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What comes to mind when you think of dog training? Do you think of the speedy, athletic dog breeds that zip through agility obstacle courses? What about basic training like learning tricks such as “sit” or “stay”? These are some of the most common concepts that come to mind, but when I talk to dog owners about a fitness routine for their dog, some of them have never really thought about it!
Like in humans, dogs can derive numerous benefits from exercise. Dogs with anxiety or excessive energy can rest better at night after exercising, and overweight dogs can burn extra calories with a workout routine. Long walks and running are great ways to achieve weight loss, but you may be surprised to find that training equipment can be utilized for regular exercise as well.
The Blue-9 Klimb training system is the first professionally designed training platform for dogs. It is a square platform that is used for stepping up and standing upon. The shape of the legs allows for stacking so that multiple platforms can connect to each other to form steps and higher platforms. It is very similar to the equipment used in agility training but is much less complex. The platforms are adjustable and easily stored. They are made from a sturdy plastic material that is waterproof and also easy to clean. There are no sharp edges so that your dog won’t hurt himself on the equipment during training. This training system is easily used inside or outside of the home.
The KLIMB™ is the world’s first professionally designed and engineered dog training platform. It was specifically designed to improve the relationship between you and your dog. It features a strong, molded poly deck with our exclusive PawGrip™ rubberized surface for sure pet footing. Legs screw securely in place and store flush in a recess underneath for easy, compact transport. The KLIMB™ is washable, waterproof and designed to be used indoors or outdoors in hot or cold weather.
The Blue-9 Klimb was designed with focus training in mind. This is where your dog is trained to step up on the platform and remain in place on top of it. The space is just large enough for him to do this. The platform can also be incorporated into agility training and easily fit into any obstacle course for your dog. The platforms can be put next to one another or can be stacked so that there is more of a step-climb to it.
The platform is low enough that even small breed dogs can utilize it. By training your dog to jump up and then down from the platform, he is using many muscle groups to move. He can also be trained to put his front paws up on the platform and then down again. These movements can be done in repetition so that it is like your dog’s very own workout routine! This is great for anxious dogs to burn off some extra energy and is ideal for overweight dogs where diet alone does not seem to help them lose weight. If your dog has had an orthopedic injury or surgery, or if you’re not sure if the Blue-9 Klimb is right for your dog, make sure to talk with your veterinarian first.
Getting started is simple! The legs to the platform attach very easily, and you can set up the device at the height required for your dog. If you have a very small dog, you may need to leave the legs off of the platform. Some dogs may seem to jump up and stay immediately, but if you need to coax your dog, use his favorite small treat or a clicker in order to show him that his behavior is positive. You can do this kind of positive reinforcement training for a few minutes every day, and then eventually, he will jump up on the platform without any motivation other than your command.
Training in the beginning mostly involves jumping up on the platform and staying there. A good verbal cue for this would be “climb” because it is monosyllabic and it is easier for your dog to distinguish from other commands. In time, you can add “sit” to your training repertoire, and when it’s time to jump off of the platform, you can use words like “release” or “break.” You can eventually work on distancing yourself from your dog to see if he’ll stay on the Klimb platform. You can also extend the duration of time that your dog stays on the platform, and by gradually adding in distractions, you will help fine-tune your dog’s ability to focus.
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The Blue-9 Klimb training platform system is highly useful in a variety of ways. Besides being an excellent tool for training your dog, it can help with hyperactivity, anxiety, and weight loss when used routinely. It is sturdy, easy to clean, and is simple to use compared to other training equipment. If you’re not sure about where to get started with training or using this product, look for more information on their website or talk to your veterinarian for some advice!
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Meet The Author
Dr. Erica Irish
Erica has worked in the veterinary field since 2006, starting out as a veterinary technician before graduating from the UF College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. As a general practitioner in an animal hospital, she has many interests and is especially interested in dermatology, cardiology, internal and integrative medicine
