10/27/2025
We’re incredibly proud of KnightWatch K9s Working Dog Program and the amazing athletes in our training lineup. A big part of why our dogs stay at the top of their game is the ongoing, proactive care they receive. Dr. Barnes joins us once a month to perform comprehensive health assessments tailored to the demands of our training. His monthly visits help keep our dogs fit, resilient, and ready for the jobs they’ll be called upon to do.
What Dr. Barnes checks and why it matters:
- Routine vaccines: Keeping vaccines current helps protect our dogs from preventable diseases even as training intensity increases.
- Paws: Regular inspection for cuts, cracks, and pads ensures our athletes can train confidently on any surface.
- Gums and overall health: Oral health and general well-being are foundational to stamina, mood, and performance.
- Hips, elbows, and spine: Evaluating joints and the spine helps prevent injuries and ensures mobility and agility remain at peak levels for demanding tasks.
This level of care reflects our commitment to the welfare and long-term health of every dog in our program. Dr. Barnes’s expertise and monthly presence allow us to adjust training loads, plan preventive care, and address issues early—so our dogs stay true to their roles as elite working athletes when duty calls.
A heartfelt thanks to Dr. Barnes and the KnightWatch support team for making health and performance go hand in hand.
Featured: K9 Happy, English Spaniel in our Wellness K9 Program, in training to become a CRC Ready K9!