South West Vet Physio

23/11/2025

When I’m out with my dogs I don’t want to have to recall them constantly to keep them close. So I teach automatic check ins- all the have to do it look at me, they get a reward and then carry on.

I have been practicing this with Remi on every walk since I got him. Obviously we started in very easy environments with him on the lead. I’ll only do this off lead in a safe place but it’s just as easy and important to practice on lead as well.

It’s a super simple exercise where your puppy literally cannot fail because if you have enough patience they will check in eventually. This video was about a minute long, usually the check in is quicker but this is a completely new place for Remi so there was lots to take in!

Have a go with your puppy or adult dog if you want to build more engagement and let me know how you get on!

19/11/2025

People often ask for a 12 week conditioning program to follow with their dog but my honest answer is I can’t give you one! Independently following a generic program without any guidance or tailoring to your dog is not going to give you the results you expect and may actually make your dog worse.
Throughout the conditioning process I guide and support my clients to complete exercises correctly and safely. All programs are individually tailored and reviewed frequently to ensure they are appropriately challenging. Investing in your dog’s wellbeing is an investment in their future. Unfortunately there are no shortcuts to strength!

12/11/2025

Adding just a little bit of complexity to make this a more dynamic exercise without adding impact. By making the approach more difficult, Remi has to problem solve a little to get into the right position. This is going to massively improve his awareness of where his back legs are which is fundamental to functional fitness.
Have a go with your pups and let me know how you get on!

12/11/2025

My adorable little bear worked hard in clinic today 🧡

10/11/2025

I’m so lucky to work with some phenomenally talented dogs….. however it does mean that they pull out stuff like this when they’re ’easing back into training’. Because of how driven these dogs are, their rehab plan has to be top notch to adequately prepare them to re-start their sports. The reintroduction period is the highest risk time for re-injury so it can be a nail-biting experience as their physio! If your dog has had time out of their sport, get in touch today for a safe, effective conditioning plan 💪

08/11/2025

As puppies naturally have limited muscle strength, balance and body awareness, walking slowly, a constant speed and direction is physically difficult. Bearing this in mind when teaching loose lead walking will mean you have much more success.

My top tips would be:

🕰️ limit the duration you expect them to walk nicely for. Let them have regular breaks either off lead or on a long line.
🚶‍♀️ Be willing to adjust your pace to match theirs where reasonable. Obviously don’t sprint along behind them but making some adjustments will massively increase your walking duration.
👃 Allow frequent sniffing stops. If you want calm, relaxed walking you have to allow your puppy to do calm, relaxing activities during the walk. Not only will letting them stop give their bodies a rest, it will also slow their mind down.

Give these tips a go and let me know how you get on!

03/11/2025

Fascia is an intricate web connecting body structures together. It surrounds organs, muscles, bones and nerve fibres to allow the musculoskeletal system to work seamlessly.
It enables groups of muscles to work in synergy by transmitting the force of contraction to other areas of the body.
If the fascia becomes stressed or injured it can tighten or become ‘stuck’ which can restrict movement and disrupt the body’s biomechanics.
Ensuring the fascia can slide and glide easily over surrounding tissues optimises force production, freedom of movement and enables the body to perform at its best.

31/10/2025

31/10/2025

To the 95% of my clients who apologise for how their dog behaves in clinic; this is how my dogs behave in the clinic 😂 Don’t worry they’re all feral!

19/10/2025

💪Small but Strong 💪 Proactive care isn’t just for the big guys, our tiny friends don’t deserve to be over-looked. Every conditioning program is tailored exactly to your dog’s activity, body type and unique demands.If you’re serious about ensuring long term health and wellness for your dog get in touch today!