Mobile in Sutherland Shire, North Illawarra & St. George & Online
Classes & Courses
Advanced Conditioning Course
Sporting dogs around Sydney: paws up for your next challenge!
The Advanced Canine Conditioning Course is a weekly group class of fun & structured intermediate & advanced level exercises to improve your dogs physical performance.
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Invest in your dog's health by learning canine conditioning from an expert
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Build your sporting dog's stamina, strength and flexibility, & streamline their muscle function to protect them from injuries
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This course is for dogs over 12 months old who participate in sports, activities or work, with a good standard of fitness and ideally already familiar with basic Conditioning exercises
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Your dog will love it! (And so will you)
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Learn scientific stuff that you're unlikely to learn anywhere else
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Course consists of 4 classes on 4 consecutive week days
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10% Discount for previous DogFit PT class attendees & current Physiotherapy clients
Stretch & Sniff Class
Fun movement & enrichment for your furbaby!
Our classes are friendly and perfect for dogs of all ages over 6 months, even if your dog does not currently do any exercise
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Fun low-impact strengthening & flexibility activities, balance work and scent work puzzle games
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Helps dogs improve mobility, body awareness, coordination and strength while keeping sessions enjoyable and pressure-free
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Sniffing is an important form of mental enrichment for dogs — it reduces stress, builds confidence & brings emotional wellbeing
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Activities and exercises are devised, directed and supervised by a canine Physiotherapist
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Package consists of 4 classes on 4 consecutive week days
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10% Discount for previous DogFit PT class attendees and current Physiotherapy clients
No Spam Promise!
What is Dog Fitness?
Dog Fitness, or Canine Conditioning to give it its official name, offers numerous benefits for your dog. When guided by a qualified Physiotherapist. it safely improves your dog's strength, flexibility and overall fitness, which can lead to a happier and healthier life. Participating in fitness classes has the following benefits;
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Improve your dog's mobility
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Reduce the risk of injury e.g. cruciate ligament ruptures
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Support recovery from previous issues
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Help avoid IVDD
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Prevent arthritis, associated pain & stiffness
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Extend your dog's life by improving cardiovascular health
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Benefit your dogs mental health in the same way that exercise benefits human mood; it can help reduce anxiety and increase their confidence too!
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Provide great enrichment for your dog
Our dog fitness class is founded on the research of Dr. Helen Nicholson, PhD holder in Animal Physiotherapy and a pioneer of animal physiotherapy in Australia. Emma Duffy delivered Dr. Nicholson's Canine Conditioning Course at Whole Family Health for sporting dogs for two years and has adapted the program specifically for pet dogs that are new to fitness. She has created a nurturing and engaging atmosphere for your furry friend to embark on their fitness journey while benefiting from Dr Nicholson's established techniques and huge expertise.
Book a spot in our Dog Fitness Class today and give your furry friend the gift of a more active lifestyle!
How Do Classes Work?
In-person classes are held in Caringbah, Sydney in a large Doggy Daycare Facility, purpose-built for dogs! An area is set out for each activity with plenty of space in between each doggo. We meet inside reception, and dogs are led separately to their own area (so that shy dogs don't have to interact with others) & given a few minutes to sniff & settle.
Each week the Physio will demonstrate exercises that lay the foundations for strengthening your dog, starting with core stability, and progressing each week. The Physio will explain the aim and benefit of each exercise then allow time for you to try with your dog, giving positive feedback and helpful tips along the way. The pace is flexible, and the vibe is friendly with no pressure.
You'll learn the basics of Canine Conditioning and do activities that improve core stability, flexibility, coordination & balance. Each dog will progress differently - some smash it straight away, and some take a few tries (just like people!). This is normal and everyone is supportive of each other.
You'll be sent a detailed guide after booking so you can feel fully prepared.
FAQ - Conditioning Course
Who is the Stretch & Sniff Class for?
This class is perfect for pet dogs over 6 months old up to 16 years (or higher!) who are wanting to be more active and do something FUN that's good for their health!
Whether your dog has a daily walk, or even if they don’t normally do any exercise, we'll go at their pace to make sure everyone gets benefit from the class.
What should I wear?
Comfy clothes that allow you to bend, stretch, and kneel down. Trainers or other closed toe shoes are recommended.
Do I need to bring anything?
Yes!
Bring your dog, a collar & leash, poo bags and LOTS of their favourite treats. Most dogs love BBQ chicken or Prime 100. It's a good idea to chop it up into small pieces.
Closed toe shoes are a good idea due to the equipment that we use, and you'll be moving around a fair bit.
Do you do private sessions?
Yes. This would be a Home Visit Consultation.
My dog doesn't like other dogs....
Please let us know if your pet isn't comfortable around other dogs.
Dogs must be on a leash at all times, and must not approach other dogs at the class without their permission. Each exercise station is at least 2-3m away from the others, so your dog has plenty of space.
If your dog gets overwhelmed, please take them outside for a break and decompression time.
If they really hate other dogs or are very nervous, they probably won't enjoy this class (and it will be tough for you too!).
Is exercise ok for my dog?
Dogs must be reasonably healthy, NOT limping, and not be suffering any recent injuries.
Please see your Vet prior to booking a class if you’re not sure if exercise is the right thing for your dog. You can also call us if you want to clarify anything.
If your dog has recently become a tripod, please contact us first so we can make sure it's suitable for them.
How many adults can we bring?
Please only bring 1 other adult with you. This is to keep the noise and space levels manageable.
Can kids come?
If you need to bring a teenager or tween with you they must stay with you at all times. Kids younger than this can't attend unfortunately.
There must be 1 adult over 18 in legal control of each dog.
Can the Physio look at an issue my dog has while we're there?
Unfortunately not. A separate individual appointment needs to be booked, either through the Physio at the class or on the website.
Do I have to attend every week?
You'll see a noticeable improvement in their fitness if you attend all 4 sessions.
We understand that life happens meaning sometimes you can't make it every single week. But unfortunately we can't refund you for individual missed classes.
How & when do I pay?
Pay online when you book your place, either by card or AfterPay. Your purchase secures 4 consecutive weeks of DogFitness Class (Tuesdays at 7:30pm).
Can I bring other dogs?
Only dogs that have been booked onto the course can attend. If you want to bring 2 dogs but there's only 1 of you, you must keep them together at the same Activity Station.
Can I film or photograph the class?
You can film your own dog and anyone you've brought with you. Please don't post anything on Socials that has other class participants in it, unless you've got their permission first.
My dog already does sports but I think they need this class!
If they're already very active and fit, they may find the pace of this class too slow.
Please talk to us before you book, as the Advanced Conditioning Course for sporting dogs may be better.