Cavaletti training is a form of training for dogs and horses in which obstacles known as "cavaletti" are used. Cavaletti are low poles or beams that are placed on the ground at regular intervals. Cavaletti training for dogs aims to improve the physical fitness, coordination and dexterity of dogs.
What are the benefits of Cavaletti training for dogs?
Cavaletti training helps to strengthen the dog's muscles, improve its balance, increase its flexibility and boost its self-confidence. It also promotes the dog's attention and strengthens the bond between dog and owner. The most important Cavaletti exercises are listed in the following table.
| Exercise | Description of the |
| Straight line | Set up the cavaletti poles in a straight line, with even spacing between them. Let your dog run through the poles, either jumping over them or running between them. |
| Slalom | Place the cavaletti poles in a zig-zag pattern so that your dog has to run through them or jump over them as he moves through the slalom. |
| Oblique line | Place the cavaletti poles on the ground in a diagonal line so that they rise slightly. Your dog can then either cross the poles or run through them in an ascending and descending pattern. |
| Circulation | Place the cavaletti poles in a circle or oval and let your dog run along the outer or inner side of the circle as he crosses over or between the poles. |
| Backwards | Let your dog run backwards through the cavaletti poles to improve coordination and body awareness. |
| Bounce | Place the cavaletti poles in a row with increasing heights so that your dog can jump over them one after the other. Start with low heights and gradually increase them as your dog develops more confidence and jumping power. |
| Sideways movement | Position the cavaletti poles in a row and get your dog to run sideways through the poles. |
| Combined movements | Combine different cavaletti exercises to increase the mental and physical challenge for your dog. For example, you can combine a slalom movement with jumps or running backwards. |
| Jumping and turns | Place the cavaletti poles in a pattern that encourages your dog to jump as well as make sharp turns. |
| Speed variations | Change the speed at which your dog performs the cavaletti exercises. Let him run faster to improve endurance or slower to improve accuracy and control. |
Each of the exercises listed aims to develop different skills and characteristics in the dog. In the "straight line" exercise, the focus is on improving running speed and straight running, while the "slalom" exercise promotes the dog's ability to move sideways and turn.
Setting up the cavaletti poles in an "inclined line" increases the dog's balance and trains it to get on and off the poles. The "circuit" exercise, on the other hand, develops stamina and dexterity when changing direction.
Running backwards improves the dog's coordination and walking backwards. Hopping over the poles increases jumping power and self-confidence. The "sideways movement" promotes lateral mobility and coordination, while "combined movements" are a challenge for mental and physical abilities. "Jumping and turns" improve agility and flexibility, while "speed variations" train endurance, accuracy and control.
A suitable starting height is usually between 10 and 30 centimetres above the ground. The height of the Cavaletti bars should be approximately the same height as the dog's wrist. For specific strength training, 1.5 times the height of the wrist can also be selected for one pass if necessary, in exceptional cases even up to elbow height. Lower heights are recommended for puppies and older dogs.
The height of the cavaletti bars should be approximately the same height as the dog's wrist. For trot training, it is advisable to start with a distance roughly equal to the dog's shoulder height. To increase the stride length, the poles can be kept low while the distances are increased to 1.5 times the shoulder height. For strength training, the bars can be raised (up to 1.5 times the height of the carcass), while the distance may be minimally reduced.
A cavaletti parkour for dogs is a great way to improve your four-legged friend's fitness and coordination. In the following instructions, we show you step by step how to set up such a parkour at home to train and motivate your dog.
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