Specificity of Training or Training a Bulldog

My boss’s bull dog was originally bred to bait bulls. This was a popular entertainment in the Middle Ages, and the English standard bull dog is uniquely designed for this activity. The English bulldog was able to grab the bull by the nose or lip and hang on for dear life. The short neck and particular bite facilitated the dog’s ability to hang on. The upturned nose allows the dog to breathe as the bull’s nose or lip began to swell. The set of the eyes and the strategically placed wrinkles and jowls allows for yucky fluids to drain away from the dog’s eyes and channel away from the mouth. The dog’s build facilitates its ability to jump and catch the nose. The wide stance and short legs helps the dog stay low and out of reach of the horns. So, as a personal trainer I would need to use the principle of Specificity of training to design an efficient training program for Misha, the Bulldog.

Functional training is a popular buzz phrase in the fitness industry. Often times it is interpreted as “balance and core” training. But actually it is training that is specific to the movements of specific activities or lifestyle. So, would the functional training of Misha, my boss’s bulldog, be the same as the functional training of a Newfoundland dog? Both dogs are sturdy and robust. Both can pull stuff in a cart. Both breeds drool. But, when a needs assessment is done, it is found that Newfoundlands make terrible bull baiters and bull dogs aren’t exactly on everyone’s short list for water rescue.

Specificity of training says that I should increase the strength and endurance of Misha’s jaws, increase her ability to withstand being shaken and tossed about while hanging in the air, increase her sprint and jump ability while training her bite timing. The other day I began her training: We used a favorite pull toy and she latched on and I hauled her into the air until her feet were in the air. I shook her back and forth while she growled and hung on. This lasted all of 20 seconds and I set her down. We were both pooped. (Misha weighs around 68 pounds.) The next day all she did was rest.

Now, there is no way that I could do this with a 120-150 pound Newfoundland. Newfees like to play tug also but their version is to drag you around the yard. This is good because these dogs, historically, haul carts, wood for boat construction, nets, drowning seamen, ropes to shore, and anything else you can think of. Therefore the best training program for them is to strengthen their long slow endurance levels and swim them a lot. (I wouldn’t recommend swimming a bulldog nearly as much. The shorter hair and lack of webbing between their toes can make a bulldog a poor swimmer.)

Humans are similar to dogs. Well… we don’t tend to drool as much, but, we can pull stuff, we can swim, some of us are pretty robust, and some of us use a lot of bull. But, we have different needs. Some of us want to lose weight, some want to get stronger, some want to get “toned,” and some of us must want to become circus acts. (I have seen some trainers use equipment designed for “functional” training in very unique ways.) What it all boils down to is that an exercise program has to be based on sound scientific exercise principles. The ideal program is designed to take advantage of certain physical attributes (or to correct posture and/or joint motion) and to meet the goals of the individual. Exercise programs are individualized to increase performance levels and general health. A basket ball player does not do the same program as a gymnast, and neither does my 83 year old Aunt. Specificity of training determines the outcome of an exercise program.