Unleash your dog's potential

Our Vision

Our vision at Performance Unleashed is to provide handlers of working, sport, and active dogs the resources to enhance performance, prevent injury, and continue navigating occupational hazards with confidence and athleticism.

What We Offer

Sport & Work specific programs
Online Coaching
Workshops

Meet the Team

Meet our dedicated team focused on optimizing the overall health and performance of working and sporting dogs. With specialized experience in veterinary medicine, exercise physiology, and working and sporting dogs, we're committed to helping your canine partner achieve peak physical condition.

While they are both lateral stepping with the front limbs, the first dog is using more of her shoulder abductors and adductors to make that big step to the side. The second dog is performing the same pattern, but stepping over a cavaletti pole. This adds range of motion and while she still is using those adductors and abductors, she is also engaging more shoulder flexors and extensors and especially her biceps brachii for flex that elbow.

Want help progressing exercises with purpose? Drop a question below or send a DM!

#canineconditioning #caninefitness #caninefitnesstraining #workingdogs #sportingdogs

This one movement pattern can build endurance, strength, power, stability and more. Once you’ve mastered the basic movement pattern, you can start to change the variables to progress it for your goals. Progress isn’t random—it’s intentional.

*Note how the jump at the end is sloppy. Good things: she hits hip extension and doesn’t need to collect and jumps right from the down. Things to work on: I was trying to get her to jump far not high but her one foot lands before the last pole so this was probably too far. Her hind end also comes up a little higher than I’d like vs just moving forward. We try to make these videos as clean as possible but the reality is our dogs aren’t machines, our handling and equipment set up isn’t always perfect, and videos are a great way to catch these things!*

#canineconditioning #caninefitness #workingdog #sportingdog #dogtraining

It took months to teach Summit how to walk laterally. While she picked up a lateral foot target early on, translating that into an actual sideways step with proper weight shifting proved incredibly difficult. I tried multiple approaches—adjusting lure placement, applying spatial pressure, using platforms for foot targets—but nothing quite clicked for her.

One day I decided to try using a cavaletti pole for this, and on our very first try using that setup, Summit stepped laterally over the pole like she had been doing it her whole life.

It was such a powerful reminder that “the right kind of communication” can take many forms—whether it’s the right piece of equipment, better use of spatial pressure, a more effective lure angle, or simply clearer environmental cues. In this case, the cavaletti pole provided just enough context to help Summit understand what I was asking for.

Sometimes, all it takes is the right presentation for everything to fall into place—for both the dog and the human.

As the weather warms up and our calendars fill with hikes, runs, and outdoor adventures, it’s easy to assume our dogs are just as ready to hit the trails as we are. After all, they love it, right?

But enthusiasm isn’t the same as fitness.
Just like us, dogs need time to build strength, stamina, and resilience to take on uneven terrain, steep climbs, and long mileage safely. Without proper conditioning, the risk of injury increases—and a small issue early in the season can become a big problem by midsummer.

Whether you’ve got a weekend warrior or a full-time working dog, trail-specific fitness can make all the difference.
Think core, joint stability, muscular endurance, and cardio tailored to the demands of your adventures—not just random exercises or a game of fetch.

Your dog deserves to feel as strong and capable as they look charging down that trail.
And you deserve the peace of mind that they’re prepared for everything the season brings.

Let’s make this your dog’s strongest, safest, and most confident summer yet!

The most essential skill for canine conditioning ⬇️

TARGETING!

Targeting is more than just a trick, it is one of the most powerful tools in canine fitness and is done by teaching your dog to intentionally touch a specific object.

Yes, it builds body awareness and proprioception, but more importantly, we use it as a communication tool.

It doesn’t just have to be feet on a target. A nose touch to your hand or equipment can communicate to hold a position or direct the head for a weight shift or movement pattern.

Targeting gives your dog a clear job. It tells them where to go and what to move, especially as exercises get more advanced.

From head nods, to stepping, to limb loading, targeting makes everything clearer and more precise!

#canineconditioning #workingdogfitness #canineathletes #sportdogs #dogtraining

Watch as Cypher is progressed from his skill “back up” to hind foot targeting. It’s messy, but this is real life and how learning works! This isn’t about nailing the behavior on the first try—it’s about building it step by step.

while a large flat target with a different texture surface than the floor may work for some dogs to learn, other dogs like Cypher do well with something that is slightly elevated and requires a little more intentional thought to his step for him to truly understand this behavior!

This can be a tough concept to teach dogs so drop your troubleshooting questions below!!

