Issue 6(6): ~ Neuronal Factors of Canine Movement and Performance

The nervous system plays a very important role in the performance ability of the athletic and working dog. It is a very complex system and thus understanding its role in performance is very complicated. Certain actions are performed consciously and others are performed unconsciously. The goal of any training program should be to prepare the dog’s motion skills to flow seamlessly during their activity or work. It is best to keep conscious movement to a minimum. The dog should be trained so that the basic movements occur naturally. This allows for better focus when a conscious movement is needed. The result is less stress placed upon the dog during its performance.