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Chris Zink Seminar

HOTC PRESENTS

"COACHING THE CANINE ATHLETE"

AGILITY SEMINAR

WITH CHRIS ZINK, DVM PhD

November 7 & 8, 2009

at the Alabama A&M University Agribition Center

4925 Moores Mill Rd, Huntsville, AL

Chris Zink, author of "Peak Performance: Coaching the Canine Athlete" and "Jumping A - Z" will present a two-day seminar focusing on how the canine body works, and what we can do to improve performance and keep our dogs healthy. The seminar is broken up into several segments, with an initial lecture period followed by demonstrations and discussions. General topics, using participating dogs, include:

- structure analysis in groups with help from Chris
- gait analysis
- demonstrations of how to do a lameness exam
- practicing specific conditioning exercises and warm-ups
- targeted exercises for specific conditions such as hip dysplasia and ACL damage
- jump training: the biomechanics of jumping, training from puppies to adults, and various jumping problems
- how structure affects the performance of contact obstacles and weaves

All of these topics are geared towards educating you on how your dog's structure affects his agility training, how to improve his performance, and how to keep him injury-free.

There will be 40 working slots available and unlimited auditing slots. Please note that working participants are asked to include information on what sports you participate in, as well as any particular issues which you would like Chris to discuss. These topics will be given to Chris prior to the seminar for preparation purposes.

In addition, there are a handful of private consultations available on Saturday night with Chris, between 7PM and 10 PM. See the attached description for more information on her consults.

There are several fast food restaurants near the Agribition Center; lunch will not be provided by the club. Snacks and drinks will be available. There are limited RV hookups available at the arena.

Contact Lee Baragona for additional information lfbaragona@aol.com or 256-881-9277. Entries will open on June 1st. There will be a random draw if entries exceed availability.

Consults with Chris Zink DVM PhD

Chris will be available for a limited number of individual consults in association with the seminar. Two separate consult formats are available. The consults will be provided on a first-come, first served basis.

1. Structure/Gait Analysis: There is no species more varied in size or shape than the dog. An understanding of your dog's structure and gait will help your dog to live a healthier, injury-free life and you to achieve your goals in performance events. In this 25 minute consult, Chris Zink will evaluate your dog's structure and gait. She will assess the dog's muscle tone, discuss its front and rear assembly and balance, and evaluate its gait. She will advise you of the dog's strengths and weaknesses and any sports injuries that your dog may be at risk for, and will provide you with an individualized conditioning program tailored to your performance goals. (25 min - $100.00)

2. Problem-oriented Evaluation: Many dogs have physical or medical handicaps (e.g., hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, past injuries, bleeding disorders) that affect performance and can lead to progressive dysfunction. This 50 minute consult is designed to permit more detailed discussion of these problems and their present and potential effects on your dog's health and performance. This consult incorporates the information provided in the Structure/Gait Analysis consult and also provides a detailed, integrated approach to care, conditioning, and training dogs with physical/medical problems. Owners should bring medical records and radiographs if appropriate. (50 minutes - $200.00)

Note: the 25 minute consult is only for healthy dogs. If a dog has a condition such as hip dysplasia that might affect performance, please schedule the consult for 50 minutes. This is the amount of time needed to properly evaluate the dog.