Name: Bobbie Lyons

History:
Bobbie Lyons is a dog trainer with over 18 years of experience. She started training her own dogs in tricks and agility and eventually began teaching classes on foundation agility, focus, and impulse control. In 2005, she started teaching private lessons and workshops on improving body awareness and strength in dogs. She launched her own online classroom, Bobbie Lyons Canine Campus, in 2018. Bobbie's interest in canine fitness stemmed from her own dog's structural issues that prevented him from fully extending his hind legs when jumping in agility. This led her to research massage, gait analysis, acupressure, canine rehabilitation, and canine sports fitness. She also sought guidance from rehabilitation veterinarians, osteopaths, chiropractors, and canine physical therapists. Bobbie has been teaching canine fitness private lessons and classes inside Back on Track Vet Rehab since 2013.

Training Philosophy:
Bobbie Lyons believes in training dogs with a focus on their health and performance. She uses a variety of methods to train strength and body awareness exercises that activate more muscles in the dog's movement, while moving the dog equally on both sides and in all directions. This inspires efficient movement with less effort and decreases the chance of injury. She emphasizes the importance of understanding how to build a proper fitness plan for a dog that provides a full body workout, teaching efficient use of each limb, activating the core muscle group to assist in movement, and maintaining or building overall muscle while improving muscle tone, size, and strength. She also believes in rewarding small steps towards a goal, communicating what is desired, allowing for a high rate of reinforcement at each step, and setting a good foundation to build on.

Services:
Bobbie Lyons offers a variety of services, including:

• Private Lessons: In-person or virtual lessons focusing on specific training challenges, exercises tailored to the dog's needs, and exercises specific to the owner's goals. A three-lesson package allows for training foundation work and building strength over time.
• Online Classes: A variety of online classes on topics such as basic targeting, foot targeting, warm-up/cool-down/flexibility routines, and more. Classes are open for video submission, review, comments, and discussion for 90 days after the class begins.
• Workshops: Two-day weekend workshops held locally and all over the US, Canada, and internationally. Topics include an overview of K9 conditioning with varied equipment, exercises specific to a sport or clientele, exercises specific to common performance injuries, working with puppies and senior dogs, exercise in small spaces, and evaluation and program design.
• K9FITteam Workshops: Workshops geared toward instructors, offering the latest canine fitness information, equipment use and combinations, targeted fitness training specific to sport, and fun/safe teaching strategies.

Certifications:
CSCC (Certified Canine Strength and Conditioning Coach), CCFT (Certified Canine Fitness Trainer), KPA CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner), Cert CF (Certified Canine Fitness)

Specializations:
Canine fitness, strength and body awareness training, agility, herding, tricks, dock diving, conformation, rehabilitation, puppy training, senior dog training, performance sports, pet dog fitness

Training Methods:
Bobbie Lyons uses a variety of training methods, including:

• Positive reinforcement: Using rewards such as treats, praise, and toys to motivate the dog.
• Clicker training: Using a clicker to mark desired behaviors and provide immediate reinforcement.
• Shaping: Gradually shaping a desired behavior by rewarding successive approximations.
• Target training: Using a target object to guide the dog's movements.
• Balance and proprioception exercises: Using balance products such as FitPAWS peanuts, donuts, and platforms to improve the dog's balance, coordination, and body awareness.

Customer Reviews:

MF, Finland: I registered as auditor in Bobbie's class, The Engima of the Iliopsoas, out of pure interest. I didn't think I had a dog with a Psoas problem, even though my dog had started to move with a shortened rear movement some months earlier. He was checkby our regular Physiotherapist, who noted some lack of muscle mass in the rear, but nothing significantly different from his earlier check ups, he also checked ok for the Iliopsoas. He got some treatments, and got a bit better, but not good. when the class began I started to see similarities between my dog's movements and the descriptions in class, and in spite of him not having a diagnosis of Iliopsoas injury, I started to do the exercises and stretches suggested in class with him. It turned out to be teh key to gt him going again. He started to use his rear end in a much better way, and with better movements he was able to do a lot of things that earlier on had been very hard for him, which again made him use his rear more. The best thing is that he is not only moving much better, he is also a much happier dog now, when the problems that for months were undetected has been sorted out. for me this proves that you can never learn to much, and even things you don't think will be immediate help can turn into real eye openers!

