Exercise Physiology of the Working Canine

Course Description

CRI has partnered with 4-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser's Happy Trails Kennels to offer the ultimate continuing education adventure.

This 4-day program, taught by Dr. Michael Davis, DVM, Ph.D., Dipl ACVIM, ACVSMR, encompasses 18 hours of RACE-approved CE covering exercise physiology and sports medicine in working dogs and the complete experience of working with the ultimate canine athlete: the Alaskan Husky sled dog.

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Course Eligibility:

Licensed veterinarians, physical therapists, and occupational therapists

Licensed veterinary technicians

Non-credentialed veterinary assistant:

• Has at least one (1) year of clinical veterinary experience
• Submit a current Letter of Recommendation from their rehab-certified supervising veterinarian, physical therapist or occupational therapist.

Students (veterinary, veterinary technicians, physical therapy, and occupational therapy):

• Completed the first year of their professional program

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Course Curriculum:

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the physiological responses, adaptations, and clinical considerations in exercising and working dogs.

• Energy Expenditure in Exercising Dogs
  Learn how to assess and understand the energy demands of different exercise intensities and durations. Explore how exercise impacts overall energy balance and performance.

• Fuel Use in Exercising Dogs
  Examine how dogs utilize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins during activity. Understand fuel selection during sprinting, endurance work, and rehabilitation exercises.

• Muscle Adaptations to Conditioning and Exercise in Dogs
  Discover how skeletal muscle responds to training and conditioning. Learn about changes in strength, endurance capacity, and recovery in canine athletes and rehab patients.

• Exertional Rhabdomyolysis
  Understand the causes, signs, and treatment of this serious condition. Gain strategies for prevention and safe exercise planning.

• Hyperthermia and Metabolic Heat Management
  Explore how dogs regulate body temperature during exercise. Learn to recognize heat-related issues and implement effective cooling and prevention strategies.

• Hydration in Working Dogs
  Review the importance of water balance and electrolyte management. Learn practical hydration protocols to maintain performance and safety.

• Renal and GI Response to Exercise
  Examine how exercise influences renal and gastrointestinal function. Understand the physiological changes and potential risks for working and rehab dogs.

• Treatment and Prevention of GI Disease in Working Dogs
  Learn how to identify and manage GI conditions associated with exercise. Explore preventive measures to keep working dogs healthy and active.

• Acute Phase Response and Cytokine Release in Working Dogs
  Understand the body’s inflammatory response to exercise. Explore the role of cytokines in recovery, adaptation, and disease resistance.

• Immunocompetence of Exercising Dogs
  Study the effects of exercise on the immune system. Learn how conditioning, intensity, and recovery influence immune health and overall resilience.

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Course Instructor:

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2027 Class Dates:

January 22-25, 2027

(Additional full days of mushing on January 26, 2027 or January 27, 2027)

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Course Information:

In-Person: 4 days in Big Lake, Alaska (If you choose an all-day sled experience, you may stay an additional 1-2 days)

In-Person Daily Hours (AKDT Time Zone):

• Day 1:
  • 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Lecture
  • Lunch
  • 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. - Lecture
  • Wine & Cheese Reception
• Day 2:
  • 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Lecture
  • Lunch
  • 2-3 hours after lunch, learning how to drive a dogsled (All students)
• Day 3:
  • 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Lecture
  • Lunch
  • Up to 12 people spend the afternoon taking a half-day sled dog trip.
• Day 4:
  • 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Lecture
  • Lunch
  • Up to 12 people spend the afternoon taking a half-day sled dog trip.
• The last day of class ends early to allow students the opportunity to return home that evening. Do not make airline reservations that require you to depart class before 3:00 P.M.

RACE Approved: 18 credit hours by the AAVSB

• Please note there is no CE credit for technicians and assistants for this course

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Course Price and Location:

Course Fee: Full payment of course fee is required to secure your seat

• Option #1: Course Only - $1,790
  • 18 hours of CE
  • Lunch and snacks during class times
  • Introduction to dog mushing on Day 2
  • ½ day of dog mushing on Day 3 (for half of the class)
  • ½ day of dog mushing on Day 4 (for the other half of the class)
• Option #2: Course + Additional Full Day Mushing - $2,289
  • Everything in the "Course Only" Option
  • Additional day of dog mushing on either January 26 or January 27
    • Limit of 12 students each day
    • We will assign you to a group and let you know once assignments have been made

Course Location: Martin Buser's Happy Trails Kennels

Conveniently Located Near Mile 52 of the Parks Hwy (Alaska Hwy 3)
Mile 4.5 West Lakes Blvd, 19391 West Lakes
Big Lake, Alaska 99652

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