Dog Mobility & Conditioning
Support in Plymouth

Stronger muscles help protect vulnerable joints

If your dog is showing signs of stiffness, slowing down on walks, hesitating on stairs, or moving differently than they used to, it may indicate that their joints need additional support.

I offer structured mobility and targeted strengthening support for dogs in Plymouth experiencing joint changes, age-related slowing, or subtle movement shifts. My approach focuses on teaching your dog to actively use their body in a way that builds muscle strength within their comfort levels.

Because mobility changes are rarely just physical, I also consider how subtle discomfort may be influencing your dog’s confidence, tolerance and day-to-day behaviour.

This whole-dog approach works alongside veterinary care to help maintain strength, stability and long-term comfort.

I'd like to book the assessment & plan
I'd like to book a follow-up session
“Tracey is incredible. She has been integral to getting the help my girl needed to be pain free and living a very happy life. I would not hesitate to take any of my dogs to see her.”
— Sarah and Bella
Dog performing controlled strengthening exercise in Plymouth

Why maintenance strengthening matters

Joint conditions such as osteoarthritis do not only affect cartilage, they influence muscle use, posture, balance and confidence.

  • Without appropriate strengthening:

  • Muscles weaken

  • Compensation patterns develop

  • Stability reduces

  • Functional movement becomes less efficient

Targeted maintenance exercise helps:

  • Improve joint stability

  • Support muscle engagement

  • Reduce unnecessary strain

  • Maintain coordination

  • Build physical confidence

Controlled mobility exercise to improve stability and comfort

You don’t have to feel helpless watching them slow down

What the assessment covers

During your 90-minute session, we assess:

  • Postural alignment and weight distribution

  • Functional movement patterns

  • Muscle activation and compensation

  • Transitional movements (sit-to-stand, turning, stepping)

  • Environmental setup (flooring, stairs, rest areas)

  • Current exercise load and tolerance

This allows us to design a structured strengthening plan tailored to your dog’s stage, condition and lifestyle.

Your personalised plan

You will leave with:

✔ 90-minute structured movement assessment

✔ Postural photo analysis

✔ Video gait review

✔ Top-to-toe musculoskeletal screen

✔ Personalised strengthening plan

✔ How to safely massage your dog

✔ Exercise demo video library

✔ Mobility Starter Pack (front-foot target block included)

✔ Private online folder with all resources

✔ 14 days of follow-up email support

Who this is for

This plan is particularly suitable for:

  • Senior dogs

  • Dogs with diagnosed osteoarthritis

  • Dogs recovering from previous injury (with vet clearance)

  • Dogs showing subtle mobility changes

  • Owners who want a structured, proactive approach

Investment

Comfort & mobility plan – £250

  • 90 minutes + personalised strengthening plan

  • Follow-up sessions available for progression and refinement.

Follow-on support – £65

  • Many owners choose a follow-up after 4–6 weeks to ensure continued improvement

  • 45 minutes to include exercise progressions and support changes

Click here to book your dog's initial plan
Click here to book a follow-on session

A different kind of mobility support

This service focuses on structured, targeted strengthening delivered through your dog’s own movement, not manual therapy. Think of this as structured, controlled strengthening, similar in principle to Pilates for humans, but tailored specifically to your dog’s body, condition and stage of life.

I also don’t need to physically manipulate your dog to assess how they are loading, compensating or engaging muscle groups. Careful observation of posture, transitional movement and weight distribution provides valuable insight.

My background in canine behaviour also means I consider emotional confidence and subtle avoidance patterns, not just mechanics.

Muscle strengthening exercise for dogs to protect joints

Veterinary Collaboration

If your dog has a diagnosed condition (such as arthritis or previous injury), veterinary awareness is required. This service complements medical management and focuses on safe maintenance strengthening. Where signs of instability or deterioration are observed, veterinary review may be recommended.

Feel free to use the contact form below, or email me at hello@shapingdogs.com, to tell me a little about your dog. I’ll let you know whether this plan is the right thing for you.

Frequently asked questions

  • No. This service focuses on structured, movement-led strengthening and joint support rather than manual therapy or rehabilitation techniques.

    I assess posture, weight distribution and functional movement to design a personalised exercise plan. This approach complements veterinary care and can sit alongside physiotherapy if your dog is receiving it.

  • If your dog has a diagnosed joint condition or previous injury, your vet should be aware and your dog should be stable before starting strengthening work.

    This service does not diagnose or treat medical conditions. If I have any concerns during assessment, I may recommend veterinary review.

  • Yes, provided your dog is stable and under veterinary care where appropriate.

    Targeted, low-impact strengthening can help support joint stability, improve coordination and maintain confidence in dogs with joint changes. Exercises are carefully selected and progressed at an appropriate pace.

  • Older dogs often benefit significantly from structured mobility support.

    Ageing naturally affects muscle mass, balance and coordination. Controlled strengthening can help maintain stability and protect vulnerable joints.

  • The session includes:

    • Observation of posture and weight distribution

    • Assessment of functional movements (such as sit-to-stand and turning)

    • Discussion of your dog’s lifestyle and environment

    • Demonstration of tailored strengthening exercises

    You will leave with a personalised mobility and joint support plan.

  • No. This is a movement-led approach.

    Careful observation of how your dog loads and moves provides valuable insight without the need for manual manipulation.

  • General exercise maintains fitness. Targeted strengthening supports specific muscle groups that protect and stabilise joints.

    This work is controlled, low-impact and progressive — closer in principle to Pilates than high-intensity fitness.

  • Every dog is different.

    Some owners notice improvements in confidence or movement quality within a few weeks. The focus, however, is long-term support rather than quick fixes.

    Consistency is key.

  • That is absolutely fine. This approach does not rely on manual handling.

    In fact, dogs who are touch-sensitive often respond well to structured movement work.

  • Yes. Joint and mobility support is not only for seniors.

    Younger dogs with early joint changes, previous injury (with vet clearance), or subtle instability can benefit from proactive strengthening.

  • The initial session includes your personalised plan.

    Some owners choose occasional follow-ups to progress exercises and refine technique. Others feel confident continuing independently.

    Ongoing support is available but not required.

  • This service is designed for owners who are happy to implement a structured plan at home.

    Strengthening and mobility support require consistency and gradual progression.

    If you’re looking for a one-off solution without ongoing input, this may not be the right fit.