Gait & Posture Assessments for Dogs

Wellington, the Hutt Valley and surrounding areas (and online NZ-wide)

When training's stalled or something's changed, the answer might be physical

You know your dog. So when they start avoiding things they used to love, training stalls for no clear reason, or something in how they move just looks... different, trust that.

You might have noticed:

• They've stopped jumping into the car.
• Recall has suddenly become unreliable.
• They're reluctant to sit.
• They're more reactive than they used to be.

Often what's underneath is pain, stiffness, or a change in movement that hasn't been picked up yet, because dogs are remarkably good at hiding it. It shows up in behaviour, mood and learning long before it shows up anywhere else.

I look at gait, posture, and the connection between your dog's body and their behaviour, then help you understand what those observations might mean in the context of your dog's behaviour, and movement. You'll have clear observations to share with your veterinary team.

Your dog’s behaviour is communication - let’s listen to what they are saying.

This is for you if...

• You're already working with a trainer, vet, or another professional, and want a detailed movement assessment to fill in what's missing.
• You want a low-commitment starting point before deciding whether ongoing training or therapy makes sense.
• You've had a vet referral, or want something solid to bring to your next vet visit.
• You've got a sport or working dog, and want to catch subtle changes before they affect performance.

Hidden discomfort is more common than you think

Dogs are masters of disguise. They compensate and mask pain. However, it shows up in their behaviour, mood, and learning. 

What looks like ‘stubbornness’ or a behavioural ‘problem’ often has physical roots.

The ripple effects include:

• Training slows down, and becomes inconsistent 
• Avoiding previously enjoyed activities
• Changes in energy, mood, or social behaviour
• Subtle performance dips in working or sport dogs

Early intervention keeps minor issues from becoming major problems. The outcome - less discomfort, and a dog who feels more like themselves.

But, the vet says they're fine...

I hear this often, and your vet isn't wrong! They're working within real constraints.

As veterinary behaviourist Sarah Heath has pointed out, chronic pain is hard to spot in a short clinic consult  The challenges of recognising chronic pain (Covey-Crump, Veterinary Practice, 2018). A stressed dog, on a slippery floor, in an unfamiliar room, for fifteen minutes, isn't going to show you their normal.

The setting is what's limited there, not your vet's skill. An assessment fills that gap - more time, a familiar environment, video I can watch multiple times - and complements your vet's clinical work.

In fact, I've worked with dogs where the initial vet assessment found nothing concerning, but after reviewing my reports, the vet suggested an extended follow-up consultation simply because they finally had more to go on.

Trust your instincts. If something still feels off after a standard exam, that's valuable information to investigate further.

What's involved

I take in the whole picture, not just a quick look at how they walk:

• Movement - walking, trotting, turning, and the small asymmetries or compensations that are easy to miss day to day.
• Posture - how they stand, sit, lie down, and move between those positions.
• Physical signs - muscle imbalances, coat changes, or anything in how they're carrying themselves that might point to discomfort.
• The behaviour link - matching what I see physically to what you've noticed at home, in plain terms.
• Daily life - sleep, activity, routines; context that often explains more than the movement alone.

You'll get a written report with video, so you (and your vet) have something concrete to work from.

Working as part of your team

I'm not here to replace your vet, your trainer, or anyone else on your dog's team. I'm adding a piece they often don't have the time or setting to gather themselves: extended, unpressured observation, from someone looking at the same dog through a different lens.

I collaborate with your existing professionals, supporting your current care team. This means more targeted care, less guesswork, and everyone working from the same page.

Here's what happens next

1. Book your assessment.
2. We meet in your home, or online if you're further afield.
3. I watch and film how your dog moves and holds themselves, and ask about their day-to-day.
4. We talk through what you've noticed.
5. I review the footage afterwards.
6. You get your full report, with clear next steps.

In-person, this is in your dog's own environment. Online, I'll walk you through exactly what footage I need, and it works just as well. 

In-person vs. online assessments

In-person (Wellington, Hutt Valley and surrounding areas): full evaluation in your dog's familiar environment.

Online (anywhere): during a video consult I'll guide you through capturing the specific footage I need for accurate analysis. Perfect for those further afield (and just as effective).

Both options deliver the same thorough assessment and professional report.

Ready to get started?

This assessment uses my standard single foundation session - the same booking I use for any first session. 

Foundation Session - $270

A single 90-minute session, includes your assessment, video analysis, and a comprehensive written report you can share with your vet.

If you want ongoing support afterwards, that's what the bundles are for. There's no separate assessment package to pick between, so nothing extra to figure out at checkout.

What you do with the report afterwards is entirely up to you. 

Some take it straight to their vet and go from there. Others want ongoing support to work through it together. Both are completely fine, and I'm here either way.

Your dog doesn't have to just live with it. If something still feels off, that's worth investigating, and the sooner you do, the easier it usually is to sort.

Not sure if this is for you? Book a free 15-minute connection call and we'll work out the best place to start, together.

Trusted by veterinarians and recommended by dog professionals.

Let’s make your dog’s day better. Starting today.

In-home appointments at your place are available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.