For a MWD with a history of orthopedic issues, conditioning should include which measures?

• A. Higher impact volumes and rapid progression
• B. Lower impact volumes, slower progression, targeted supporting musculature, alternate surfaces, and veterinary guidance
• C. No changes to conditioning
• D. Rely solely on veterinary guidance without adjusting workload

Answer: (B)

When a MWD has orthopedic history, conditioning should minimize joint load while preserving fitness. Lower impact volumes and slower progression reduce the cumulative stress on affected joints and give tissues time to adapt without flaring up symptoms. Targeted strengthening of the supporting musculature—especially the hips, hind limbs, core, and shoulders—stabilizes joints, improves gait, and helps distribute loads more evenly during work. Training on alternate surfaces further lowers peak forces by changing ground reaction characteristics, protecting sensitive joints during conditioning. Veterinary guidance is essential to tailor the plan, monitor for pain or changes, and adjust as needed based on medical input and the dog’s response. This balanced approach keeps the dog progressing safely, unlike increasing impact or keeping the same workload without adjustments, and it goes beyond simply following veterinary advice without implementing a workload plan.