Their methods of conditioning may vary, but all apply the basics. Initially, the dog must be genetically sound. A pup that is going to develop into a performing athlete requires a selective genetic background from sound breeding parents. Nutrition plays an important role in the conditioning program. Proper growth diets followed by maintenance diets off season and then enhanced-performance diets during competition are important.
Mental conditioning begins at birth and continues throughout the life of the dog.
A mentally sound puppy will have experienced frequent, quality human handling and repetitive exposure to other dogs and environments outside its own kennel or household milieu. Repetitive and frequent exposure to potentially unsettling situations such as car rides, kenneling and noise helps to reduce the stress that influences the dog's performance. Conditioning also involves preventive kennel management with respect to vaccination and worming programs and general health requirements. Proper health management of dogs assists in peak performance during periods of greatest demand and stress. With the above elements in place, the focus then switches to exercise.