Certification
Take the Next Step
As a graduate of the Elite K9 Athlete Program, you will have the option to stand out as a leader in the canine fitness world, enhance your credibility, and attract new clients by becoming a Certified Canine Athlete Specialist (CCAS). Our certification was designed for those individuals who want to demonstrate to others and/or to themselves that they have mastered a deep understanding of canine fitness.
By becoming a Certified Canine Athlete Specialist*, you’ll be in the position to design fitness programs for a wide variety of dogs. You’ll have the knowledge and skills to teach canine fitness to others. You will also acquire expertise in designing innovative, profitable programs that distinguish you from other canine professionals.
As a Certified Canine Athlete Specialist, you will have the knowledge and skills to:
Elite K9 Athlete Program Modules
Using video lecture, demonstration, templates, worksheets, and exercises, our Northeast K9 Conditioning team will help you acquire the confidence, knowledge, and skills that you need to positively impact your life and the lives of dogs for years to come. Program modules include the following:
MODULE #1: What it takes to be an elite athlete
Recognize common sports and jobs that are performed by canine athletes and identify the unique mental and physical demands placed on their bodies; Understand what is needed to design a conditioning program that meets the unique mental, physical, and psychological needs of sport and working dogs.
MODULE #2: Create your elite athlete
Identify essential information that should be collected prior to starting a canine conditioning program and use this information to assess a dog’s fitness needs; Identify a dog’s individual strengths and weaknesses and how this information informs program design.
MODULE #3: How to reach peak performance
Identify the effects of exercise on the elite canine athlete’s body and understand their unique exercise needs; Identify common injuries of the canine athlete and how to prevent them; Apply principles of exercise science and functional anatomy to design effective conditioning programs
MODULE #4: 6-step process to program design
Apply the 6 Step Process of Program Design to canine fitness; Identify ways to assess a dog’s strength, flexibility, balance, body awareness, cardiovascular endurance, and working performance.
MODULE #5: Advanced Program Design for the K9 Athlete
Discover how to train for speed and power while minimizing the risk of injury; Discover how to safely implement circuit training and high intensity interval training for the canine athlete
Your Investment
Our canine fitness programs range from $200 to $5000. Your total investment will depend on your goals, your interests, and the degree you want to apply the canine fitness best practices. Once you submit your application, our admissions team will review your information and reach out with suggested next steps. This may be a one-on-one consultation with one of our canine program specialists or a recommended next step curriculum via email. We are here to help you decide on the perfect next step based on your goals and budget.
What’s Your Return on Investment?
For dog owners, your knowledge of canine fitness will help you avoid expensive injuries, promote optimum health, and ensure you have a happy, healthy dog for years to come.
For dog trainers and other canine professionals, you’ll be able to deliver uncommon value to your clients, solidify your competitive advantage, and be confident in the fitness advice you are offering your clients.
What You Get
Ivan Balabanov, Ot Vitosha Malinois
"Anyone who is involved (seriously) in dog sports is aware how easy it is for a dog athlete to get injured and how abruptly an amazing career can come to an end. Learning how to prevent injuries is crucial if you want to be successful. Every time I get the opportunity, I invite Erica to give presentations and share her work at my workshops. She's amazing!"
Francoise Massart, Marvel K9 Dog Training Academy
"This is a must take program for all individuals interested in maintaining a healthy canine. Both working and pet dog owners/handlers will obtain a vast amount of knowledge and techniques that will allow them to properly maintain peak condition for their dogs at all life stages. I highly recommend Erica’s programs. Learning from her will equip you with the opportunity to provide your dog with an even healthier life."
Paul V. Anthony, A&B Canine Training
"Thank you as always Dr. Erica Boling for helping me with workout ideas yesterday. As many of you know Fin and I have been chosen as alternates to represent the USA and the World Cup in France. I know that Fin will have to be in the best shape of his life to compete at such a high level so I contacted Erica who I believe is one of the best in the country at not only getting your dog in peak condition but also keeping them there. No matter if your dog is a pet or elite K9 athlete, Erica is the one to see!"
Your Next Steps
If what you’ve learned sparks your interest, submit your application today! Our admissions team will review your information and reach out with suggested next steps. This may be a 1-on-1 consultation with one of our K9 specialists or recommendations sent via email. We're here to help you decide on the perfect next step based on your goals and budget!
Apply Now
