Canine Massage and Fitness

Canine Massage and Fitness in Wellington, the Hutt Valley and the Surrounding Areas

Helping your dog move, play, and feel their best - at any age

You know when your dog just isn't quite themself. Maybe they're moving more slowly or looking a bit stiff or sore. Or, maybe, they just don't have their usual spark. 

Maybe they're an active dog, always on the go, and you want to keep them moving well and injury-free. 

Perhaps they're bouncing back from an injury and need some extra TLC. 

Whatever's going on, you want them to feel good - comfortable, strong, happy, and ready to thrive.

Together, we’ll make your dog’s day better.

My blended approach

I combine strength and mobility through targeted exercise with manual therapy because they work together to deliver better results, increased comfort, and more fluid movement for your dog.

Dogs that exercise benefit from massage. And dogs that receive massage move better. 

Using massage alongside targeted exercises doesn't just address muscles and joints, it benefits nerve health too. Manual therapy supports circulation, maintains nerve function, and helps with neurological conditions that become more common as dogs age. 

This integrated approach means better results, whether we're building strength, preventing injury, or maintaining mobility and comfort.

What if my dog doesn’t like it?

If your dog has had an injury or is experiencing pain, it makes sense that they may be sensitive to touch or hesitant about new experiences. 

As a Fear Free and Low-Stress Handling certified canine massage therapist, I work with a calm, cooperative, fear-free approach that puts your dog at ease. Every session is at your dog's pace, encouraging trust and participation while supporting their physical, emotional, and behavioural well-being.

Massage is carried out on the floor, the sofa, or wherever they are comfortable! I do not use a table. Breaks (and snacks) are encouraged.

Many dogs who initially seem worried actually begin to enjoy and seek out their massage sessions once they realise how good it feels.

Which dogs benefit from canine massage and fitness?

All dogs can benefit from massage therapy and targeted fitness, regardless of age, size, or activity level. Whether you have an energetic puppy, a competitive sports dog, or a beloved senior, combining manual therapy with appropriate exercise supports better movement, comfort, and overall wellbeing throughout their life.

Growing strong: puppies and young dogs

Young dogs are building the foundation for a lifetime of movement. Through fun, confidence-building exercises and gentle handling, I help puppies:

  • Learn how to move their bodies and navigate their surroundings with confidence.
  • Develop strong movement patterns that reduce the risk of future injuries.
  • Build muscle strength, coordination, and body awareness.
  • Become comfortable with touch and handling in a relaxed, positive way.

For reactive or stressed young dogs, structured fitness activities provide a safe outlet for energy while building confidence and reducing anxiety.

Give your puppy the best start - let's create their foundation plan

Peak performance: active and sports dogs

Active dogs and canine athletes need bodies that can handle their demanding lifestyles. My blended approach helps them:

  • Build and maintain the strength and stability needed for peak performance.
  • Recover faster from training and competition through targeted massage therapy.
  • Reduce the risk of injuries by addressing muscle tension and movement imbalances before they become problems.
  • Stay flexible and mobile, with improved range of motion and muscle function.

Whether your dog runs agility courses or hikes the hills, keeping their muscles strong and movement patterns healthy is key to doing what they love, injury-free.

Keep them doing what they love - let's create their performance plan

Golden years: senior dogs thriving

Many people assume that old age automatically means stiff joints and struggling on walks. It doesn't have to be that way. Staying active shouldn't come with a use-by date.

Senior dogs especially benefit from my blended approach because:

  • Targeted fitness keeps muscles strong and joints supported, preventing that all-too-common shuffle and struggle.
  • Manual therapy eases stiffness, improves circulation, and maintains comfort and mobility.
  • Neurological support becomes crucial as dogs age - massage therapy supports nerve health, stimulates neural pathways, and helps with conditions related to neurological changes including cognitive decline.
  • Mental stimulation through movement patterns and exercises keeps the brain active - because "use it or lose it" applies to dogs too! Many people think their senior is "too old" to learn new things, but the opposite is true.
  • Pain management through gentle, therapeutic touch that reduces inflammation and promotes healing.

With the right support, senior dogs can stay happily strong and mobile for years.

