already running dog classes or plans to in the future. This would also include puppy classes run by an individual or a Veterinary practice.

Graduates also have the opportunity to become licensed that will enable them to use the GNP exercises, receive backup support and training and be featured on the website.

Course Contents

Theory (to be started before the practical course commences)

What is core stability
What is meant by proprioception
Deep muscle location (additional named muscles)
Neurological innervations of named muscles
The linkage of different disciplines with repetitive stress issues and common injuries and why?
Common pathologies – cruciate ligament, hip dysplasia, sub luxating patella’s and their implication on movement.

Practical

Hands on Assessment

Heat detection, lie of coat, stress lines.
Muscle assessment – tone – through palpation and discussion.
Discuss the kinetic chain and subsequent development of muscle – appropriate and not appropriate.
Balance assessment – discuss an individual dog noting any conformational/discipline characteristic.

Underpinning knowledge

Understand the importance of conformation and the impact of balance
Recognise conformational distinctions and their possible implications on gait and movement stress patterns.

Observational assessment

Gait and Physical assessment
Application of appropriate exercises

Exercises and their application

Understand the uses of the exercises
Understand the limitations and contraindications for different conditions
Understand which exercise is appropriate for which condition/issue assessment of each individual dog
Comprehend the importance of appropriate repetition
Understand which muscles each exercise is
a. Strengthening
b. Stretching

Implementing the exercises

Have the ability to explain what is required of the handler when performing the exercise
Display the knowledge to impart relevant and important information to the handler
Identify when the exercise is being correctly executed
If the exercise is not being correctly executed identify why and make corrections.
Have the ability to advise the correct repetition use for the exercise.

Movement

Analyse movement through gait and palpation and assess areas of weakness
Identify correctly which exercises would suit an individual dog

During the course the learner will be expected to work with a dog and handler in a one to one situation to assess and demonstrate appropriate exercises for the individual dog. Also an opportunity for practice to be gained in a preparing and present a class of 4-6 dogs looking to maintain or improve their stability or strength.

Case Studies

3 x case studies

Assessment

Production and achievement of written Theory assignments (mapped against set Learning Outcomes and assessment criteria)
(continual) Formative practical assessment through seminar and practical’s. (mapped against set Learning Outcomes and assessment criteria)
(final) Summative practical assessment through an final practical and written and practical paper.

Approximate total: 390 hours of study

Cost and Structure

Theory – £360
Practical – £720
Plus accreditation (if required) £145

Students wishing to enrol on this course have to start with the Theory section first then enrol on the practicals.

If you would like further information please get in touch.

Location & Dates

Location & dates are for the practical course.

Where?

Private venue (outside) – Bolney, West Sussex, RH17 5PY.

When?

April 26/27/28th 2012
May 23/24/25th 2012
July 7/8th (including final assessment)