#caninefitnessmonth #canineconditioning #workingdogfitness #fitdogs

As the weather warms up, check out our tips on acclimating your dog to the heat! ☀️

See below for additional resources on recognizing heat stress, and implementing cooling methods!

- https://www.akcchf.org/educational-resources/library/articles/field-cooling-methods-for.html

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A95eFGWDxFs

- http://usarveterinarygroup.org/usarvet/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Hyperthermia-and-Heatstroke-in-the-Canine.pdf

- https://uspcak9.memberclicks.net/assets/Resource/USPCAHeat.pdf

- https://www.vettacgroup.com/web-based-training

Competing with your dog this season?

Don’t forget recovery weeks!!

Pushing harder every week may get you better results at first, but over time, it leaves your dog sore, mentally and physically fatigued, and at higher risk of injury. Adaptations happen during rest- it’s when muscles rebuild and the body can absorb all of the training to become even more resilient.

By scheduling a recovery week every 3-4 weeks, you can help prevent burnout, improve performance, and keep your dog injury free!

Drop your recovery questions in the comments!

“Dogs don’t fail—they perform as trained. Dogs ‘fail’ when we ask them to perform that for which we have not adequately prepared them.” - Steve White

Every success (or struggle) in the field starts with the reps we put in beforehand. It’s easy to blame the dog when things don’t go as planned. Every search, every trial, every challenge in the field comes down to the work we’ve put in beforehand. Success isn’t luck—it’s training.

#WorkingDogFitness #CanineAthletes #DogStrength #FitWorkingDogs #StrongDogs #K9Training #K9Fitness #CanineConditioning #WorkingDogsOfInstagram #FitDogs #DogFitnessJourney #SARK9 #K9Strength #HealthyWorkingDogs #WorkingDogLife #K9Performance #dogtraininggoals

Registration opens today at 12:00pm EST. We can’t wait to see you there!

We all know fetch is the easy way to burn off your dog’s extra energy, but did you know it can actually be risky for them? Chasing fast-moving objects and repetitive high-impact movements can lead to sudden stops and twists that may result in injuries to muscles, ligaments, joints, and even the spine.

Instead, try “place” to “place” sprints. These offer your dog a consistent spot to stop which allows them to have a predictable deceleration prior to getting on the place. They’ll run in a mostly straight line which eliminates sudden uncontrolled turns. Once you master the initial training, you can spread your “places” out as far as you’d like to get your desired cardio effects! Use towels or mats for easy travel, and you can take the game indoors when the weather is bad. Not only are you training cardio, but also helping your dog understand directions, and impulse control. Reward your dog at the end with a game of tug, or a small toss of the ball to keep them motivated

Don’t you just want to glue these things to the floor sometimes?!

If your dog is consistently unsuccessful that means there is a miscommunication of what you want them to do +- it actually being too hard. So either change up your cueing, body language etc or decrease the number of poles and lower them! Using something sturdier like wooden 4x4s lying on the ground to walk over can be helpful but can be a little more confusing at first if they have things that look similar as foot targets!

Hazardous conditions won’t stop a working dog—but strength training can help prevent injuries when navigating hazardous terrain.

By focusing on strength training we can build resilience against uneven terrain, slips, and falls. Controlled strength work fosters the adaptations needed to handle real-world hazards, keeping our dogs safer and mission-ready.
Train smart so that you can deploy strong!

#WorkingDogFitness #CanineAthletes #DogStrength #FitWorkingDogs #StrongDogs #K9Training #K9Fitness #CanineConditioning #WorkingDogsOfInstagram #FitDogs #DogFitnessJourney #K9Strength #HealthyWorkingDogs #WorkingDogLife #K9Performance #DogTrainingGoals

Same circuit, different progressions!

Adaptation happens when we apply the right stimulus at the right time. These two dogs are running the same circuit, but their exercises are progressed based on training history and goals.
One is working on neuromuscular control & foundational muscular endurance while the other is building strength with an emphasis on range of motion.
By adjusting variables like rep scheme, range of motion, stability, and strategic limb loading/unloading, we create progressive overload—driving improvement while keeping training safe & effective.

What are some ways you progress your dog’s exercises?

Proprioception is the ability to sense your body’s position and movement in space. Ever heard the saying, “your dog doesn’t know where its own feet are!”? Research shows that proprioceptive training can contribute to joint stabilization and prevent injuries, as well as improve dynamic neuromuscular control, all of which positively impacts their performance.

Proprioception is essential for your dog’s ability to accurately target platforms used in canine conditioning. These targets serve as a communication tool, guiding your dog on where to place their feet during exercises. A solid foundation in proprioception is crucial, as it allows us to direct them in movements that build strength and increase overall performance.