Help them thrive in their golden years - let's create their retirement plan

Recovery & ongoing support: dogs with health challenges

Many of the dogs I work with have underlying conditions like hip dysplasia, luxating patella, arthritis, or are recovering from surgery or injury. I work closely with local rehab professionals to provide ongoing support once dogs are cleared from their intensive rehab phase.

This collaborative approach means your dog gets:

  • Continued mobility support and maintenance of their gains made in rehab.
  • Long-term fitness and mobility planning to manage chronic conditions.
  • Gentle massage therapy to maintain comfort and flexibility.
  • Strengthening exercises appropriate for their specific condition.
  • A smooth transition from clinical rehab to lifelong wellness.

Whether your dog is managing a chronic condition or maintaining progress after rehab, I help bridge that gap between clinical treatment and everyday comfort and mobility.

Bridge the gap from rehab to wellness - let's create their next steps plan

Working together

In-home appointments are available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in Wellington, the Hutt Valley, and surrounding areas.

Visiting you at home ensures a comfortable, familiar environment for your dog.

Each appointment is completely individual and may include:

  • Full history and gait analysis
  • Customised massage therapy and targeted exercises
  • Nutrition and weight management guidance
  • Home and lifestyle modifications
  • PEMF, kinesiology tape, class 3B laser, and other bodywork modalities as appropriate
  • Tailored plan with accompanying resources
  • Email support between sessions

Because I work at your dog's pace and encourage breaks when needed, appointments may run slightly under or over the scheduled time - your dog's comfort always comes first.

Ongoing support is available through single sessions or convenient multi-session bundles.

Ready to get started?

Whether your puppy needs help growing strong, your active dog needs to stay in peak condition, or your senior needs support to keep thriving in their golden years, I'm here to help.

    Foundation Session - $245

    A 90-minute foundation session to get you started. 

    Perfect if you'd like an initial assessment, guidance on maintaining your dog's current condition, or simply want to explore whether my approach is the right fit for you. 

    If your dog has mobility concerns, is recovering from injury, or you're looking to build lasting strength and comfort, a multi-session bundle will give us the time and space to create meaningful, sustainable progress.

    Three-Session Bundle - $460

    Start with a 90-minute foundation session to assess your dog's physical needs, discuss your goals, and create a tailored plan. 

    Followed by two 60-minute sessions to monitor progress, refine techniques, and ensure you're confident continuing between visits. 

    Best suited for maintaining fitness in active dogs, supporting mild mobility issues, or when you want to learn hands-on techniques to keep your dog feeling their best. 

    Regular follow-ups help build momentum and ensure lasting results.

    Five-Session Bundle - $695

    Begin with a 90-minute foundation session to thoroughly assess your dog's condition, discuss your goals, and create a comprehensive plan. 

    Then continue with four 60-minute sessions for structured support, progress tracking, and adapting our approach as your dog improves. 

    This option is ideal for senior dogs needing ongoing support, recovery from injury or surgery, or building significant strength and mobility improvements. 

    If your dog has been struggling with stiffness, pain, or declining mobility, this bundle gives us the time to make real, lasting improvements to their comfort and quality of life.

    Let’s make your dog’s day better - so you can enjoy more active, happy days together. 

    Every session includes:

    • Comprehensive assessment - a thorough review of your dog's history, their movement patterns and posture.
    • Personalised plan - tailored to your dog's unique needs, your lifestyle, and your goals.
    • Hands-on guidance - so you can support your dog between sessions.
    • Ongoing support - detailed notes, resources, and email support between appointments to keep you on track.
    • Progress tracking and adjustments - ensures continued improvement, and the opportunity to refine as needed.   

    Questions?

    Email annie@yourwholedog.co.nz to discuss which service will help you make your dog's day better

    All appointments are individual to you and your dog's circumstances and needs, including:

    • full history
    • gait and posture analysis
    • massage and/or exercises
    • nutrition and weight management
    • home and lifestyle modifications if required
    • PEMF and other bodywork modalities as appropriate
    • tailored plan
    • accompanying resources
    • email support between sessions

    On-going support available as single casual sessions or multi-session pre-paid bundles

    Your Whole Dog

    Cooperative care. Fitness. Enrichment. Massage.

    Helping you make your dog's day better