KK, Germany: LOVE the pace of the class. LOVE the precise feedback. LOVE your positive attitude towards us. It is VERY encouraging. The information coming every week is excellent.

NR, USA: I am auditing your class and am impressed daily by the time, attention and positive support you give each participant. I am getting a lot from the class and much appreciate all you share. Teaching on line is challenging, can not just show someone a gesture, etc. you do a great job.

JC, USA: Bobbie presents a wealth of information each week in her K9 Conditioning Class. I really appreciate how she puts each exercise into context. Explaining the specific area the exercise helps to strengthen and how that area relates to our dogs overall performance. Then providing detailed instructions on how to do the exercises, breaking them down into smaller steps and including video examples and PDF summaries.
The detailed and prompt feedback that Bobbie provides on my K9 Conditioning homework videos has been invaluable. She is able to clearly communicate when we have correctly, or incorrectly, executed the exercises - and provides several training suggestions to help us meet any challenges that come up along the way.
I really like the pace of the K9 Conditioning class. It's flexible enough to allow me to spend additional time on the exercises that are more challenging, without feeling left behind. And I can adjust when I submit my homework to accommodate my work and agility trial schedule

Dr. Bianca Shaw, DVM Back on Track Rehabilitation Center: Bobbie brings specific knowledge of the needs of athletic dogs, as well as an understanding of the imperfections inherent in each individual. She works with human-dog teams to improve the bond and engender deeper trust and a working relationship. I have heard from many of my clients about the fun they had, but also how they learned more about core body strength. This, even from owners of dogs with back issues (when they took another dog to Bobbie), when I have spent months, years even, on core strength, but not to the extent, and not with as challenging of exercises. Bobbie teaches the physical education aspect, or sports training.
Her class is a wonderful introduction to normal body mechanics. Technicians and veterinarians get so little information on how to develop and maintain normal and yet we see young animals every day. My job would be much easier if owners were primed to think about appropriate body mechanics and awareness with their pets' activities. If I had the time, I would run a course of preventative conditioning for imperfect conformation to coincide with Bobbie's course.

Judi James, KPA-CTP Owner of My Dogs Gym & Training Center: I have been involved with dogs and horses in performance sports since being a teenager. My Rottweiler, Greta, suffered from a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament. While the veterinarians involved with my dogs care provided a review of exercises to do after a rest period, the dog's injury prohibited a physical demonstration of the therapy. Bobbie not only provided a great description and explanation, she demonstrated each exercise with her own dogs, then instructed me as I tried the exercises with my dog. Bobbie explained what muscles were involved in each exercise, and put both the dog and myself at ease during each session. I have since employed what I learned to my other 3 dogs who are active in agility and obedience for exercise when weather is bad with great results

Margie Vincent-Robers, Owner of PetUtopia: I have personally taken the Core Strengthening class with my 9 year old Lab, Jake. Jake has severe hip dysplasia. Bobbie took great care to teach us the proper movements to improve his muscle tone, and prevent injury. I have recently took Jake in for a check up with his orthopedic surgeon. The surgeon was pleased with Jake's muscle tone, and how well he's doing. I explained the exercises we learned to keep his core and hip muscles toned. He was very impressed, and had never heard of this type of specific conditioning exercises.

Heather Toland, CVT, MAEE, Director for Dove Lewis Animal Assisted Therapy and Education Program: I had both my Labrador Retrievers participate in the workshop that Bobbie Taught for Dove Lewis Animal Assisted Therapy and Education program participants. Both dogs, one seven and the other two yeas of age, are quite physically fit and enjoy new challenges. We have practiced the exercises demonstrated during class at home with positive results. I believe this type of exercises program is beneficial for both mental and physical well-being. The exercise also provides an excellent opportunity for handler and their dogs to work on developing mutual trust through physically challenging exercises.

GG, USA: I think the pace of the class and content is perfect! I love, love, love this class, it is far better than I thought it would be. Before I registered, I was worried that it would be too slow and did not know whether to join this class or the advanced.

JR, USA: Love the class!

MF, USA: I consider you & Daisy an integral part of my team. I love what I am learning here and the pace is perfect. You are providing a good & consistent level of exercises, in a good format, which I can understand and it is complimentary to what I am already doing.

