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Physiotherapy-Led Handling Sessions

Physiotherapy-Led Handling Sessions

For some dogs, interacting with people can be stressful and frightening, depending on their disposition and history.

So, if they have to undergo a hands-on musculoskeletal assessment the likelihood of inducing anxiety and fear in the animal is high, increasing the chance the dog may hurt itself or others, and through no fault of its own, delaying, and interrupting treatment.

This applies even more so to puppies. Even when they are young and adorable, they KNOW when you are taking them to the dreaded V-E-T!

So, to remedy this, Stride Forward offers physiotherapy-led handling sessions for puppies and nervous/anxious dogs. These sessions are designed to normalise hands-on assessments but in a non-clinical, friendly, and stress-free environment.

The aim is that your puppy or dog gets familiarised and comfortable with these situations, which will dramatically reduce any fear, stress, and anxiety they might have should they need to be assessed/treated by a vet or physio in the future.

Our physiotherapy-led handling sessions also provide owners the opportunity to gain valuable insight and raise any concerns they might have about their dog’s behaviour.

It is also a good time to ask any questions you might have such as – the level of exercise your puppy should be doing, (which varies between breeds), any adaptations that may need to be done at home due to an injury or a condition and what you, the owner can be doing at home to reduce chance of further injuries.

The same goes for nervous/anxious dogs who are adverse to touch, either due to physical discomfort or potential past trauma. If they have been adopted from a shelter it is sometimes a challenge getting hold of their history.

Our handling sessions are just as important for dogs that have been through it, as they are for brand new babies. What matters has always been the same – that they are treated with love, compassion, and respect!

All our sessions begin with ‘chill time’, where we let your animal calm down and feel comfortable.

This can be conducted at your own home, and we fully encourage you to have treats or a chew mat.

Toys are okay, but we advise against anything that the dog or pup may become possessive over!

If you feel your puppy or dog would benefit from a Physiotherapy Led Handling Session, then please get in touch via our contact page.