Improved proprioception allows dogs to perform tasks with greater control, precision, and confidence, resulting in faster and more confident footwork. This skill is especially vital for activities like navigating rubble piles, sprinting across the dog walk, or timing their jumps off a dock.

Incorporating proprioceptive exercises—whether through targeting, balancing on unstable surfaces, or navigating obstacles—can prevent injuries and enhance performance.

Does your dog know where their feet are?

Having a hard time getting your dog to sit square on a platform? Try this!

Dogs aren’t stubborn, they just don’t understand what we’re asking (or the reward isn’t motivating but that’s a different story). That’s where tools and thoughtful handler positioning can make a big difference.

In this example, we use cinder blocks as a physical barrier to guide Cypher into a square sit on his platform. This setup helps communicate to him where his feet go and learn the proper position, building muscle memory for future reps to eventually fade out the barriers and even platform all together.

👉 Important: Before trying a barrier like this, always rule out any injuries or physical limitations that could make the movement uncomfortable or unsafe for your dog.

Cypher is only 9 months old, and he has only been practicing a square sit for a few weeks. With a little guidance and clear communication, he’s learning that “square” is part of what he is being asked here!

#CanineFitness #DogTraining #FitDogs #WorkingDog #SportingDog #ActiveDog #DogHealth #DogAthlete #PerformanceDog #CanineConditioning #DogExercise #HealthyDogs #DogWellness #FitPaws #StrongDogs #DogSports #WorkingK9 #AgilityDog #CaninePerformance #SARK9

Ready to get your dog moving? Here are 5 tips to make your dogs workout smoother for everyone involved! 🐾

We know how hard it can be to manage time constraints, expectations, and over arousal when completing your dog’s fitness. These 5 tips will help you build a routine and create an environment for you and your dog to be successful.✨

Find more tips and tricks on the website linked in our bio! 💪🏼

#CanineFitness #DogTraining #FitDogs #WorkingDog #SportingDog #ActiveDog #DogHealth #DogAthlete #PerformanceDog #CanineConditioning #DogExercise #HealthyDogs #DogWellness #FitPaws #StrongDogs #DogSports #WorkingK9 #AgilityDog #CaninePerformance #SARK9

Ever wonder why we emphasize foundational movements?🤔

Watch as we progress a posture sit to a sit-to-stand, a squat, and finally a box jump. The posture sit allows your dog to start in the correct position and have the necessary core strength to complete the more advanced exercises. Without a strong posture sit, your dog could be recruiting incorrect muscle groups or be unbalanced in how they’re loading each limb.

Remember, stable equipment before unstable equipment and static movement before dynamic movement. Start with the basics and don’t skip progressions! 🐾

✨If you have questions on how or when to advance exercises see our services and programs. ✨

#WorkingDogFitness #CanineAthletes #DogStrength #FitWorkingDogs #StrongDogs #K9Training #K9Fitness #CanineConditioning #WorkingDogsOfInstagram #FitDogs #DogFitnessJourney #K9Power #SARK9 #K9Strength #HealthyWorkingDogs #WorkingDogLife #K9Performance #DogTrainingGoals

✨ Creating the Perfect Warm-Up for Your Dog ✨

Did you know a proper warm-up can help prevent injuries, enhance performance, and get your dog mentally and physically ready to work?

From moving through active range of motion to targeting specific areas for injury prevention, every part of a warm-up should be tailored to your dog’s fitness level, their activity, and even the weather! Take the time to assess and adjust for your dog’s unique needs.

Save this post to create better warm-ups for your canine athlete, and tag us in your training sessions! 🐾

If you have any questions drop them in the comments!

WorkingDogFitness #CanineAthletes #DogStrength #FitWorkingDogs #StrongDogs #K9Training #K9Fitness #CanineConditioning #WorkingDogsOfInstagram #FitDogs #DogFitnessJourney #K9Strength #HealthyWorkingDogs #WorkingDogLife #K9Performance #DogTrainingGoals

Make 2025 the year your dog reaches peak performance!

From building speed to gaining muscle, let’s crush those work and sport goals together! New year, new leash on life 😤💪🏼

What are your 2025 dog training and performance goals?! Tell us in the comments!

#WorkingDogFitness #CanineAthletes #DogStrength #FitWorkingDogs #StrongDogs #K9Training #K9Fitness #CanineConditioning #WorkingDogsOfInstagram #FitDogs #DogFitnessJourney #K9Power #K9Strength #HealthyWorkingDogs #WorkingDogLife #FitPups #K9Performance #DogTrainingGoals #sark9

🎉 New Program Alert! 🎉

We’re excited to announce that our Fitness Foundations Program is now available for purchase! Whether your dog is just starting a fitness journey or you’re looking to build a strong base for an active lifestyle, this program provides the essential building blocks for canine conditioning. Many of these exercises are the foundational movements that a dog will need to be proficient in prior to moving to more advanced exercises.

