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Training Case Studies and Testimonials
My clients achieve incredible results on the Body Conditioning programmes. Here are some of the things they have told me.
Their owners have seen:
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improved body awareness
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greater confidence in their abilities
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faster and more balanced on the move
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a reduction in, or eradication of known lameness
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an amazing and improving bond and enhanced communication
Rosie - working dog recovering from surgery
"I highly recommend this - my 11 year old golden retriever suffers from arthritis and was very stiff and prone to limp at times. The conditioning exercises have really improved her strength and mobility, no sign of a limp now for well over 6 months. Plus she loved the stimulation of learning something new. We now incorporate the exercises in walks and daily routines."
Anneliese, Harpenden
Rosie was always considered the 'clumsy one' in the house. She had elbow surgery earlier in the year and the Body Training was a core aspect of her post operative recover.
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​She is now more mischievous and playful and is thoroughly enjoying an active, busy life. She has greater body awareness and this is showing in her working performance.
"The results are unprecedented. Her post op recovery was nothing short of miraculous. The Vet was astounded.. she was a fit working dog before, but now her stature is squarer, her balance, gait and flexibility vastly improved.
We have not seen one minor injury or limp since she began the programme...we will be continuing the programme with all our dogs because the results are absolute... My dogs love it... and it gives me precious “our” time..."
Jackie, Welwyn
Hamish - 8 year old with mobility issues
Hamish is an 8 year old Sussex Spaniel. He has some significant health issues including epilepsy. This meant that complementary therapies like massage are not available to him.
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Hamish was beginning to struggle on his walks. His movement at a trot was unstable and looked to be extremely energy intensive.
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At the beginning of the programme Hamish had poor posture. His back was roached and the way he moved suggested some back pain was present. He would also sit in an odd slumped way (see images of him before conditioning.
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He struggled with the exercises to begin with and half way through the programme he had a relapse of his epilepsy making it impossible to continue training for a few weeks.
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"Even with the disruption we can see a difference in him and will definitely continue with the exercises."
Jenny, Aylesbury
"I’d like to thank Karen for helping me with my bad legs. I wasn’t sure what to expect or even if it would work, but I enjoyed my first massage so much that I’ve been for three more sessions and my humans are planning to bring me back for more. I’ve been given exercises to do between my visits to help build my muscles up and can see that they’re working. I don’t walk as oddly as I used to, my legs don’t collapse under me or get as tired and the twitchiness in my back is gone. I am looking forward to my next session and can highly recommend a visit to Karen if you need a bit of help too – she’s very nice and, if you’re a good dog, you’ll get a biscuit at the end too!"
Murphy the Staffy
Dude's agility improves as he becomes stronger
Little Dude broke or dislocated his tail when he was only 8 weeks old but this has not stopped him when it comes to his daily life or when it comes to agility or flyball. Now nearly 2, his owner reports he was "crazy" and she wanted him to become a little calmer and less nervous of his surroundings.
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He was a classic little dog; fast and nimble on his feet but the initial assessment highlighted that his awareness of his back end and the location of his back legs in particular wasn't as good as it could have been.
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Whilst Little Dude was fast already he lacked confidence. His fine motor control and muscular strength were not as well developed and he was living on his nerves.
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After 8 weeks conditioning Little Dude is visibly stronger with better defined musculature. He is still nervous and his confidence is still low but these are behavioural issues which continued work on the programme going forward will help to address.
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"Little Dude now bounces through the weaves, he couldn't do that before. He has more control of his body and I can see the difference in him!"
Kate, Hemel
Dino loves flyball and is now even faster
Actual measurable results
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4% faster in competition
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10% larger forelimb
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6% larger hindlimb
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Larger and balanced Gluteals.
"Dino is more aware of his body, and particularly his back end, improving his box turns which are now amazing. Would definitely recommend this course!"
Kate, Hemel
Dino is 3 and a half years old and a typical working Cocker Spaniel. He is always on the move and loves his Flyball. His owner was keen to improve his core strength to reduce the risk of him injuring himself.
The initial assessment highlighted that he was not as good at turning to his left. His owner confirmed that when competing Dino turns right on the Box. In this regard Flyball is a very one sided event.
Dogs will often injure themselves during normal day to day activity, not necessarily when they are participating in their chosen event. So to reduce the risk of injury we needed to even up the left and right turns.
After conditioning training Dino was visibly more balanced between is left and right sides and this was borne out by the before and after measurements.
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During a competition immediately after completing the Canine Conditioning Foundation programme Dino recorded personal bests in all of his runs with his fastest run being 4.37 seconds.
