Summer of Kim
Back in May, I set out to define the Spring term as “the summer of Kim.” Thirteen weeks later, I found health, words, and a reminder of why I love sport and science. The question now: can I carry that into the Fall?
Informed by Science.
Driven by Dogs.
Evidence-based insights in canine sport science.
Supporting safer training, smarter handling, and stronger partnerships.
What you'll find here
Science
Grounded in sport science, this is a space for curiosity, and clarity. I share insights from my own research and from others, translating the best current evidence into practical takeaways you can actually use.
sport
With a PhD in sport science and 30 years in canine sport, I share insights from biomechanics, skill acquisition, and functional anatomy—turning research into strategies for safer, smarter performance.
safety
Rooted in the principles of evidence-based practice, I draw on research, lived experience, and what our dogs show us to help reduce injury risk and guide thoughtful choices in training, equipment, and course design.
Field Notes
Where curiosity meets experience.
Insights from canine sport science in motion.
Coach Matters
Even the most experienced agility teams sometimes need more than hard work to move forward. The right coach, whether for physical skills, mental prep, technical execution, or tactical decisions, can help you break through plateaus. This post explores how to know when it’s time to seek help, what kind of expertise might make the difference, and how to choose a coach who’s the right fit for your goals.
An Unwelcome Detour
A sudden injury this week forces an unplanned pivot. A raw reflection on recovery as performance, data as a lifeline, the quiet wins that still matter, and the role of community in carrying us forward.
The Win Within
The most meaningful wins don’t always show up on the scoreboard. Sometimes, they’re the ones only you can feel. This one was for me.
Sticky by Design (Part 3)
Tracking What Matters: How to Use Data to Make Better Agility Training Decisions Skills stick when we train with intention, and sometimes, that means zooming out. This post explores how simple tracking tools can help you recognize when a skill is ready to progress, catch training biases before they stall your growth, and plan smarter across training blocks and seasons. You don’t need fancy tech, just a clear structure, a little reflection, and the courage to adjust with purpose.
How Skills Stick (Part 2)
Want your training to actually stick? This follow-up to How to Practice so it Sticks (Part 1) turns the science of skill learning into action. From discovery-based sessions to challenge design and co-regulation, these six principles will help you build fluency, flexibility, and transfer. The kind of real-world performance that shows up when it counts.
Meet the Researcher
Hi, I’m Kim Cullen: kinesiologist, researcher, and lifelong dog sport nerd. Welcome to Canines in Motion, a space where science meets sport. With a PhD in sport science and 30 years in canine sport, I’ve built this site to help bridge the gap between research and real-life training.
I’m not here to sell a method or a product. I’m here to share what the evidence says and help us make better-informed choices for the dogs we love.
Here, you’ll find evidence-informed insights, practical tools, and a shared commitment to performance that puts canine well-being first.
Because work shouldn’t hurt. And that includes sport.