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
  

• Fuel Use in Exercising Dogs
  

• Muscle Adaptations to Conditioning and Exercise in Dogs
  

• Exertional Rhabdomyolysis
  

• Hyperthermia and Metabolic Heat Management
  

• Hydration in Working Dogs
  

• Renal and GI Response to Exercise
  

• Treatment and Prevention of GI Disease in Working Dogs
  

• Acute Phase Response and Cytokine Release in Working Dogs
  

• Immunocompetence of Exercising Dogs... And Much More!

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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 can be added on)

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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:
  • 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Lecture
  • Lunch
  • 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. - Lecture
  • Wine & Cheese Reception After Class
• 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 it is over.

RACE Pending: 18 credit hours by the AAVSB

• Please note there is no CE credit for PTs, OTs, and assistants for this course.

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Course Price and Location:

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

• Option #1: Course Only (1/22-1/25)- $1,950
  • 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 (1/22-1/25) + Additional Full Day Mushing - $2,500
  • Everything in the "Course Only" Option
  • Additional day of dog mushing (cost $550) 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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