Which dogs can benefit from canine conditioning?
The short answer is that all dogs benefit from conditioning training - just like humans!
Puppies
Most puppies don’t naturally develop strong core muscles. This is because they are raised in an environment with flat surfaces, which don’t require them to move their bodies in a way that challenges their core. Encouraging the core muscles to ‘switch on’, at an early age, will lead to the puppy being fit and strong as they grow. In turn, this can actually reduce the risk of them developing musculoskeletal issues throughout their life.
Pet Dogs
We tend to ask a lot of our pet dogs. We take them for long walks, throw balls for them, ask them to repeatedly jump in and out of vehicles, on and off furniture, or go up and down stairs. Some may even be Munro baggers! When a dog has strong core muscles, their movement muscles don’t become sore because they have had to overwork to compensate. A fit, strong dog, is free to enjoy their best life, doing all the things they love to do, every single day!
Sporting Dogs
The athletes of the canine world! Sports like canicross, flyball and agility put additional stresses and strains on our dogs’ bodies and minds. Specific conditioning exercises build strength from the inside out, leading to improved performance, supporting the dog to achieve their full potential. Conditioning training also reduces the risk of injury.
Senior Dogs
As our dogs age, they can lose muscle mass and develop issues with their joints. Appropriate, low impact, conditioning exercises can improve their posture, taking strain off their joints, and help them to retain, or even build muscle. Basically, conditioning helps to maintain the muscular-skeletal system in our older dogs, which helps them to feel younger for longer!
Canine conditioning results in a stronger, fitter, faster dog, ready for life’s adventures!
What results can I expect to see with my dog?
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​​Improved core strength, leading to better posture, joint alignment and overall comfort levels
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Improved gait, able to move more efficiently, and faster
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Greater flexibility and mobility
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Improved balance, coordination and proprioception, leading to more precise foot placement
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Improved connection between body and mind
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Increased confidence and focus in everything they do
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Improved communication and connection between you and your dog
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Reduced likelihood of injuries
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A happy dog – canine conditioning is fun!
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Programmes & Pricing
We are committed to supporting the well-being of all dogs, which is why all programmes are tailored to suit your dogs individual needs. Learn more about which programme is best suited for your dog below, and feel free to get in touch if you're unsure.
Foundation Fitness
This eight week programme focusses on building strong core muscles, improving posture, flexibility, balance, and coordination. It is designed to unleash your dog’s full potential, no matter their age or discipline. Whether you have a pet dog, a show dog, a sporting or working dog, the Foundation Fitness Programme will prepare them for life’s adventures!
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I offer three different Foundation Fitness packages, which are available on a one-to-one basis, face to face, or virtually, via Zoom.
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Team/club group sessions also available on request. Please contact me to discuss.
Package 1
£280
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Initial Consultation
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CCA postural & movement assessment
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Muscular health check
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Muscle measurement comparisons throughout the 8 weeks
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Warm up and cool down routine
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Bespoke exercise plan with measurable goals - 9 exercises
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4 face to face sessions totalling 6 hours
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Online support & video feedback - 1 video per week​
Package 2
£380
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Initial Consultation
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CCA postural & movement assessment
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Muscular health check
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Muscle measurement comparisons throughout the 8 weeks
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Warm up and cool down routine
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Bespoke exercise plan with measurable goals - 11 exercises​
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4 face to face sessions totalling up to 7 hours
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Online support & video feedback - up to 2 videos per week​
Package 3
£575
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Initial Consultation
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CCA postural & movement assessment
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Muscular health check
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Muscle measurement comparisons throughout the 8 weeks. Plus learn to take the measurements yourself.
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Warm up and cool down routine
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Bespoke exercise plan with measurable goals - 14 exercises
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4 face to face sessions totalling 8 hours, plus the option to arrange up to 2 additional 1 hour sessions, if required
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Online support & video feedback - up to 3 videos per week​
Canine CrossFit
Intermediate and Advanced Programmes have been designed to build on your dog’s achievements from the Foundation Programme. Introducing the concept of circuit training, these six week Programmes will take your dog’s fitness to the next level!
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All Programmes are available on a one-to-one basis, face to face, or virtually, via Zoom.
Team/club group sessions also available on request. Please contact me to discuss.
Intermediate 1
£300
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Must have completed Foundation Fitness
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Introduces the concept of circuit training for dogs, through tailored exercises, designed to suit your dog’s individual needs
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Bespoke exercise plan with measurable goals
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3 face to face sessions totalling up to 5 hours
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Online support & video feedback – 1 video per week​
Intermediate 2
£300
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Must have completed Foundation Fitness and Intermediate 1
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Additional exercises at Intermediate level. More options keep training fresh and interesting
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Bespoke exercise plan with measurable goals
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3 face to face sessions totalling up to 5 hours
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Online support & video feedback – 1 video per week​
Advanced
£350
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Must have completed Foundation Fitness and Intermediate 1
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Tailored exercises, designed to challenge your dog's total fitness, taking your dogs training to the next level. Including plyometric exercises
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Bespoke exercise plan with measurable goals
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​3 face to face sessions totalling up to 5 hours​
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Online support & video feedback – 1 video per week​
What my clients say
Emily and Luna have completed the Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced courses. Below is their experience, in Emily’s own words.
Luna | Before
Luna | After
The best thing to show the transformation this course has had on my dog is to compare her before and after photos. My dog Luna had a very curved spine, mistaken for a spotty whippet instead of a dalmatian on more than one occasion believe it or not! As you can see, the canine conditioning course has improved her topline dramatically by strengthening her core. Her back is now a lot flatter, she no longer looks uncomfortable and she is a lot happier in herself. Luna absolutely loved doing this course and hops straight to attention whenever the equipment comes out. She doesn’t stop wagging her tail the whole session and her recall has even improved out on walks because she associates me with all that fun. Jen was lovely, explained things clearly and was always available on WhatsApp in between our sessions to watch videos and provide feedback to make sure we were doing things correctly. She was great with Luna and I’m pretty sure Luna would happily have gone home with Jen too. If you do dog sports such as canicross, agility, flyball or scentwork then this is a great way to strengthen your dog's core to keep them from injuring themselves. But even if you don’t do dog sports and you are looking for something to do with your dog that will strengthen your bond and also provide mental and physical stimulation for your dog then this is a great option. I’m planning to take my other dogs through this course too as they do canicross and with stronger cores they will be much less likely to suffer injuries. Happy dog and happy owner here, I definitely recommend this course.