Head to our website in our bio to find out more!

#WorkingDogFitness #CanineAthletes #DogStrength #FitWorkingDogs #StrongDogs #K9Training #K9Fitness #CanineConditioning #WorkingDogsOfInstagram #FitDogs #DogFitnessJourney #K9Power #DoggyWorkouts #K9Strength #HealthyWorkingDogs #WorkingDogLife #FitPups #K9Performance #DogTrainingGoals

Whether your dog is a working pro, athlete, trail buddy, or beloved companion, they deserve to be at their best!

Here’s how a structured fitness program can help:

1. Injury Prevention: Build strength and flexibility to reduce injury risk and keep your dog active for years.

2. Improved Performance: Enhance speed, stamina, and strength for peak performance in work or sports.

3. Better Communication: Strengthen communication and trust during training for better teamwork in high-pressure situations.

4. Confidence & Body Awareness: Boost body awareness and confidence, helping your dog move with purpose and precision.

5. Longevity: Keep your dog healthy, mobile, and pain-free well into their senior years.

Invest in your dog’s fitness for a happy, healthy, and long life!

Interested in learning more? Check out our website in bio!

Performance Unleashed specializes in canine strength and conditioning to help your dog thrive. Whether they’re a working professional, competitive athlete, or beloved companion, we optimize performance, prevent injuries, and strengthen your bond. Unlock your dog’s full potential!

#WorkingDogFitness #CanineAthletes #DogStrength #FitWorkingDogs #StrongDogs #K9Training #K9Fitness #CanineConditioning #WorkingDogsOfInstagram #FitDogs #DogFitnessJourney #SARK9 #K9Strength #HealthyWorkingDogs #WorkingDogLife #K9Performance #DogTrainingGoals

Calling all Canine Athletes! 🐾💥

Our training services are NOW LIVE on our website.

Ready to take your dog’s fitness to the next level? Whether it’s building strength, or improving endurance, we’ve got a program for you! 💪🏼

Visit our website to book a consult now!

#WorkingDogFitness #CanineAthletes #canineconditioning #FitWorkingDogs #StrongDogs #K9Training #K9Fitness #WorkingDogsOfInstagram #FitDogs #workingk9 #HealthyWorkingDogs #WorkingDogLife #K9Performance #DogTrainingGoals

What is canine strength and conditioning?

For working and sporting dogs, fitness isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. From search and rescue heroes to agility champions, strength and conditioning helps our canine athletes perform at their best to get the job done more efficiently and stay in the game longer.
But it’s not just for the professionals—your active pet can benefit too! Whether they love hiking, running, or just playing with you at the park, proper fitness keeps them healthy, happy, and ready for every adventure especially as they age.

💡 Why is it so important?

✅ Reduces the risk of injury during intense activities
✅ Builds the strength, endurance, and agility needed for demanding tasks
✅ Improves recovery times and long-term joint health
✅ Enhances performance, keeping them sharp and ready to work or play

Our dogs give us 100% every day—it’s our job to ensure they’re fit, healthy, and prepared for whatever challenges or adventures come their way. 💯🐾

💬 Want to help your dog perform and feel their best? Drop a comment or check out our website to learn more.

#WorkingDogFitness #CanineAthletes #SportingDogs #FitDogs #ActivePets #HealthyDogs #DogFitnessJourney #CanineConditioning #StrongDogs #WorkingDogLife #SportDogTraining #ActiveDogLifestyle #DogHealth #CanineFitnessProgram #AdventureDog #DogPerformance #HealthyActiveDogs

Introducing the team dedicated to helping handlers and their dogs stay strong, fast, and ready for anything 💪🏼 Visit our website for more information about us! ☺️

⭐️Welcome to Performance Unleashed! ⭐️

We’re thrilled to officially launch and share our hard work with you all! At Performance Unleashed, our vision is to provide working, sporting, and active dogs and their handlers the resources to enhance performance, prevent injury, and continue to navigate the hazards they face with resilience and confidence!

We will be offering:
Work & sport specific programs
Customized training plans
1:1 coaching
Workshops & events

While we work out the details of our website, please email us directly for any inquiries or for more information!

K9performanceunleashed@gmail.com

Stay tuned to meet our team!

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Unleash your dog's potential

Our Vision

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