So today it was the turn of the horsey girls! My newest bunch of equine Merishia massage students started their practical training today. They are a lovely small group of just 3, which is great as it means they get a horse each to work on.

Today was handling and anatomy day. So much information to take in and learn but we had a bit of fun – we got the chalks out and they had a go at finding skeletal landmarks and major muscles on the horses. It’s a really great way of bringing some of the theory to life!

Here are some photos of the day:

I even made a new friend at lunch time ♥️

My new cohort of canine Merishia massage students started their practical training today. This session covers anatomy and physiology and also safe handling and reading dogs’ body language.

A really lovely group of ladies today and also two of their beautiful dogs. Of course Juice was present and ready to be played with!! He does so love being a demo dog!

It was really REALLY hot today but we managed to stay mostly in the shade. I think most of us have gone home with completely fried brains and hopefully not too fried skin!

Here are some photos of the day X

So, I’ve been attending and studying for a course since November last year. Upon completion I will be a licenced canine conditioning instructor. This means I will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to not only provide prescriptive exercises for rehabilitation but also run classes, both individual and group, for people who want to improve the general well being of their dog.

The canine conditioning academy aims to build core strength for dogs – think Pilates/yoga for dogs. Many dogs, due to the way we train and keep them, do not have great core strength or stability and these courses aim to improve this. By developing a strong core, dogs will be stronger in their day to day activities, perform better at competitions and be less prone to injury – winner!

As part of the course, I have had to carry out case studies, both on my own dogs and with clients dogs. I cannot even begin to tell you how well Juice has come on since starting the course. He has now completed both foundation and intermediate training and his overall strength and muscle development has really improved. Once I have completed the course I will do a post showing how he has changed over the last year… But for now, here is a clip of him practicing his bow – check out the muscle engagement throughout his whole body! I’m so proud of him as 6 months ago, he didn’t even know how do ‘down’!!

Very excited to announce that I have launched a new service at North Downs Animal Therapy!

I am now offering laser therapy treatments using the K-Laser, class IV therapeutic laser.

Laser therapy can offer drug free options to treat many conditions and can reduce healing times for wounds, ligament and tendon injuries and fractures! It is especially helpful to reduce pain and inflammation associated with orthopaedic issues such as arthritis, kissing spines, hip and elbow dysplasia. At home, we have been using the K-Laser to help Jinny with her recently diagnosed arthritis in her lumbar spine – blog post about that to follow.

You can read more about laser therapy on the web page or contact me for more details.

Does anyone else’s dog like to play at being a velocitaptor when the crops are tall….?