Have you ever seen a dog do Parkour?
Positively Canine was set up in 2011 by Jo Brook. She runs the business with the kind assistance of her pet Lurcher, Lady. Jo is an expert on dogs having studied them for 13 years and attending countless seminars learning from dog behaviorists.
Based near Northallerton in North Yorkshire, the business offers both one to one training and various group classes. The classes include Parkour, Rally and Puppy sessions. Jo has her own training school on a private farm meaning she has access to large spaces, ideal for dog training.
Parkour Or Barkour?
Parkour is similar to free running so how does that work with dogs?
Dog parkour combines elements of human parkour and dog agility to create an accessible activity for dogs and humans alike. Dogs learn jumping, climbing, balancing and crawling. Parkour can be done anywhere and is limited only by your imagination. Dog parkour helps is a low impact but challenging activity for any canine.
Jo explains that;
“About 6 or 7 years ago a friend and trainer introduced me to Parkour and I loved it! Since then I have carried out various instructor courses and started running my own classes and workshops.”
“It involves teaching dogs to do different behaviors with obstacles in the environment. Jumping, balancing, going under, around, in and over, putting 2 feet and 4 feet onto obstacles.”
“It is brilliant to help dogs that may lack confidence or who may be reactive with certain triggers in the environment. Also, it helps dogs that perhaps are a little too over confident and charge about diving off everything and risk injury as we teach them to stop and think!”
Anyone interested in learning more and wanting to try ,should get in touch with a reputable trainer with experience in Parkour. Jo emphasises not to be afraid to ask them what they have done before. The international Dog Parkour Association is a good place to learn more about it and the titles you can progress through.
Jo’s Advice
“Parkour is an activity to do with your dog and it is about you and your dogs personal journey together. Always work at your dogs own capabilities, never force them to do anything. It is something that you both enjoy together – you will never look at walks in the same way again!”
Do You Have a Parkour Pooch?
Do you think your dog would enjoy going daredevil for a day? Let us know in the comments and head to Dog Furiendly for more activities.
Find Postively Canine on Instagram at @positivelyknine.
