3150 N Wickham Rd #5, Melbourne, FL 32935, USA
Help 'em up harness
the first of our go-to's
This is one of our favorite harnesses for dogs of all sizes to help them get off of the ground a bit easier, and/or helping them ambulate while also helping YOUR spine from bending and lifting too much.
pet safe harness
from another angle
Geriatric, paralyzed and/or weak hind end dogs can use some additional support in both their front and rear areas. Here's an example of the harness that we like the most to help getting your dog outside and in / out of the car while also helping preserve your spine!
wiggleless back brace
bracing the spine
While we want the spine to have motion and in-home stability, there are certain conditions and moments when it may be a good idea to give them some outside-the-body support. Wiggle Less Back Braces are a corset-style brace that come in a variety of sizes (and can be custom) to allow the back to move some, but not too much. These may be helpful after certain surgeries, or with conditions where the pup has a weak or wobbly hind end, or a weak hind leg, to minimize the risk of them injuring their back further as they heal or figure out a new biomechanic movement pattern.
*Always consult with your veterinarian or, even better, your veterinarian physical therapy / rehab specialist before starting your own at home regime!*
create + build a relationship
trainers + training are irreplaceable
Find a local trainer to help you, that resonates with your training styles, is SO important. When we establish a language with our dogs, keep it consistent at home and wherever we go, we allow our dogs to KNOW that they are SAFE, a life of adventures is FUN, and it PAYS (usually in food or sometimes toys) to play WITH us.
I want this relationship for you both. Of course, it will make my 'job' (I use that loosely since I LOVE serving) easier, but more importantly, it is a better life for you both.
Give your dog a variety of experiences and take them places to expose them to the car, the park, hardware stores, pet stores, do some exposure and focus exercises around (instead of inside of) dog parks, etc. Anything that allows them to gain your trust and you to understand what their 'go-to' behaviors are. Are they more fight or flight? Can you see when they are nervous versus brave? What communication, body language and verbals (and tone of those verbals) do you share with them in those moments? And are those reinforcing or correcting your desired behavior? Try to see if from their perspective!
We are blessed and lucky to have such amazing trainers in our area. Many of them have cards up in my lobby, and you are always welcome to ask me more information about their specialties so we can intentionally and thoughtfully pair you!
