Events and Workshops

I have designed workshops for dog owners to learn basic skills that can help them enhance the bond they have with their dog and easily use natural care concepts at home. These workshops can be run especially for your group or club at a venue of your choice. I also offer public workshops periodically - look out for these in our newsletter and social media.

• Paws, relax & learn - dog reflexology and nail care

  Go with the flow at this relaxed workshop.  Your dog’s paws are an incredibly important part of their anatomy.  I see so many mobility problems that start with the paws –  so I’ve designed this workshop to get owners comfortable with paw examination and nail care.

  In this 2-hour workshop that you attend with your dog you will:

  • Learn the fundamentals of reflexology, a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique for gentle pressure at specific points on the paws to support wellbeing
  • Receive a colour chart of reflexology points to use at home
  • Learn the importance of regular nail care and see/handle the tools you can confidently use to care for nails at home
  • Practice nail trimming and inspection of your dog’s paws

   

• Learn to Massage Your Dog

  This is a paws-on workshop that you attend with your dog.

  In this half-day workshop, you will:

  • Learn how to give a full body acupressure massage and understand when it’s okay to massage your dog and when it isn’t.
  • Observe your dog’s movements, understand the basics of gait analysis and be ready to start keeping records from your massage sessions.
  • Discuss and share information with other participants about diet, supplements and senior dog care.
  • Understand quality of life assessment

  Each dog participating receives a free bag of our fresh dog treats and owners a resource pack.  The only way to learn massage is hands-on!

• Greyhound Massage and Stretching Workshop

  A massage workshop especially for re-homed greyhounds and their owners to learn basic massage and stretching techniques for ex-athletes.

  Revamped in 2023, I’ve streamlined this course to ensure there is plenty of time for owners to practice with their hounds and receive 1:1 attention.  We will discuss health issues that are most relevant to greyhounds over the tea break.  Dog treats and an owner resource pack are provided.

  Small group bookings are welcome – choose your date and I will quote you based on number of dogs and owners and help you find a venue if you need one.  This course may also be offered from time-to-time on a public registration basis.

   

• Cooking for Dogs – Enjoying the Benefits of Homemade Toppers and Treats

  Many owners are seeking ways to add fresh ingredients to their dog’s diet.  In this very special cooking class, you will make recipes for your dog that you can use as a ‘topper’ for their regular dog food and we’ll make dog treats, too.   We’ll discuss diets in general, my support for the semi-homemade diet, and the challenges of feeding a truly balanced diet when relying on home cooking alone.

  Small group bookings welcome, subject to availability of the cooking room at Papanui High School.  Your quotation will be based on the number of people attending the class.   If you would like the course held at another venue, we can make that happen, too – with costs quoted based on time and travel.  I may offer this course periodically on a public registration basis, too.

• Dog and Environmentally-Friendly Cleaning Products

  In this workshop, you will make a laundry liquid, a surface cleaner, a dry dog shampoo, and an antibacterial spray.   All materials are supplied (including re-usable bottles) but we recommend you bring a carry bag to take your products home.   We’ll also discuss essential oils and their safe use around pets (not just dogs) and where you can buy the ingredients to make your own cleaning products again and again.   Recipes included.

  You’ll never need to buy commercial cleaning products again – and you’ll save money too.  Choose a venue for your small group workshop and I’ll quote you based on location and number of people attending the class.

• Introduction to Canine Fitness

  Fitness is so much more than walking or running with your dog.

  In this introductory course, you will learn about the importance of conditioning.  Proper form is essential to preserve and support range of motion and, therefore, injury prevention.

  We’ll discuss various aspects of canine fitness:

  • mental
  • balance
  • strength
  • cardio
  • flexibility

  Exercise equipment will be provided in the workshop and we will discuss how you can use common household items for your dog’s fitness, too.  This course can be run at a location of your choice with a quotation based on number of participants.  This course may occasionally run on a public registration basis, too.

• Pre- and post-event massage for the canine athlete

  This half-day workshop is designed for canine agility competitors, working dogs, and those involved in search and rescue.

  By the end of this workshop you will:

  1. Know how to prepare yourselves and your dog for a massage session, using the proper technique
  2. Have practised a full body massage technique and be ready to use it again at home
  3. Understand the difference between pre- and post- event massage for injury prevention

  Please get in touch to book this course for your club or small group, at a location of your choice.  A 1:1 session can also be booked for this course content.

• Inflammatory bowel disease - food trials, management and peer support

  This workshop can be run as a webinar or in-person workshop at a time of your choosing.  We will discuss the challenging diagnosis of canine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), also known as chronic enteropathy.

  You will learn:

  • What a food trial is and how to follow one (plus mistakes to avoid)
  • Discuss pharmaceutical, supplement and other treatment options for managing IBD
  • Learn from peers who have dogs with IBD and share resources and tips for managing the stress of having a dog with IBD