Canine Fitness & Conditioning

  • A yellow labrador retriever is standing on an aerobic platform, facing a woman holding out a treat

    3 months INTRODUCTION package

    Initial consultation session [90-120min] +
    2 conditioning sessions [45min/session]

    This INTRODUCTION package is ideal for for dog/handler teams who are new to canine fitness and conditioning. This package is also appropriate for dog/handler teams who are looking to returning to performance/work after time off and/or injuries (must provide written veterinarian clearance), or those who intend to resume a regular fitness & conditioning routine.

    The initial consultation includes including a review of your dog’s history and needs, an assessment of your dog’s structure, posture, static and dynamic balance, gait analysis, and an evaluation of your dog’s strengths and weaknesses. Conditioning exercises will be tailored to fit you and your dog’s lifestyle and goals. Safe and effective exercises will be introduced, as well as the discussion of the use of appropriate equipment.

    The 2 subsequent conditioning sessions aim to help dog/handler teams introduce new skills, evaluate progress, with the ultimate goal of incorporating conditioning exercises as part of the daily routine for sustained fitness improvement.

    For maximum benefit of the INTRODUCTION package, appointments should be booked every 2-4 weeks.

    * Must be used within 3 months from the date of the initial consultation session.

    $380
  • A white miniature schnauzer is standing with his front feet on a purple wedge and his back feet on paw pods. He is wearing a blue harness.

    3 months MAINTENANCE package

    3 conditioning sessions [45min/session]

    This 3-months MAINTENANCE package is perfect for dogs who have already completed the INTRODUCTION or a MAINTENANCE package within the last 6 months, and are now looking to continue making a change to their weight and/or fitness levels.

    This package can be shared between two dogs, even if they do not reside in the same household. Both dog/handler teams must have completed the INTRODUCTION or a MAINTENANCE package within the last 6 months. Each 45min conditioning session will be shared by the two teams. Note that there will be no refunds or make-up sessions if one dog misses a session.

    For maximum benefit, appointments should be booked every 3-5 weeks.

    * Must be used within 3 months from the date of the first session.

    $300
  • A weimaraner is standing with her front feet on a black platform and her front feet on a purple disc. The dog is wearing a pink collar and focused on the hand holding a cookie.

    6 months MAINTENANCE package

    6 conditioning sessions [45min/session]

    This 6-months MAINTENANCE package is ideal for dogs who have already completed the INTRODUCTION or a MAINTENANCE package within the last 6 months, and are now looking to make a long-term commitment to improving their fitness levels.

    This package can be shared between two dogs, even if they do not reside in the same household. Both dog/handler teams must have completed the INTRODUCTION or a MAINTENANCE package within the last 6 months. Each 45min conditioning session will be shared by the two teams. Note that there will be no refunds or make-up sessions if one dog misses a session.

    For maximum benefit, appointments should be booked every 3-5 weeks.

    * Must be used within 6 months from the date of the first session.

    $540

 Frequently Asked Questions

    • Identify individual dogs’s strengths & weaknesses

    • Design targeted exercises to meet each dog’s needs and abilities

    • Learn about how to achieve and maintain the correct form and posture

    • Understand when and how to advance with each exercise

    • Recognize signs of fatigue and/or abnormality

    • Select the appropriate equipment, correct placement, and improve handler techniques

    1. Demonstration of targeted exercises, tailored to the dog’s needs and abilities

    2. Practice of exercises, focusing on form and posture

    3. Individualized feedback, including selection of equipment (if any), placement of equipment, handler mechanics, and recognizing signs of fatigue and/or discomfort

    4. Detailed guidance, including video tutorials when appropriate

    5. Homework with specifics of frequency, duration, and when/how to process

    6. On-going feedback for up to two weeks after the session, including unlimited video evaluations (up to 60s/video).

    • Consistency is the key to maximizing the benefit of our fitness & conditioning sessions.

    • When fitness & conditioning appointments are scheduled every 3-5 weeks, most dog/handler teams will see significant progress within 6-8 weeks.

    • Dog/handler teams who have specific goals to meet (e.g., big event in a X weeks) will benefit from more frequent fitness & conditioning sessions in order to make substantial progress.

    • In order to design tailored fitness & conditioning exercises that align with you and your dog’s needs, abilities, and goals, it is essential for us to perform a comprehensive initial consultation.

    • If it has been more than 30 days since we have worked with you/your dog, your dog’s condition may have changed based on changes in age, lifestyle, activity level, and/or a multitude of factors. It would be a disservice to you and your dog if we do not adjust our fitness & conditioning plan accordingly.

  • We currently only offer fitness & conditioning packages, because it can be challenging to track and evaluate changes in weight and fitness levels effectively if sessions are spaced too far apart.

    We recommend dog/handler teams commit to regular fitness & conditioning appointments so that we can adjust exercises as needed, and make changes to how/when to progress the corresponding exercises.

  • Currently, I do not feel comfortable offering virtual consultations for fitness & conditioning. This is because our perceptions may be distorted depending on the placement of the camera, and there are many details that can be easily missed through video consultations.

    Due to the lack of in-person observation and communication in a virtual setting, I am concerned that the feedback and recommendations may fall short of the top-quality of services that I strive to offer each dog/handler team. As such, I do not offer virtual options for fitness & conditioning sessions.

    If you are interested in virtual fitness sessions, I am happy to refer you to qualified professionals who can adequately address your needs.

  • None!

    If you and your dog are new to fitness & conditioning, we will discuss what commonly available household items you can use for different exercises. More often than not, we can repurpose things you already have for exercises.

*Dogs with prior injury and/or pre-existing conditions must provide veterinarian clearance.

Disclaimer:

Siny Tsang is not a licensed veterinarian. Canine fitness & conditioning or bodywork should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary care. As a canine fitness trainer and small animal bodywork practitioner, Siny Tsang does not diagnose or treat injuries or illnesses, nor does she provide medical advice or treatment. Any observations made during the conditioning or bodywork session will be communicated to the client, with recommendations to consult a veterinarian or other qualified healthcare provider. Animals seeking our services after a medical condition must have written clearance from a veterinarian. In case of a medical emergency, please seek immediate assistance from a veterinarian or the nearest animal hospital.