The Animal Physiotherapist

08/02/2026

It’s not many weeks until the start of the agility season in Scotland. It may seem like we are still in the depths of winter but signs of Spring are popping up everywhere! Hopetoun House

03/02/2026

🐶 Why I loved my ‘Agility Accelerator Challenge’🐶

🐾 my word, I enjoyed running my ‘Agility Accelerator Challenge’ last week so much and I’ve had such lovely feedback from participants. 🐾

🐾Words such as ‘fun’, ‘useful’, ‘manageable’ and ‘achievable’ have all been used to describe how agility enthusiasts from around the world found the challenge tasks over the 3 days.🐾

⭐ This is where social media is fantastic! It allows agility handlers from Australia, Canada, America and Europe to take part in the same experience together and encourage a sense of community.

Over the 3 days, we looked at;
• aspects of warm up and cool down routines,
• my favourite canine conditioning exercise,
• and how to design a fitness plan

⭐All these aspects combine to help agility handlers prepare and get ready for the upcoming agility season – which will be here before we know it!⭐

🤓If you missed the challenge but would like help to get your dog as fit and ready as possible for the first shows in a few weeks’ time, don’t worry. Let me help you get your dog fitter, stronger and more connected to you with my online, 4 week, pre-season agility course.🤓

➡DM me the word 'READY' and I'll send you the info - I can't wait to help you on your agility adventures!

29/01/2026

⭐ Wow! I have loved running my online Agility Accelerator Challenge this week! ⭐

⭐ I’ve had so many motivated and eager agility enthusiasts taking part and I’m so delighted that they have grabbed this opportunity with their dogs to get ahead for the next agility season⭐

➡️ We covered warm up and cool downs, my favourite conditioning exercise and designing an individual fitness plan for our dogs.

⭐ I’ve had great feedback and have enjoyed reaching and helping more agility handlers and dogs. ⭐

➡️ If you missed the challenge, it is still possible for me to help you with my

⭐ ⭐ 4 Week, Online Agility Course. ⭐ ⭐

🐾 🐾 Think of this as a one stop shop to get you and your dog ready for the next agility season. 🐾 🐾

⬇️ Doors for this cohort of the course will close on Thursday 12th February, so grab your space while you can. ⬇️

One stop shop giving you quick, easy ways to help you and your dog have your best season ever!

25/01/2026

Agility Handlers - this is for you!

🐾Agility dogs are amazing canine athletes! When you consider the demands the sport of agility places on our dogs, their ability to navigate and complete a course clear, smoothly, precisely and quickly is nothing short of remarkable!🐾

🤓Let’s think about this a bit more…

🐕Agility dogs need to
1. Absorb impact forces of jumping
2. Keep balanced on the equipment
3. Negotiate wide and tight turns
4. Push off strongly with their hindlimbs
5. Set off at speed

🐕This requires
1. Flexibility of the spine
2. Full joint range of motion
3. Strong hindlimb engagement
4. Engagement of abdominal muscles
5. Advanced balance reactions

🐕Physiotherapy can help keep your agility dog in peak condition by
1. Maintaining joint flexibility and spinal health
2. Strengthen muscles supporting the joints
3. Build power in locomotor muscles
4. Improve fitness
5. Improving balance reactions and proprioception

➡I have kept all this in mind when designing my FREE 3-Day Agility Accelerator Challenge which starts tomorrow and runs from 26th – 28th January 2026. The aim is to empower agility enthusiasts with new strategies to prepare for the next agility season.

➡Entry to the challenge closes on Monday 26th January 2026 but you can still join until then ...

➡DM me the word ‘EMPOWER’ to join. It's going to be great!

22/01/2026

🐕 Doing agility taught me these 3 things…🐕

🌟Strengthening the connection with your dog everyday will improve your ability when running a course.

🌟 Understanding your dog’s needs and how they think and learn will help you adapt your training and communication methods to the dog in front of you.

🌟There is more than one way to run a course and problem solving and flexibility are key when choosing the best lines for your dog.

🧐I have kept these facts in mind while designing my free, 3 day ‘Agility Accelerator Challenge’ which starts on Monday 26th January. The aim is to empower agility handlers with some new strategies to take into the next agility season in 2026.

➡️There’s still time to join.

➡️DM me the word ‘CONNECT’ to join the ‘Agility Accelerator Challenge’.

It’s going to be great!

19/01/2026

⭐There’s only 1 week to go before The Agility Accelerator Challenge begins – it’s not too late to join.⭐

🐾What is it?
➡Fun, free, online challenge aimed at motivated and enthusiastic agility handlers looking to switch up their dog’s fitness routine ahead of the 2026 season.

🐾When is it?
➡3 day challenge from Monday 26th – Wednesday 28th January 2026

Don’t worry if you can’t manage on the day, the content will stay available for a couple of weeks so you will be able to catch up.

