What Are AKC Fit Dog Classes?

The AKC Fit Dog program is a fun and fitness-focused curriculum developed by the American Kennel Club and taught by experienced AKC Fit Dog Instructors. Our specially designed courses help you get your dog into shape while earning points towards their AKC Fit Dog titles! During our six-week virtual course, you and your dog will learn proper form and safety while performing various exercises to improve balance, flexibility, stamina, and overall body fitness. These exercises can help prevent future injuries and some skills can also double as tricks towards your dog’s AKC Trick Dog titles too.

There are three levels of classes you can complete in order as you and your dog progress through the program. All of our virtual courses are taught by Lauren Tsao, who is not only an AKC Approved Level 3 Fit Dog Instructor, but a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) with over ten years of experience and holds a Master’s of Science in Applied Animal Behavior & Welfare. Because of her background in massage, yoga instruction, ,college-level anatomy and kinesiology tutoring, and animal gait and posture analysis, Lauren has detailed knowledge on how fitness exercises impact the body. So what are you waiting for? Start your dog's Fit Dog journey today with the AKC Fit Dog program!

Who Are These Classes For?

These classes are for dogs that have at least some training already in puppy foundations or basic manners. The dogs and humans must know about training with treats using luring, capturing, and shaping and be able to focus during class. Because this class is virtual, reactive dogs who are not owner-handling reactive/aggressive are welcome to join us!

Class exercises can be modified by the instructor for puppies (must be at least 6 months of age to earn Bronze Fit Dog titles) and dogs with special needs (ex. blind or deaf), as well as owners with disabilities that might impact their ability to perform certain exercises as taught. Please make your instructor is aware of these needs when you sign up, so she can assist you in modifying the exercises appropriately.

PLEASE NOTE: This class is NOT for dogs in need of rehabilitation or physical therapy. This class is for healthy dogs with no significant prior injuries. When it doubt, ask your vet for permission to attend class.

AKC Fit Dog Level 1 Course

During the AKC Fit Dog Level 1 course, you and your dog will learn several fitness-focused skills using specialized equipment such as Klimb platforms, balance pads, and cavaletti. Throughout the six-week virtual course, you will master fun and engaging exercises such as nose touch, tuck sit, fold back down, kick back stand, and more. Don't worry if you can't make the weekly live Zoom class option as we have got you covered with a pre-recorded video course, which you can follow along with and submit weekly homework assessments for attendance credit as well.

Next Courses Starts: Monday, July 1st, 2024 - August 5th, 2024
Live Zoom Classes Run: Monday, July 1st, 2024 at 7pm central time

AKC Fit Dog Level 2 Course

If you have already passed your AKC Fit Dog Level 1 assessment, then we have great news for you - you can take your fitness journey to the next level with the AKC Fit Dog Level 2 course! In this exciting course, you and your furry companion will build on the fitness skills you learned in the Level 1 course, and take on new challenges with the help of the Blue-9 Propels and other exciting equipment. Our Fit Dog Level 2 virtual course covers everything from rear paw targets and leg weaves to pop-ups and push-ups, and much more. Best of all, we've made it easy to participate - if you can't make the weekly live Zoom class option, you can simply follow our pre-recorded video course and submit your homework assessments for attendance credit.

Next Courses Starts: Monday, September 9th, 2024 - October 14th, 2024
Live Zoom Classes Run: Monday, September 9th, 2024 at 7pm central time

AKC Fit Dog Level 3 Course

If you've already passed AKC Fit Dog Level 1 & 2 assessments - get excited! The AKC Fit Dog Level 3 course is next and it's packed with even more fun and challenging skills for you and your dog to master! In the Fit Dog Level 3 course, you'll build on your fitness foundations taught in the Level 1 and 2 courses and take on new fitness challenges with your dog. From figure eights and bows to Ipsilateral (same side) targeting and side stepping, the Fit Dog Level 3 virtual course is the ultimate fitness adventure for you and your dog. No matter how busy your schedule, you'll have no problem getting involved- simply join the weekly live Zoom class or follow our pre-recorded video course and submit your homework assignments for attendance credit. Ready for the challenge? Let's take your fitness journey to the next level with AKC Fit Dog Level 3!

Next Course Starts: Monday, November 4th, 2024 - December 16th, 2024 (no live class Thanksgiving week)
Live Zoom Classes Run: Monday, November 4th, 2024 at 7pm central time

Commonly Asked Questions

  • Each course level is $150 USD per dog, which is due at the time of sign up. Because only eight students are accepted each time we run a course, payments are non-refundable and non-exchangeable for other services once you have paid.

  • Yes! As long as you have proof of passing your Level 1 or Level 2 assessment, you may attend the higher levels with us. You can email your certificate which your previous instructor should have given you at the end of your course to Lauren at Lauren@FYDogTraining.com to make sure you will be accepted into the higher level courses before signing up.

  • The AKC requires that this class be taught with positive training techniques. We will teach the exercises using treats, praise, and in cases where needed and safe, play or toys. It is unsafe to work dogs in choke chains, slip leads, prong/pinch collars, and e-collars/shock collars on fitness equipment. If you still need these tools to keep your dog focused while training inside your home, you aren’t quite ready for this class yet.

  • Yes, as long as you pay for the course for both dogs! But we ask that if you are alone and working two dogs at once for live classes, you have a way to crate or remove the dog you aren’t currently working with to prevent them from climbing on the equipment with another dog. You also have the option of attending live classes with only one dog and submitting homework videos for the other.

    We do not recommend trying to work more than two dogs through the course at a time. You will become overwhelmed quickly.

  • Once you sign up, you have lifetime access to the Zoom class recordings and the virtual video course.

  • We have had several long and short dogs take the course without any issue. We have had several unique and rare breeds already complete classes successfully. Your instructor will provide modification suggestions if needed for your dog either during the live classes or during homework video reviews. If you have concerns beyond this, please reach out to Lauren via email at Lauren@FYDogTraining.com so, she can advise you further.

  • Yes! But the AKC requires that you attend live virtual classes or submit videos of you and your dog doing the taught exercises for instructor feedback each week to make sure your dog was properly taught the skills.

  • Yes, you can still sign up even if you don’t wish to achieve an AKC title.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE: The information on this website is copyright to Faithfully Yours Dog Training, LLC. Other companies/businesses, instructors, or individuals do not under any circumstances have our permission to copy, edit, duplicate, or modify this website’s content. If you are a Fit Dog instructor and need assistance in writing your own fit dog course description, please contact the American Kennel Club directly.