Thriving Canines

We have teamed up with Small Animal Rehabilitation Therapist Deirdre Duggan from Pet Paws Physio to offer a unique workshop for all dogs. Our focus is on educating you on the changing needs of your beloved pet dog as they age, empower you to be curious and proactive and encourage you to make small changes that have a huge impact on your dog’s wellbeing and lifespan.

Below is an outline of the day, subject to change:

10:00 - 11:30 Scent & Sensory Games
Let's explore some fun options to utilise our dog's superpower - their nose. Scent games are the best way to enrich your dog's life, since smell is their primary sense and unlike hearing and sight does not fade in function as they age. We're also going to create a sensory path to stimulate our dogs.

12:00 - 12:45 Educational lunch with Q&A
We'll discuss other sports that are available and meet individual dogs' needs. 

12:45 - 13:45 Muscle Check & Enrichment Workshop
While Deirdre gets her hands on your dog during a mini-assessment, Caroline takes the remaining group on a journey into enrichment.

13:45 - 14:00 Potty Break

14:00 - 14:15 Sensory Touch Workshop
Deirdre will show you how to use various touch techniques to stimulate muscle engagement. These exercises are tailoured to the individual dogs and recommendations are made on which ones benefit your dog in particular based on the assessment findings. 

14:15 - 15:15 Bootcamp - Circuit-style fitness for dogs
Circuit style fitness class for dogs. Exercises will be tailoured to the group. Focus on correct execution of exercises, offering various levels on each exercise to accommodate skillsets, guiding and assisting/troubleshooting while you're working through the stations.

15:15 - 16:00 Canine Massage Workshop
Deirdre will teach you stroke techniques, raising awareness and curiosity. Understand what’s normal for your dog, recognise abnormalities and act sooner rather than later. Understanding dog’s cues of discomfort. Using touch to build a bond with your dog, and create relaxation for the nervous system of dog and human.

16:00 - 16:15 Potty Break

16:15 - 17:30 Expert Talk + Q&A
We will talk about the importance of function for our dogs, educate you on movement patterns, behaviour changes, home hazards, advocating for your dog and discuss potential lifestyle adjustments. 

You will get a report with findings and recommendations on next steps (vet check, physio referral, trick training, continue Bootcamp type classes etc). We invite you to join our private Facebook group for resources, further support, troubleshooting and a wonderful community.

We take max. 4 dogs per retreat to be able to give each one the attention they deserve. Dogs must be in good health and fine with other dogs to participate. Dogs with minor health issues that are already identified (and potentially treated) can participate with their vet/physio’s approval. Light lunch and tea/coffee is included for guardians. 

If you cannot bring your own dog, feel free to join us as a spectator! You can soak up all the knowledge, observe the dogs that are being worked throughout the day and ask questions. We welcome proactive dog owners, who want to be ready and informed!

Please check our Schedule page for upcoming retreat dates or join the waitlist.