A bit about me!
My name is Danielle Cyr and folks call me Dani.
I have been training dogs for about 15 years now. I have been a practicing veterinary technician for 20! Since my first dog as an adult, I have continued learning via CE, seminars, workshops and a ton of personal reading. How to be a better technician, a better owner, a better trainer, a better advocate, etc. You will never know everything, and when you think you have, you are in trouble. My passion is canine sports, and my heart breed is the American Pit Bull Terrier. After having a couple dogs that needed more exercise and even more understanding, I discovered the sport of weight pull. This was an activity I could do at home, in the quiet fields, with no shame from dog aggression and other social intolerances. Turns out, this discovery led us (my dogs and I) on a wonderful journey of all things dog sport and traveling, and a dog centric world of friends. Now we have founded two clubs that offer weight pull, have a weight pull program and a supportive community of dog lovers who see the benefit of providing regular activities for your dog, competitive or not. If you want to see what your pup is capable of, or simply want to get active with your companion, I'm happy to help you along the way!
Weight Pull
Classes and events are all about encouraging you to get out and get active with your canine companions. Although our current classes focus on the sport of Weight Pull, our students are involved in an array of sports such as Rally Obedience, Obedience, Barn Hunt, Coursing, Agility, Flyball and so many more activities. Classes are coached by Dani and several club members may aid when necessary.
The sport of weight pull involves a dog pulling weights with only verbal encouragement, a distance of 16 feet within 60 seconds. Most of the misconception comes from the assumption dogs are forced to do this activity and immediately jump to massive weights. This is not the case. In fact, dogs train as athletes year-round and those who compete have found their niche. No leashes, no touching and no treats or toys are allowed in competitions. Dogs are pulling to be with their human! Our students and dogs have been building upon a foundation of confidence and proper conditioning to avoid poisoning the activity and minimizing risk of injury.
Our classes focus on motivationally training proper form and focus, keeping dogs low, and slow so the effort is intentional. Some dogs come for fun and exercise, some come for conditioning to prevent injury in other sports, and some come to prepare for competition. Similar to human fitness, dogs of all ages and conditions can participate with appropriate modifications and personal instruction. Our classes encompass canine health as a whole, emotionally and physically.
All of our events and classes are open to the public! If you have concerns or questions, I encourage you to come watch and see for yourself.
Fitness Evaluations and Programming
I've been designing weekly workout regimens for weight pull students, and behavior clients for several years now. Recently I was directed to a program offering certification of that very thing! I am currently taking new clients as a Certified Canine Athlete Specialist (CCAS.) On top of my technical and behavior knowledge I will now have the continued education to keep dogs healthy and prevent injury in those intensely working and those lacking self-preservation. From structure assessments to customized programs for the sports you love, I'm excited to be adding this new service to my training programs going forward. I especially love seeing those older dogs who need something to maintain a strong mind and body into their elder years. Fitness in dogs is mostly anecdotal from horses and humans but I'm proud to be part of the current research and developments available to us.
Private, in person, assessments will be available upon request and I can help virtually as well! In the meantime, I also offer group introductory fitness classes in small groups through Piscataqua Obedience Club's monthly schedule. Any dogs who are part of my board and train services will also have access to these services.
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Disclaimer: Canine fitness is intended as specialized exercise only. It is not intended to replace veterinary care or specialty services in any way. These services are for healthy dogs only. By registering for my services, you acknowledge that canine and fitness conditioning activities are not a substitute for veterinary care, exams, diagnoses, and treatment. There are some injuries and health conditions where conditioning/fitness/working activities are not recommended and could be detrimental to the dog and Cyrius Canine has the right to refuse services at any time. All dogs participating in sports, fitness routines, conditioning plans, or working activities should have veterinary clearance to engage in these activities. This may include, but is not limited to, shaping and training on fitness equipment, circuit training, weight pull, endurance activities such as hiking and treadmill work, and agility activities such as jumping and cone work. There are benefits to dogs engaging in conditioning and fitness programs, but no results are guaranteed. Enrollment in a program is based on the results of our interview and physical evaluation. Cyrius Canine is not obligated to take the dog and handler through a conditioning program.