Developing Drive in your dog:
Drive is essential to excel in the VimDog Program. Most of the VimDog workouts require your dog to work for a reward. Toys are the preferred method to get the maximum work output from your dog. Food can be used as well. However, we have found that you will generally not get the same intensity out of a dog that is working for food as you can with one that is working for a toy. Intensity is key. Ultimately, if this process is done properly, you will create a stronger relationship with your dog. The dog will see these activities as play, and begin to work for the chance to continue the games you create, rather than simply working for the toy. A strengthened bond between us and our dog is at the foundation of this program.
Developing drive can be successfully accomplished in almost any dog. How do you do this? There are many ways. Videos will be added to help you in this process.
Non-Sport dogs(VimDogs!):
How to use this site: Some suggested WOD's (Workout of the Day) are posted under the Workouts tab on the left. Choose workouts that you and your dog can perform. For those that you can't, work on the skills necessary so you eventually can. Workouts should be adjusted and scaled to meet individual needs and abilities. We recommend an every other day schedule for your VimDog. Twice a week for most dogs is a good starting point. High drive high conditioned dogs may need more. For young high drive dogs, off days can be a long walk or off leash running days. Long distance fetch is also a great option for that high drive dog.
Sport Dogs:
Sport specific training can be done on the non-VimDog Wod days. You are encouraged to use your sport days to develop sport specific skills. We discourage using sport days for conditioning. Remember the purpose of VimDog is to increase your sport dogs career, by decreasing the chances of repetitive injuries and by increasing the overal functional condition of your canine.
Sprint Dogs:
If your dog is in a sprint dog sport, Generally sports that require less then 4 mins of work, then VimDog is perfect for conditioning your dog. The majority of dog sports fit into this category.
Endurance Dogs:
Endurance sports such as sled dog racing may require more training. We are reasearching the effectiveness of short intense work-outs on the impact on these sports, early results show they can be effective in maintaining anaerobic levels. Currently the best known exercise for these sports is to do these sports. VimDog is still a great asset to any endurance dog however.
