Canine Conditioning
We bring fitness to you!
Contact us! 253.732.3397 houndsaroundtowndogtraining@gmail.com
​Enhance the health, longevity, and performance of your best friend with our canine fitness program!
  • Enrichment and fitness for your older dog for improved quality of life
  • Conditioning for canine athletes
  • Improved learning skills and proprioception
  • Promotes overall calmness and well-being
  • The perfect step after a rehabilitation program*
  • Injury prevention
  • Medical-grade therapeutic laser for inflammation, increased blood flow, anxious behaviors, and pain relief
Appropriate for dogs and puppies 8 weeks and older
Initial 1-hour consultation to evaluate gait, range of motion, overall fitness, and level of known behaviors to create your dog's personalized fitness plan and get you started 140.00. 45-minute follow-up, 4-session package 380.00 *Conditioning is not a substitute for a rehabilitation program.
“Jen at Hounds Around Town has been a game-changer for our senior dog, who faces multiple health challenges. Her tailored exercises have helped keep him mobile and agile, all while showing incredible kindness and patience. Our dog is always excited (for) his sessions, and the results speak for themselves—improved muscle tone, higher energy, and a brighter overall disposition. We’re so grateful for Jen and the care she’s given to help our boy thrive and live his best life!" ~Karin & Flex
Your curriculum has been created by an educated team: Jennifer is a STOTT Pilates Trained Instructor, and her husband is a Licensed Veterinary Technician, a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner, and a Certified Small Animal Massage Therapist - Fundamentals and Performance. 
Contact us! 253-732-3397 or houndsaroundtowndogtraining@gmail.com
What is Canine Conditioning?
​Canine conditioning is the practice of purposeful physical and mental exercise tailored for dogs, is growing in recognition among pet owners and trainers. Much like human athletes benefit from structured fitness routines, dogs of all ages, breeds, and abilities can unlock advantages through proper conditioning. Whether your dog is a couch companion or a competitive agility star, canine conditioning offers pathways to better health, increased happiness, and a deeper bond between human and animal.

Canine conditioning involves a holistic approach to a dog’s fitness and well-being. It includes activities that strengthen muscles, enhance flexibility, improve balance and coordination, and boost cardiovascular health. Conditioning programs are designed to be breed- and age-appropriate, ensuring each dog receives the optimal level of challenge without risk of overexertion or injury.
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Exercises might encompass balance work with wobble boards, core strengthening with stability balls, resistance training, cardiovascular drills such as fetch or swimming, and mental stimulation through puzzle toys or scent work. Importantly, conditioning is more than just physical exercise — it is a thoughtful regime combining movement, nutrition, rest, and training to yield a vibrant, resilient canine.
Physical Health Benefits
Joint and Bone Health
One of the fundamental advantages of canine conditioning is the support of healthy joints and bones. Controlled, low-impact exercises help increase bone density and maintain proper joint lubrication, which is particularly beneficial for breeds susceptible to hip dysplasia or arthritis. Puppies also benefit, as regular movement supports proper skeletal growth and development.
Muscle Strength and Endurance
Consistent conditioning strengthens muscle groups across a dog's body. This not only improves overall body tone and fitness but also enhances the dog’s endurance. Well-conditioned muscles stabilize joints, which helps prevent injuries during daily activities or high-intensity sports such as frisbee or agility trials.
Weight Management
Canine obesity is a growing concern, leading to numerous health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and decreased lifespan. Conditioning provides structured, enjoyable activities that burn calories and keep dogs at an ideal weight. By pairing conditioning with a proper diet, obesity risks can be greatly mitigated.
Cardiovascular Health
Just as in humans, a strong cardiovascular system is vital for canines. Regular aerobic conditioning improves heart health, increases lung capacity, and promotes efficient blood flow throughout the body. Dogs that engage in frequent cardiovascular exercises exhibit higher energy levels, improved stamina, and a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Flexibility and Range of Motion
Exercises that promote stretching and flexibility are essential for maintaining a dog’s agility and mobility, especially as they age. Flexibility routines can help prevent stiffness and support the preservation of an active lifestyle well into a dog’s senior years.
Injury Prevention and Recuperation
Conditioning strengthens not just visible muscles but also the smaller stabilizing muscles that protect tendons and ligaments. This comprehensive strength reduces the chance of strains and sprains and helps restore confidence in movement.
Mental and Emotional Benefits
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Mental stimulation and physical activity are proven antidotes to canine stress and anxiety. Conditioning exercises often require focus, problem-solving, and learning new tasks, all of which help occupy the mind and reduce destructive behaviors related to boredom or nervousness.
Increased Confidence
Mastering new skills and overcoming challenges in a supportive environment boosts a dog’s confidence. This is particularly beneficial for shy, timid, or rescue dogs, aiding them in becoming more outgoing and adaptable.
Strengthened Human-Animal Bond
Regular conditioning creates opportunities for positive, trust-building interactions between dogs and their owners. Training sessions become shared adventures, improving communication, mutual respect, and deepening the emotional connection.
Mental Sharpness and Cognitive Health
Activities that involve scent work, obstacle navigation, or learning new tricks stimulate the brain and can delay age-related cognitive decline. Keeping the mind active is as important as keeping the body in shape, especially for elderly dogs.
Working and Sport Dogs
Optimized Athletic Performance
​For dogs involved in sports or working roles — such as agility, obedience, herding, search and rescue, or service assistance — tailored conditioning can enhance their competitive edge. Improved strength, speed, coordination, and recovery time all contribute to peak performance.
Greater Stamina and Recovery
Well-conditioned dogs can work or compete for longer periods and recover more quickly from exertion. This stamina is crucial for police, military, or service dogs who must maintain focus and physical ability during long shifts.
Sport-Specific Training
Conditioning can be customized to the unique demands of particular sports or jobs. For example, sled dogs benefit from interval training to develop endurance, while agility dogs require explosive power and flexibility drills.
Puppies and Senior Dogs
Puppies
Puppies are naturally energetic, but gentle conditioning helps channel that energy constructively. Age-appropriate exercises foster healthy growth, teach body awareness, and lay the foundation for lifelong fitness habits.
Senior Dogs
​As dogs age, maintaining mobility and muscle mass becomes more challenging. Low-impact conditioning, such as swimming or controlled walks, can slow muscle loss, support joint health, and help manage chronic pain or arthritis. Even senior dogs with disabilities can benefit from tailored programs.
Conclusion
The benefits of canine conditioning extend far beyond improved physical fitness. From healthier joints and sharper minds to deeper human-animal connections and enhanced performance, conditioning lays the groundwork for a vibrant, joyful canine life. By investing in regular, purposeful activity, dog owners not only enrich their pets’ physical and emotional well-being but also create shared memories and a partnership that will last a lifetime. Whether your companion is young or old, champion or companion, canine conditioning offers something invaluable: the gift of vitality.
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*Conditioning is not a substitute for veterinary-led rehabilitation.