Development of a Periodized Conditioning and Nutrition Program for Military Working Dogs
Objective: To evaluate the day to day conditioning, training, and kennel management of 19 Military Working Dogs and formulate an optimal periodized conditioning and nutrition program.
There are six major components to a Military Working Dog’s (MWD) performance. The six components are power, speed, endurance, strength, obedience, and skill. All human soldiers train to develop a conditioning status and physique that is specific for their mission. If soldiers have a successful training program, their body will be able to execute battle specific skills efficiently and effectively when structural, physiological, and psychological demands are placed upon them. Just like the human soldiers, a MWD success is dependent upon a balanced training program that optimizes the six major components of performance.
Dr. Gillette is running three of the dogs durring their initial fitness test. The white strap around the dogs is holding the heart monitor and rectal temperature data logger in place. Also there is a thermister set 4 inches above each dog to evalaute the external temperature around the dog.
Some MWD are dominant in such areas as speed and strength but may lack endurance. Thus, the components of performance are out of balance. Therefore, the MWD is out of balance and is weak in certain areas of performance. Periodization is a complex process of mixing and sequencing the variables and components of training so a dog can maximize the power, speed, endurance, strength, obedience and skill necessary for optimal performance. This is accomplished by a structured periodization program.
Craig Angle walks a dog prior to the start of the dogs fitness test. In the back ground (left) two trainers from the AU Canine Detection Training Center assist in handling the dogs. On the right two veterinary students on the sports medicine senior rotation draw blood and sample other metabolic parameters.
