Cooperative Care | Fitness | Enrichment | Massage

Helping Wellington dogs thrive with massage, fitness, and behaviour support

At Your Whole Dog, I believe in making life better for dogs and their people.

Whether you’re puzzled by your dog’s behaviour or need support advocating for their wellbeing, you’re in the right place.

• Is your senior dog struggling with stiffness and pain, and you want to help them move comfortably again?
• Could your energetic pup benefit from a fitness plan to ensure they’re strong and balanced?
• Is your dog nervous about vet visits or handling, and you’re ready to learn a cooperative approach that builds their confidence?

Whatever brought you here, I get it - and I can help

I specialise in canine massage therapy, fitness training, and positive behaviour consulting. Working across Wellington, with dogs in their own homes to keep things as stress-free as possible. By meeting your dog where they feel most comfortable, I can better understand their needs and help both of you thrive.

If you’re looking for holistic, compassionate, and tailored support, I’ve got you covered.

Training minds, healing bodies, strengthening bonds

Hi, I’m Annie.

I’m your Wellington-based canine wellbeing partner and the owner of Your Whole Dog. My passion lies in supporting the physical, emotional, and behavioural health of dogs in a way that’s kind, effective, and sustainable.

From helping nervous pups find their confidence to easing pain for senior dogs or those recovering from injuries, my work focuses on real, lasting improvements.

Dogs with challenges aren’t “problems” to fix - they’re living, feeling beings who deserve to feel safe and understood. That’s why I look at your whole dog -  their physical health, emotional wellbeing, and individual needs.

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My approach is different, and it's dog-led

I work with your dog. I teach them how to be an active, willing partner. Whether it’s massage, fitness exercises, grooming, or vet handling, I prioritise their comfort, rather than forcing them to participate in something that makes them uncomfortable.

Using an integrated approach to support your dog’s wellbeing

• Massage & Mobility - relieving pain, improving movement, and building strength through tailored bodywork and fitness plans.
• Training & Behaviour - addressing behaviour challenges by uncovering root causes - often related to unmet needs or health issues - and creating practical, effective plans.
• Empowering Participation - teaching your dog how to feel safe and confident during training, handling, grooming, and care routines.
• Enrichment Plans - to meet your dog’s physical and emotional needs.

Why? Because a happy, healthy dog thrives when:

• they’re understood,
• they’re confident in their surroundings,
• they’re comfortable in their body,
• their physical and emotional needs are met.

This isn’t about quick fixes or treating dogs like they’re broken.

Together, we’ll uncover the missing pieces of your dog’s puzzle and create a plan that works for both of you.

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What sets me apart

I have a keen eye for detail and a knack for seeing the bigger picture. I don’t just focus on symptoms. I dig deeper. By assessing your dog’s physical health, emotional well-being, and daily environment, we can uncover what’s really going on. 

One key tool in my approach is gait and posture analysis, where I observe how your dog moves to identify areas of compensatory weakness or discomfort. These subtle signs often reveal the root causes of pain or imbalance that might otherwise go unnoticed.

By tackling these underlying issues and providing holistic, sustainable solutions, I help you support your dog in becoming their happiest, healthiest self.

I’m here to guide you without judgment and celebrate every step of progress - big or small. We’re all learning as we go and every improvement is worth celebrating.

Why it matters

Behaviour and health are deeply connected.

A dog in pain or discomfort can’t focus, learn, or feel at ease - it’s just not possible. That’s why I prioritise addressing any underlying health issues before diving into training or behaviour work. It’s about solving the puzzle, finding the missing pieces, and supporting the whole dog.

Dogs aren’t toasters. They’re not broken machines that need fixing. Instead, they’re complex beings who want to feel safe and understood. My approach is about identifying what they’re worried about, what needs aren’t being met, and how to empower them to navigate the world with confidence.

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It all started with my own dogs 

I needed help, and I was unable to find anyone locally who could provide the kind of support I was looking for. So, I went further afield. I never intended for this to become a career; all I wanted to do was help my dog feel more comfortable at the vets. 

As we made progress, with the support of our behaviour consultant, I dove into learning everything I could. And I learned how deeply physical health and behaviour are connected.

Today, I use what I’ve learned (and continue to learn!) to help others. There’s no one-size-fits-all.

You can read more about my struggles with vet visits that led me to cooperative care, and how I embraced learning about canine fitness training and canine massage in these blog posts.

From puzzled to progress

Whether it’s helping a nervous dog gain confidence, relieving stiffness in an aging pet, or teaching you how to communicate effectively with your dog, I’m here to make life better for both of you.

Let's work together to create a harmonious household where both you and your canine companion will thrive!

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Getting to know me 

Q: Do you really come to my home? 

A: Yes! Dogs usually feel more at ease in their own environment, which means we can get better results with less stress. Plus, it’s convenient for you!

Q: My dog is scared of strangers. Can you help? 

A: Absolutely! I specialise in working with dogs who are shy, fearful, or anxious. My approach is patient and low-stress, giving your dog the time and space they need to feel comfortable.

Q: Isn’t it just about teaching commands? 

A: Not at all! While teaching skills is part of the process, the real work lies in understanding your dog’s needs and helping them feel safe and comfortable. When we address those foundational issues, everything else gets easier.

Q: My dog has been to other trainers, and nothing worked. Why should I try again? 

A: Many of my clients come to me after feeling frustrated with previous attempts, and using methods they weren’t comfortable with. I take a different approach by addressing health, emotional well-being, and behavior as interconnected pieces of a puzzle. My training is entirely reward-based, kind, and ethical.

Q: Is it too late to help my senior dog? 

A: Never! Senior dogs can benefit hugely from massage, mobility exercises, and a little extra TLC. Whether it’s easing pain or improving their quality of life, there’s always something we can do.

Q: Will you judge me if I’ve made mistakes? 

A: Not a chance! We’ve all been there! My goal is to support you and your dog, not to make you feel bad. Every step forward is a win, and I’m here to cheer you on.

Q: What if my dog hates being touched? 

A: That’s okay! We’ll work on helping your dog feel comfortable and safe first. Everything we do is at their pace, with their consent.

Q: How long does it take to see results? 

A: It depends! On the dog, and the issue. We can get some wins early on that build into big, lasting changes over time. Progress isn’t always linear, but it’s always possible. Long-lasting results come with consistency, and I’ll support you every step of the way.

Q: Why should I trust you? 

A: I’ve been in your shoes. I started this journey to help my own dogs when no one else could. Now, with experience, ongoing education, and a deep passion for what I do, I’m here to help you too.

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