Effect of jumping style on the performance of large and medium elite agility dogs

Abstract

9Dog agility is a rapidly progressing sport worldwide. Consequentially, research and methods 10to improve technique and performance are becoming highly sought after. Video data were 11 collected of elite agility dogs during a training session, with downstream analysis examining 12 differences in apparent topline angle and jumping speed of large and medium dogs as well as

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

“…Take-off was determined as the first frame with the trailing hind limb off the floor, and landing was determined as the first frame where the leading forelimb first contacted the ground ( Figure 2 ). Based on previously published articles [ 11 , 12 , 15 ], the apparent locations of withers and tuber sacrale of the ilium (prominent point of the hip bone) were marked along the jump in the video images, and the back line was established between these two references. The back inclination angle, between the horizontal plane and the back line, was calculated throughout the suspension phase of the jump.…”

“…The kinematics of hurdle clearance has been considered extensively in human athletes [ 2 , 3 ]. In quadrupeds, the kinematics of hurdle clearance has been analyzed in horses [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ] and, more recently, in dogs [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. In horses, the performance characteristics of good jumpers have been analyzed [ 4 ], and some contributing factors to successfully jump over different obstacles were determined [ 4 , 5 , 7 , 8 ].…”

“…It has been shown that, when jumping consecutive hurdles, more-skilled dogs take off and land farther away from the hurdle at a greater speed when compared to less-skilled dogs [ 12 ]. Another study [ 15 ] assessed how the jumping style of individual dogs, referred to as the topline angle during the bascule phase of the jump, affects jumping performance. This study concluded that larger topline angles during the bascule phase of the jump were associated with a reduced speed and that the jumping style does vary between height categories and breeds.…”

Peak forelimb ground reaction forces experienced by dogs jumping from a simulated car boot

“…Owing to variance in morphology and conformation, altered postures when jumping can occur between dogs. 12 Therefore, to ensure that the trailing forelimb landed consistently within the boundaries of the force plate, the jumping style of each dog required observation. If on the acclimatisation jump a dog did not land in the middle of the force plate, the platform was then moved forwards or backwards in increments of 0.01 m for a second acclimatisation jump.…”

“…In allowing dogs to jump unaided out of vehicles, owners may be inadvertently predisposing their dogs to the development of musculoskeletal pathologies. Some studies have explored the biomechanics of competitive jump landings in dogs [11][12][13][14] ; however, minimal quantitative canine studies investigating the efects of jump landing exist when investigating static start jump-downs. Given the paucity of research in this area, it is important to consider the biomechanical implications of jumping from a stationary position from a range of heights.…”