Parkour goes to the dogs in Nanaimo training course

You've seen James Bonddo it in Casino Royale but maybe your canine pal is just waiting for a chance to show off itsown parkour moves.

Christina Young, a Nanaimodog trainer, is offering dog owners a chance to introduce their pets to a four-legged version of the popular sport that features graceful, athletic movesthrough obstacle courses.

Young said thecourse, which starts May 6, will demonstrate waysto make the daily dog walk more interesting at both ends of the leash.

"It's like taking your dog to the gym,"Young said.

"Dog parkour is basically just doing lots of tricks using obstacles you find in whatever environment you're in with your dog."

When she was asked by Nanaimo's recreation and parks department if she had an idea for a spring training course for pet owners, she jumped at the chance.

"I love parkour, it's something I've always done with my dogs," she said.

Young saiditadds fun and strengthensthe bond between dog and owner even though the humansare not expected to doparkour vaults and rolls along with their pets.

It is also a good way to improve the dog's fitness and strength.

"Some moves are very difficult, such as backing up a set of stairs.That takes a lot of strength and hind-end awareness from your dog," she said.

Meanwhile, teaching the dog to put its front feeton an object that movesrequires core strength.

At the most basic level, she said, even small puppies can learn to circle around a tree.

Treats required

Young said the only requirements for dog parkour are a harness so the owner can support the dog and help prevent slips and falls. That, and lotsand lots of treats.

"They're not going to jump up on a tree just because it looks like fun," she said. "They're going to do it to earn their cheese."

With Files from CBC Radio One's On the Island with Gregor Craigie