Evaluation of Variability in Gait Styles Used by Dogs Completing Weave Poles in Agility Competition and Its Effect on Completion of the Obstacle

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate and define paw placement patterns for canines completing the weave pole obstacle during canine agility trials. The secondary objectives were to determine the most efficient running style and completion percentages and provide a basis for future studies to evaluate the long-term implications of variants in weave style and predisposition to injury. We hypothesized that dogs would display definitive gait patterns and that a single stepping pattern would yield faster run times compared to double stepping patterns.Animals: A total of 1,377 video recordings of dogs completing weaves poles at the American Kennel Club 2019 National Agility Championship were viewed.Procedures: Competition videos were reviewed as dogs attempted completion of the weave pole obstacle. Data collected included front limb and rear limb paw placement styles, time to complete the obstacle, and demographic data.Results: Attempts could be classified into one of five styles based on front and rear paw placement, with no one style dominant. Weave style differed by height and breed, with taller dogs and Border Collies preferring a single stepping style. Weave times were significantly faster for competitors using a single stepping style vs. other gaits.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: This study found five identifiable gait styles used by dogs running weave pole obstacles, with front feet single stepping yielding significantly faster run times compared to other gaits. A clear classification of running styles will allow future studies to evaluate different stresses on joints, such as the shoulder, between varying gait styles, which could lead to recommendations for injury prevention.

Evaluation of variability in performance and paw placement patterns by dogs completing the dog walk obstacle in an agility competition

“…Many factors, including breed, conformation, speed while completing the obstacle, and training techniques may contribute to the high levels of variation seen in paw placement styles observed. In the study regarding paw placement in dogs performing weave pole obstacles, differences in the relative frequency of the various styles were observed between Border Collies and all other dog breeds even within the same height class [9]. These findings are important to note as differences in breed conformation and size may contribute to the variability observed in the present study, although it is unlikely to be the sole contributor.…”

“…The fact that we were unable to classify dogs based on dog walk performance contrasts with the prior Eicher et. al study that described five distinct paw placement styles in agility dogs performing the weave pole obstacle [9]. Differences in the ability to define paw placement styles in weave pole obstacles and not in the dog walk obstacle could be due to the different kinematics required by the dog to perform each obstacle.…”

“…Agility sports lack current data regarding definition of canine running styles, effective patterns for all obstacles and the long-term consequences for injury risk and the longevity of the canine athlete. A previous study [9] was able to clearly define paw placement pattern styles during completion of the weave pole obstacle, with five distinctive gait styles being identified.…”

“…To date, no evaluation of how dogs complete the dog walk obstacle has been performed. If distinctive running patterns are seen, as with the weave pole study, it could help plan for prospective analysis of dogs completing this obstacle and potentially determine risk factors for injury [9]. It would also help inform methodology of kinematic research studies regarding canine agility.…”

Injuries and Associated Factors in Swedish Sporting and Utility Trial Dogs—A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The identification and understanding of risk factors for sports-related injuries in dogs are essential for the well-being of canine athletes and their long-term participation in these activities. Over the last decade, the identification of associated factors concerning canine health and well-being has gained more attention among dog handlers and animal health care professionals [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28]. There is also a concern about these increased risks of injury in sporting and utility trial dogs and concerns surrounding possible welfare implications, which may result in ethical dilemmas for stakeholders, i.e., dog handlers, judges, breeders, and organizers of competitions [29,30].…”