🐾How does it work?
I’ve set up a special Facebook Group just for this challenge. This is where all the action takes place. You also get daily emails summarising the challenge task for that day.

🐾How will I benefit?
After the challenge, you will;
➡ be confident in your warm up and cool down routines,
➡ have my favourite canine conditioning exercise to practice with your dog
➡ be able to design a personalised fitness plan for your dog

🤓Are you in?

There’s still time to join the challenge and grab this chance to feel empowered with new strategies to get ahead this season with your dog.

⭐DM me the word ‘EMPOWER’ to join.⭐

18/01/2026

It’s been a great week for making friends with new puppies! It is definitely true what they say, “Happiness really is a warm Puppy”!

14/01/2026

⭐ The Agility Accelerator Challenge ⭐.

3 days of ideas and strategies with Gillian to empower you and your dog for the next agility season and have your best year ever in 2026.

➡ Be confident in your warm up and cool down routines.

➡ Discover my favourite conditioning exercise and how to do it.

➡ Learn how to design and incorporate a personalised fitness plan for your dog.

🐾 Running 26th – 28th January 2026 with quick easy tasks to try each day with your dog, it’s going to be great! 🐾

⭐ DM the word ‘EMPOWER’ to join the challenge. ⭐

08/01/2026

At the start of 2026 and due to lots of new followers, it seems appropriate to re-introduce myself!

Let me introduce you to the dog behind 'The Animal Physiotherapist'. I am sometimes asked why I care so much about the animals I have the privilege of helping. This is my why and the very heart and essence of my therapy business...

Every now and again, sometimes once in a lifetime, an animal comes into our lives who has a little extra magic and sparkle. Tess is my dog of a lifetime and my very strong ‘why’. Tess is the reason I chose to take the plunge and go back to university after almost 20 years working in the NHS to study veterinary physiotherapy. Tess taught me many of the skills I now use daily about animal behaviour and training. Tess granted me access to a wonderful veterinary physiotherapist who showed me what physiotherapy could do for animals and inspired me to follow my dream. Tess had a love of people and love for life that remained with her, always. Tess was my first agility dog, learning together as we progressed all the way to competing at championship level. Tess is my why and the reason I care so much about all the animals I have the privilege of helping. Tess died 3 weeks after I began training as a veterinary physiotherapist, but her spirit is the very heart of the business. The Animal Physiotherapist exists because of Tess and every client and patient benefits from everything she taught me.

I am currently designing my ‘Agility Accelerator Challenge’ which will take place at the end of January. I have considered what would have helped me with Tess all those years ago and what I would hope to learn in order to feel more prepared before the start of the new season. The purpose of the challenge is to help agility enthusiasts feel empowered with new strategies to take with them into the new season.

If you haven’t already joined the Waitlist for the ‘Agility Accelerator Challenge’ and would like to take part, please DM me the word 'EMPOWER' and I will put you on the list. It's going to be great!

03/01/2026

🤓 5 ways to help your dog adjust to winter walks 5 ways to help your dog adjust to winter walks 🤓.

The weather has definitely turned wintery here in Scotland this week. It can benefit our dogs to change how we walk them in winter. Here are some hints and tips.

➡ 1. Dress your dog appropriately: In colder weather, it's important to keep your dog warm and protected. Consider getting them a winter coat to provide an extra layer of insulation (some breeds need this more than others depending on thickness of their own furry coat). Additionally, paw wax can help protect their paws from ice, salt, and other harsh elements.

➡ 2. Adjust the length and intensity of walks: During winter, it's essential to be mindful of your dog's tolerance for cold weather. Shorten the duration of walks and adjust the intensity based on your dog's breed, age, and overall health. Some dogs may require more frequent breaks or shorter walks in colder temperatures.

➡. 3. Choose safe walking routes: Be cautious of icy or slippery surfaces that can pose a risk to your dog's safety. Opt for well-maintained paths or pavements, and avoid areas with excessive ice or snow buildup.

➡. 4. Stay visible: Winter days are shorter and darker, so it's crucial to make sure you and your dog are visible to others. Consider using reflective gear or attaching a reflective collar or leash to your dog.

➡. 5. Maintain proper hydration: Although it may be colder outside, your dog still needs access to fresh water. Dehydration can occur even in cold weather, so make sure your dog stays hydrated before, during, and after walks.

🤓Remember, it's always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian or animal physiotherapist for specific advice tailored to your dog's individual needs and health conditions.🤓

🐕 Share this post to help spread the word.🐕

02/01/2026

🤓I am keeping my waitlist open for my FREE 3 Day Agillity Acclerator Challenge taking place later this month. The aim is to empower agility handlers with some new strategies to take into the 2026 agility season. 🤓

⭐DM me the word ‘EMPOWER’ to find out more. ⭐

🐾Get your 2026 agility season off to a flying start!🐾