About Shaping Dogs | Canine Behaviour & Wellness in Devon
At Shaping Dogs, we understand that every dog is unique
Hi, I’m Tracey!
My German Shepherd used to bark at other dogs and people as a pup, and at the time, I didn’t understand why. It turned out he had a painful condition in his shoulders which made lots of activities uncomfortable for him. And of course, this affected his behaviour in lots of ways. Unfortunately, even after getting treatment for his shoulders, his behaviour challenges remained.
This was over 10 years ago, when trainers tended to focus more on obedience, but I knew there had to be more I could do to help him (and me!) That’s what led me to dive deep into understanding what was going on his brain, along with learning more about canine fitness, gait analysis, pain assessment, therapeutic exercises, and massage.
Now, I help other dog owners understand the link between their dog’s health, movement, emotions and behaviour, so everyone has a great quality of life for years to come.
Our mission
We believe that a happy, healthy dog starts with a strong foundation of emotional safety and physical wellbeing. Our mission is to empower dog owners with insights into behaviour so that every pet can thrive.
And when conventional training isn’t enough, our holistic approach can reveal underlying factors, such as discomfort or fear, that may be affecting your dog's behaviour.
What we do
Behaviour Support:
We offer compassionate, evidence-based guidance to help with reactivity, anxiety, and other challenging behaviours. By understanding your dog’s needs and motivations, we create practical strategies that build trust and confidence, without fear or force.
Canine Fitness:
We design tailored fitness programmes to improve your dog’s strength, flexibility, and mobility. A fit dog is not only healthier but often better equipped to handle life’s challenges calmly.
Movement & Posture Analysis:
Our detailed assessments look at how your dog moves and holds themselves. By pinpointing areas of discomfort or imbalance, we can guide you on the next steps, whether that’s adapting activities, exploring a fitness plan, or referring for further veterinary assessment.
Why choose us
At Shaping Dogs, we combine years of experience in behaviour with a passion for canine wellbeing and fitness. We work closely with you to develop a customised plan that addresses your dog’s unique needs, offering support that goes beyond traditional training methods.
Our promise to you
We’re dedicated to improving the quality of life for both you and your dog. With our comprehensive approach, you’ll gain valuable insights and practical strategies so you and your dog can enjoy a happier, more connected life together.