RS, Switzerland: I totally LOVE your class! It is my best ever online class! I love all of Daisy's classes but your class is a MUST class for every dog owner. Daisy should make it mandatory And you Bobbie do such an awesome job! I am so thrilled to be part of this class. Maybe I am going to do it again with one of my other dogs.

KF, USA: I really like the pace of class. I really like the variety and the level of detail in which you make corrections. It is very informative. You have been very good about late homework, that is appreciated.

Carol Dobbs, K9 Conditioning Client: Bobbie's gentle and consistent training techniques have proven invaluable for me as I have taken on a new dog that had no prior training. The techniques that she offered and demonstrated to me allowed me and my dog to begin forming a strong bond, which in turn has built a strong trust between the two of us.
Bobbie spends time with each dog as well as with the owners. Understanding each person and animal is unique and it's not one size fits all. She gives advice freely, is happy to answer questions anytime, even outside of class settings and keeps her classes small for personal attention.
I was amazed at how quickly my dog learned new tricks and advanced in her training, with the techniques Bobbie used. I can recommend her to anyone with any dog.

Lindsay Pranger, Client and Agility, Rally Obedience, Obedience and Conformation competitor: After taking Bobbie's On the Ball seminar and course with both of my Great Danes, I've has some very positive results. Heffner, my male, and I have been taking agility classes for about a year now and there are certain obstacles that he's had a more difficult time with because he's not as aware of his hind end as would be ideal. Since taking the classes, I've been able to work on specific exercises with him to increase his hind end awareness and I'm very happy to say that he is MUCH more confident and steady on the dog walk than he used to be. He's also developed better coordination and muscle control through work with different sized balls. I now have activities that are both physically and mentally challenging to keep both my dogs strong and it gives us exercises to do each day that increases out bond.

Rubi Sullivan, Owner Heal Animal Massage: Bobbie Lyons has demonstrated a knowledge and passion for dog training. She has encouraged owners to take a studied, hands -on approach to helping their own dogs become stronger and more confident through training. Benefits include mental and physical stimulation for the dog, as well as guidance and training for the owner. I can personally vouch for the one on one care and instruction Bobbie supplies during her workshops. Bobbie understands each dog has unique issues, which vary from dog to dog. This is an important distinction that she has proven to give careful thought to. The exercises I have learned in Bobbie's workshops have been a great outlet for my dogs, as well as fun. I recommend Bobbie Lyons' classes to many of my clients and will continue to do so in the future

Molly Breedenberg, PT-Obedience and Rally Obedience competitor: I attended Bobbie Lyons' Core Strengthening Workshop and found it extremely valuable in maintaining the health of my dog and in building our relationship. As a young dog, my Cavalier Kind Charles Spaniel, was diagnosed with luxating petallae. Cutting back her activity kept her form limping, but was taking a serious toll on her muscles mass, and I was concerned about further injury. I took Bobbie's class in hopes of learning a safe way to make my dog stronger without exacerbating her injury. I am a physical therapist and stress the importance of a strong core with all my patients, so I could easily transfer this to my dog.
After the first class when Bobbie learned of my dogs injury, she worked with a canine rehab specialist to keep all activities safe. The unexpected benefits of the class were the increased sure-footedness as my dogs hind end awareness increased and the enthusiasm to which she shows whenever we work on Bobbie's program. My dog is now able to continue her activities in Rally Obedience with no signs of lameness

Wendy Lee Ware-Kelley, LVT - Agility competitor: Bobbie is well versed in the exercises she teaches and the reasons for them. She demonstrated each exercise with one of her dogs, and then helped each dog and owner so there was no concern of failure or confusion. I have continued the various ball and floor exercises at home to build strength and balance in my young dog as well as rebuild strength in my older dog. I feel very strongly that this seminar would be of great benefit to anyone who attends.

Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PawsitivePerformanceLLC/

Media Appearances:
Authored Conditioning Exercises for Jumping Skill in Chapter 5 of Mastering Jumping Skills Volume One by Linda Mechlenburg/Clean Run Magazine
Authored Advanced Conditioning Exercises Chapter for Mastering Jumping Skills Volume Two by Linda Mechlenburg/Clean Run Magazine - available 2018
Published 12 articles about Canine Fitness in Clean Run Magazine Jan - Dec 2015
Published six Puppy Fitness articles for Clean Run 2017-2018
Co authored articles with Alan Gardner for Animal Therapy Magazine 2017