March Challenge:

The Adventure Athlete Circuit

To earn your March merit patch, complete these five conditioning tasks alongside your monthly goal of logging 15 km of total distance (preferably outdoors!).

1. Stamina: The Extended Interval

  • The Set up: Choose a flat, familiar path or a treadmill where your dog can move without frequent interruptions. Use a standard leash and a well-fitted harness to ensure control over a steady pace.
  • The Move: Maintain a steady, purposeful trot for a full 15 minutes without stopping to sniff.
  • The Benefit: Increasing the duration builds greater cardiovascular endurance and metabolic efficiency over the February baseline.

2. Balance: Paws up on a balance disk

  • The Set up: You will need a balance disc (available on Amazon for about $20) and high-value treats. If you don't have a balance disk try using a cushion.
  • The Move: Use a treat to lure your dog to step on and off the disc; once comfortable, ask them to "sit" on top of the disc. To increase the challenge over time, you can stack multiple discs to build confidence as they maneuver the new equipment.
  • The Benefit: Sitting on an unstable surface engages core stabilizers and improves spatial awareness.

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3. Strength: The Bar Jump

  • The Set up: Use a bar that will fall off if knocked (like a broomstick on two chairs) and ensure there is good traction on the ground to avoid slipping.
  • The Move: Start with a running start to build enthusiasm and run over the bar with your dog, gradually raising the height as they progress. If using a leash, keep it slack and use body pressure to guide them toward the jump.
  • The Benefit: Jumping builds explosive power in the rear assembly and strengthens the core during takeoff and landing.

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4. Coordination: The Tight Circle

  • The Set up: Set your dog on a small platform and have treats ready at their nose height.
  • The Move: Hold the treat at nose level and walk around the platform, encouraging your dog to spin in a tight circle to follow your hand.
  • The Benefit: This improves "proprioception" and limb awareness by forcing the dog to shift weight while pivoting in a small space.

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5. Flexibility: The Shoulder Dip

  • The Set up: Use a platform (like your Klimb or a sturdy bin) and a treat lure.
  • The Move: Lure your dog to put their front paws up on the platform, then slowly move the treat down toward the edge of the platform.
  • The Benefit: This move causes the dog to dip and extend their shoulders, promoting range of motion and flexibility in the forequarters.

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Need help with the moves?

Don't worry if these sound technical! We have posted video demonstrations for each exercise to help you learn the proper form and keep it fun. 

Need help or adapting for a disability? Don't worry if these sound technical! We have posted video demonstrations for each exercise to help you learn.

We also want you to know that you don’t need professional equipment. No tunnel? You can make one using chairs and a blanket! The goal is to have fun, so if your dog has a disability, adaptations can absolutely be made. Even our own Cooper, who has hip dysplasia, modifies the exercises. He doesn't like putting his head in tunnels, so just the crawling motion is good enough for him.

The Reward: A personalized Athlete Circuit Certificate of Achievement (Digital) and the opportunity to order your custom-stitched Athlete Circuit Merit Patch.

Reward Type Description Cost
Digital Certificate A high-quality, printable PDF with your dog's name and achievement. FREE
Physical Patch A custom-embroidered 3.5" Athlete Circuit patch for your dog's gear. $10.00
Winter Warrior Status Complete January, February, and March to earn a "Cold Weather Champion" bonus certificate! Included

 

How to Participate

  • Track Your Progress: Use your GPS or phone health app for walks and check off your conditioning tasks as you go.

  • The Log: Consistency is key! Break the 15 km into smaller walks and try one new conditioning task a week.

  • Submit Your Proof: By April 4th, by filling out the form bellow.

Download your March Training log and fill it out as you go. 

Get your march training log

 

 

Please Submit your March results no later than April 4th

 Submit March Results

 

At Humble Dog, we believe movement is medicine. As a Canine Conditioning Fitness Coach, I designed the Adventure Club to help you keep your dog fit, focused, and functional through every season. Whether you're logging miles or working on core stability, every achievement brings you closer to a healthier dog.