Canine Fitness in Plymouth for every life stage
and lifestyle
Take care of their body, so they can live life to the fullest
No dog too young. No dog too old. No dog too fit.
Nobody wants their dog's body to be the thing that gets in the way of the life they're supposed to be living. This isn’t fitness for aesthetics, it’s fitness for a life well lived.
Twelve weeks old or twelve years old, every body needs taking care of.
Whether a puppy finding their feet in the world, a sports dog championing break neck speed, or a dog who’s approaching their golden years - they all need fitness and body conditioning beyond the daily dog walk.
Train your dog’s body for a lifetime of happy adventures
Canine fitness sounds like you might be signing up to a dog gym, but it’s a lot more gentle than that. I’m like a Personal Trainer for your dog, but we don’t do gruelling circuits, we body condition.
That means we work on strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and body awareness. It’s like a hybrid of pilates, strength training, yoga and enrichment.
And it results in a dog who feels calmer, stronger, and more at ease – because they’re moving with confidence.
What does your dog’s body need?
Puppies are building their body awareness and movement patterns for the first time. The earlier they learn to move well in every direction, the more it just becomes how they move - for life.
Ageing dogs might be slowing down (or refusing to), but keeping their bodies strong and balanced can give them more comfortable years ahead. With the right exercises, you can help your dog maintain their quality of life so they remain active for longer
Sporting and working dogs often look supremely fit, because they are. But their bodies need extra care and attention to keep them fit, functional, and supported so they can perform at their best without discomfort or pain.
Dogs of all ages & fitness levels benefit from body conditioning. Whether a reactive dog who doesn’t enjoy walks or an active dog who can’t get enough of them - every dog can enjoy and reap the benefits of tailored exercises.
“Tracey has been fantastic in helping my Border Collie and me develop a tailored exercise programme to improve her strength, balance, and symmetry.
Each session has been thoughtfully structured, with clear instruction and techniques adapted to suit both our abilities and confidence levels.
I would highly recommend Tracey to anyone looking to improve their dog’s physical wellbeing and conditioning. Her one-to-one approach provides a safe, supportive environment that not only benefits your dog but also strengthens the bond between you and your canine companion”
Is walking enough exercise for your dog?
Walking’s brilliant exercise and enjoyable for most dogs… But it's mostly one plane of movement - they walk forwards. The muscles and joints that handle everything else barely get used on a walk, until suddenly they’re zooming off after a squirrel!
Canine fitness builds strength, improves balance, and helps your dog learn to move their body safely.
It helps reduce the risk of injury and gives your dog more confidence and control in their movement - so when a squirrel appears, or they leap off the sofa, their body’s warmed up and trained to bear the strain.
Whatever stage your dog's at, they need more exercise than a daily walk.
Walks are great for cardio. But strength, balance and body awareness need targeted exercise.
“The service Tracey provides, and the help she has given Cooper has given him a much better quality of life. I have my best friend back wanting to do things with me again, and I’m forever thankful that somebody actually cares about my dog instead of fobbing me off”
What's going on beneath the fluff?
Canine fitness and conditioning starts with observation. As a certified fitness trainer with a diploma in canine rehab, I look at your dog’s posture, movement and mobility to assess what they need to be stronger, more comfortable, and more physically resilient.
Whether it’s a puppy building body awareness, an adult dog staying strong and active, or a senior dog maintaining comfort and quality of life as they age. Every exercise plan is bespoke and tailored to your dog’s needs.
Suspect your dog could be in pain?
Too often, a dog's physical health isn’t given much attention until something's obviously wrong. But subtle changes in movement, posture or gait can signal discomfort long before a dog shows obvious lameness, and addressing them early makes a real difference.
Whether subtle changes in movement or behaviour are already showing or you want to be proactive, that’s what I’m trained for.
Movement is more than a measure of physical function
The quality and fluidity of your dog’s movement has a significant impact on how they feel emotionally. And understanding that connection can change how we support our dogs.
Working alongside veterinary professionals
Shaping Dogs works collaboratively with vets and vet nurses to support dogs with musculoskeletal conditions, age-related physical change, and post-surgical recovery. If you’d like to discuss a referral or are a veterinary professional looking to refer, please visit the For Vets page.
Help your dog stay active for longer
Changes in movement and behaviour aren't always "just old age." They can be early signs that your dog is becoming uncomfortable.
Download my FREE guide to canine osteoarthritis and discover how to recognise the early signs, understand what they might mean, and support your dog's comfort and mobility throughout life.
✓ Early signs to look out for
✓ Common myths explained
✓ Practical tips to support your dog
✓ Know when to speak to your vet
👉Download your free guide today.
