Vertical ground reaction forces, paw pressure distribution, and center of pressure during heelwork in working dogs competing in obedience

Heelwork walking is a command that competitive obedience and working dogs are trained to perform. Unlike other canine sports, the research for competitive obedience sport is limited and no research regarding biomechanical gait adaptions during heelwork walking has been published. The aim of the study was to investigate the changes in vertical ground reaction forces, paw pressure distribution (PPD), and center of pressure (COP) of Belgian Malinois during heelwork walking. Ten healthy Belgian Malinois were included in the study. The dogs walked first without heeling (normal walk) and then while heeling on a pressure platform. The comparison between normal and heelwork walking was performed using mixed-effects models. Post-hoc analyses were performed using Sidak's alpha correction procedure. During heelwork walking, a significant decrease in the vertical impulse and stance phase duration (SPD) and a significant increase in the craniocaudal index and speed of COP was observed in the forelimbs compared to normal walking. At the hindlimbs, a significant increase in vertical impulse and SPD was observed during heelwork walking. Regarding PPD, a significant decrease of vertical impulse was observed at the cranial quadrants of the right forelimb and craniolateral quadrant of the left forelimb during heelwork. The area was significantly decreased at the craniolateral quadrant of the left forelimb and the time for the peak vertical force was prolonged significantly at the caudal quadrants of the right forelimb during heelwork walking. The vertical impulse was significantly increased in all quadrants of the hindlimbs except the craniolateral quadrant of the left hindlimb. The effect of these changes on the musculoskeletal system of working dogs should be investigated in further studies, using electromyography and kinematic analysis.

Dog Handler Beliefs regarding Barriers and Facilitators to Canine Health Promotion and Injury Prevention in Swedish Working Dog Trials and Competitions

Dog trials and competitions involve various sport disciplines, e.g., obedience, agility, working dog trials and rally obedience. Dog handlers navigate their dogs through physically and mentally demanding tasks. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of barriers and facilitators to canine health promotion and injury prevention described by dog handlers.

METHODS

Qualitative inductive content analysis was applied to systematically organize and interpret narrative data from 654 respondents' answers to open-ended questions in an anonymous online inquiry.

RESULTS

Two categories, with seven sub-categories, emerged from the analysis: (1) Challenges in applying the regulations in dog trials and competitions, and (2) Implementation of animal welfare and canine well-being approaches. Respondents described the challenges in applying regulations in dog trials and competitions and lack of scientific research as barriers to their intent to prevent injuries in their dogs. Implementation of animal welfare and canine well-being approaches were described as facilitators.

CONCLUSION

The findings imply that the stakeholders continuously need to work on bridging possible gaps between the canine welfare criteria and the scientific and empirical knowledge in canine sports and performance medicine.

A comparison of apparent neck and back angles before, during and after canine hydrotherapy

Research examining canine hydrotherapy is distinctly lacking despite the increasing use of hydrotherapy as a rehabilitation tool and as part of a fitness programme. Due to this paucity of research, the aim of this study was to examine differences in apparent neck and back angles of dogs both before, during and after hydrotherapy sessions. Anecdotally, these are the anatomical locations where concern of injury risk lies. Thirty-one dogs were filmed trotting both prior to and post participation in hydrotherapy as well as during the hydrotherapy session. Data were then analysed using Dartfish software. There was no significant difference in the neck angle of the dogs between swimming and trotting (P=0.859) however, dogs had a significantly greater back angle when swimming compared to trotting (P=0.05). The use of buoyancy aids during hydrotherapy, showed no significant difference in neck or back angles compared with no buoyancy aids. This study begins to provide evidence on the effect of hydrotherapy on canine kinematics. It can be used to inform rehabilitation and fitness regimes for dogs with the aim to improve the long-term health and welfare of dogs.