This two-day conference program focuses on canine fitness, injury prevention, and performance longevity through lectures and live demonstrations. Sessions are designed to build a clear understanding of how dogs move, where injuries commonly originate, and how strength, conditioning, and early identification support long-term soundness.
This is a lecture and demonstration–based conference. There are no working spots.
Program Focus
Gait mechanics
Strength and conditioning
Injury prevention and early identification
Longevity and performance sustainability
Who Should Attend
This program is well suited for:
Dog sport and performance enthusiasts
Trainers, instructors, and coaches
Rehab and fitness professionals
Serious dog owners interested in injury prevention and longevity
Anyone seeking a deeper, structured understanding of canine movement and conditioning
The conference emphasizes education, observation, and application, providing attendees with tools they can use to better evaluate movement, recognize early warning signs, and design thoughtful fitness and prehab plans for dogs across disciplines.
Saturday – Part 1: Forelimb
Saturday’s sessions focus on the forelimb, with emphasis on early injury detection, posture, and targeted strength development.
Topics include:
Injury prevention and early identification
Forelimb assessment
Gait analysis system data review with demonstration dogs
Posture evaluation and building a prehab program
Targeted fitness exercises for the forelimb
Handling the “difficult” rehab and prehab dog
Sunday – Part 2: Hindlimb & Iliopsoas
Sunday shifts attention to the hindlimb and iliopsoas, with discussion of strength, core stability, and long-term wellness strategies.
Topics include:
Injury prevention and early identification
Hindlimb assessment
Gait analysis system data review with demonstration dogs
Targeted fitness exercises for hindlimb and core strengthening
Modalities (laser, massage, PEMF), supplements, and longevity
About Demo Dogs
There are no working spots for participant dogs during the Saturday–Sunday conference sessions.
However, participants may volunteer their dogs to be considered as demonstration dogs. Demo dogs are selected at the discretion of the instructors and must be:
Comfortable being handled by unfamiliar people
Able to tolerate physical manipulation
Comfortable working in a crowd and busy environment
Non-reactive to dogs, people, and novel situations
Not all volunteer dogs will be selected, and selection may vary by session based on instructional needs.
From Stride to Strength : The Canine Athlete Symposium
About Objective Gait Computerized Analysis
Specific instructions will be sent to the registrants before the workshop. Gait Analysis averages 5-10 minutes per dog.
Objective Gait Computerized Analysis (GAIT4Dog) is a data-driven evaluation of how your dog moves. Using a highly sensitive, pressure-sensing walkway, your dog’s natural walking gait is recorded as they move across the mat—no sedation, no restraint, and no force applied.
The system captures over 88 objective gait parameters, including stride length, step timing, limb loading, pressure distribution, and symmetry across all four limbs. This allows clinicians to detect movement changes far too subtle for the naked eye, including early compensations and emerging lameness patterns.
A baseline gait report establishes your dog’s individual “normal.” This is especially valuable for sporting and working dogs, where early detection of small changes can support injury prevention, performance longevity, and proactive wellness planning. Objective gait analysis is commonly recommended annually as part of a personalized, preventive care approach for canine athletes.
Key Benefits
Collects 88+ objective data points during normal walking
Detects very subtle lameness and asymmetry not visible to the eye
Identifies early changes in stride length, step timing, and limb loading
Establishes your dog’s personal baseline gait profile
Enables meaningful comparison if concerns arise later
Recommended annually for sporting and working dogs as part of a proactive performance and wellness strategy
Who Should Consider This?
This assessment is especially valuable for:
Sporting and performance dogs
Working dogs
Dogs returning to activity after injury
Dogs with intermittent or unclear lameness
Owners who want objective data—not guesswork—when monitoring soundness
Even dogs that appear completely sound can benefit from having a baseline on record.
Gait Analysis Data
Owners will receive a printed report of their dog’s Objective Gait Computerized Analysis data collected on Friday.
During the Saturday and Sunday sessions, Dr. Sherman Canapp will use real gait analysis examples and live demonstrations to teach attendees how to read and understand biomechanical gait reports. These sessions are designed to help participants recognize key patterns related to limb loading, movement asymmetries, injury risk, and performance implications — skills that can be applied to their own gait analysis reports. Time permitting, general questions about gait reports may be addressed during lecture Q&A. Attendees seeking individualized assessment or case-specific interpretation may schedule a private evaluation with Dr. Canapp during optional Monday sessions.
From Stride to Strength : The Canine Athlete Symposium
Location and Lodging
Once again we will offer this amazing learning experience at the FDSA Ranch, nestled in the heart of Petaluma, California. It is the perfect backdrop for training dogs. In your downtime you’ll be able to explore the ranch and see all the farm animals! There is pet-friendly lodging and good eats close-by.
Parking
Parking can be tight at the Ranch, so we recommend carpooling if you can.
Lodging
Petaluma hotels will be the closest to the Ranch, but also check Novato and Rohnert Park for hotels within a 20-minute drive.
Best Western Petaluma Inn (5 min away)
KOA Petaluma (camping)
Contact us if you’re interested in dry camping at FDSA Ranch.
Flying in?
The closest airport is the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa, California. Otherwise San Francisco International Airort (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK) are the next options.
From Stride to Strength : The Canine Athlete Symposium
Cancellation Policy
Seminar Cancellation & Refund Policy
The cancellation and refund policy for From Stride to Strength : A Canine Athlete Symposium, scheduled for April 17–20, 2026, is as follows:
Cancellation policy for the conference (Saturday (April 18, 2026)–Sunday (April 19, 2026))
Before March 17, 2026 → Full refund, less 4% (if applicable).
On or after March 17, 2026 → No refunds.
Cancellation policy for the Gait Analysis (Friday, April 17, 2026)
Before March 17, 2026 → Full refund, less 4% (if applicable).
On or after March 17, 2026:
Spot filled → Full refund, less 4% (if applicable).
Spot not filled → 50% refund, less 4% (if applicable)
Cancellation policy for the Wellness Assessments (Monday, April 20, 2026)
Before April 6, 2026 → Full refund, less 4% (if applicable).
On or after April 6, 2026
Spot filled → Full refund, less 4% (if applicable).
