Comparative Kinematic Analysis of Hurdle Clearance Technique in Dogs: A Preliminary Report

Abstract

Although the jumping characteristics of agility dogs have been examined in recent years, there is currently a lack of data related to the suspension phase. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the biomechanics of the suspension phase of the agility jump and to analyze the kinematic differences in dogs with different jumping abilities. Two groups of dogs of the same height category (large dogs) competing at different skill levels and assessed as excellent jumpers (n = 4) and less-skilled jumpers (n = 3), respectively, were analyzed and statistically compared. Excellent jumpers showed longer and faster jumps with flatter jump trajectories than less-skilled jumpers. In less-skilled jumpers, the distance in front of the hurdle was notably greater than the distance behind it, while the difference between these two distances was less in excellent jumpers. Length and duration of the jump, maximal height of the jumping trajectory, take-off and landing distances to the hurdle, time of occurrence of maximal jump height, and time of change in back orientation essentially defines the suspension phase of the agility jump. This study presents preliminary evidence that the kinematic characteristics of hurdle clearance are different in excellent jumper dogs and in less-skilled jumper dogs.

Understanding the Impact of Scale Height on the Kinetics and Kinematics of Dogs in Working Trials

“…This suggests that experience and training may influence how dogs traverse and respond to specific equipment. Miro et al ( 24 ) similarly demonstrated that experience affected the kinematics of how agility dogs traversed a hurdle. In the present study, median age of dogs was 4.5 years (range 2–8 years).…”

Kinetics and Kinematics of Working Trials Dogs: The Impact of Long Jump Length on Peak Vertical Landing Force and Joint Angulation

“…This provides the opportunity for the dog to take a more fluid approach to clearing the obstacle, and it could thus be considered beneficial for dogs to take a flatter and lower jumping trajectory than for an upright obstacle. In agility, it is presumed that the flatter the jump, the more energy is spent in forwarding movement and the less energy is wasted in upward movement [22]. The differences seen as a proportion of dogs' body weight may indicate two different jumping techniques employed by dogs, with heavier dogs 'landing' before continuing, and some lighter dogs running immediately off the obstacle, effectively as a continued stride.…”

“…Successful obstacle clearance relies on dogs assessing and executing an optimal combination of both forward velocity and distance to obstacle [7,22]. Dog experience can impact the suspension phase of the jump seen in agility dogs, with alterations seen to the optimisation of take-off and landing phases [22]. It has been proposed that more experienced dogs should execute long and quick jumps [22].…”

“…Dog experience can impact the suspension phase of the jump seen in agility dogs, with alterations seen to the optimisation of take-off and landing phases [22]. It has been proposed that more experienced dogs should execute long and quick jumps [22]. The experimental set-up did not enable accurate data to be garnered on the suspension phase of the jump, nor the distance of landing from the obstacle.…”

“…However, further work should be undertaken on this obstacle to assess this theory. Consideration of the level the dogs have reached in competition may provide an extra opportunity to measure the effect of training and previous experience on dog jumping styles, as is evident in agility dogs [16,22]. and to understand the potential impacts on dogs who are new to working trials.…”