How would you describe 'functional movement' in dogs?

Functional movement in dogs refers to the coordinated actions that involve multiple joints and muscle groups working together to perform everyday activities. This type of movement is essential for tasks such as walking, running, jumping, and navigating obstacles, as it reflects the dog's ability to move efficiently and effectively in its environment.

Functional movements are important because they showcase how well a dog can use its body in a holistic manner rather than isolating just one part, which would be less representative of natural behaviors. This is particularly relevant in assessing a dog’s physical abilities and overall health, especially in the context of rehabilitation and physical training, where the goal is often to restore or improve functional mobility.

In contrast, movements that focus solely on front leg usage, are exceptionally fast or limited to training contexts do not capture the comprehensive nature of a dog's functional movement. These elements do play a role in specific activities but do not encompass the broader definition which is vital to a dog's overall mobility and interaction with its environment.