Dog Fitness and Enrichment Programs
dog exercise & Body Conditioning Auckland
Help Your Dog Stay Fit, Focused, and Happy…
Our dog fitness training program run from Onehunga, Auckland. These fitness sessions are specially designed to give your dog the physical activity and mental stimulation they need.
If you’re looking for something new and fun to do with your dog to help burn a little bit of excess energy, then our fitness programs are for you!
Using specialised equipment like balance discs, platforms, and cavaletti poles, we create tailored programs that keep healthy dogs physically capable and mentally engaged.
The Benefits of Our Dog Fitness Program
Overweight Dogs
Safe, progressive exercise as part of a vet-supervised weight management plan. Low-impact activities that slowly build fitness without adding strain to joints.
High-Energy Dogs
Productive and targeted physical and mental outlets for dogs who need more than just walks. Activities that improve impulsivity and help teach your dog to slow down and ‘think’ while they move with purpose, instead of impusivley jumping, anticipating cues, and guessing.
Puppies
Building coordination, body awareness, and confidence during critical development periods. Gentle exercises that support healthy growth.
Senior DogsÂ
Maintaining strength, mobility, and mental engagement as dogs age. Low-impact exercises that keep older dogs active while improving and maintaing cognitive function.
Anxious or Reactive Dogs
Confidence-building through structured, low-pressure physical activities. Many dogs benefit from having a job to focus on.
Active/Sport Dogs
Improving strength, flexibility, and body awareness for dogs who do agility, hiking, or other high-energy activities.
What Our Dog Fitness Programs Include
Each program starts with an assessment of your dog’s current fitness level, movement patterns, and individual needs. From there, we create a plan that may include:
- Strength and balance exercises using platforms, balance discs, and peanuts.
- Coordination work with cavaletti poles and varied surfaces to improve sensory and tactile awareness.
- Confidence-building through progressive physical challenges.
- Impulse control activities that require thoughtful movement.
- Low-impact exercises suitable for different fitness levels.
- Mental enrichment through problem-solving and body awareness tasks.
Sessions are adapted to your dog’s pace and comfort level. If I observe anything that suggests discomfort, restricted movement, or a potential physical issue, I’ll pause the program and recommend veterinary assessment before continuing.
Nutrition Education
Understanding your dog’s nutritional needs is part of supporting their overall health. I provide general nutrition education based on current veterinary guidelines, including:
- How activity level affects caloric needs
- Life stage considerations (puppy, adult, senior)
- Reading and understanding dog food labels
- General principles of balanced canine nutrition
For dogs requiring specific dietary management (medical conditions, allergies, therapeutic diets), nutrition plans must come from your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist. I’m happy to support the implementation of vet-prescribed dietary plans as part of your dog’s overall program.
Important
These programs are for healthy dogs and focus on fitness training and enrichment – not medical treatment, rehabilitation, or therapy.
I cannot work with:
- Dogs recovering from injury or surgery.
- Dogs with untreated pain, lameness, or mobility issues.
- Dogs with diagnosed medical conditions affecting movement (without explicit veterinary clearance).
Vet clearance required before starting for:
- Senior dogs (7+ years depending on breed).
- Overweight dogs.
- Dogs with any history of orthopedic issues, heart conditions, or chronic health concerns.
- Any dog whose owner has concerns about their physical health.
These programs complement veterinary care and work alongside your vet’s recommendations – never to replace medical advice or treatment.
Pricing & Packages
Initial Assessment – $195 (ex GST)
We discuss your dog’s history, current fitness level, and your goals. I assess your dog’s movement, coordination, and comfort level with different activities. We determine if the program is appropriate and create a tailored plan.
Includes:
- Complete fitness evaluation
- Customised exercise program
- Hands-on training session
- Take-home plan and exercises
Follow-Up Sessions
Progress review, introduction of new exercises, and adjustments based on your dog’s development.
Follow-Up Sessions – $135 (ex GST)
Progress review, introduction of new exercises, and adjustments based on your dog’s development.
Session Frequency & Packages
Most dogs benefit from an initial assessment followed by 2-4 regular follow-up sessions, depending on individual goals and progress. Sessions can be scheduled weekly or fortnightly to suit your dog’s needs and your schedule.
Package Options (These do not include initial assessment)
4-Week Package – $500 (ex GST)
4 sessions | $125 per session | Save $40
Must be used within 1 month from date of purchase
6-Week Package – $720 (ex GST)
6 sessions | $120 per session | Save $90
Must be used within 6 weeks from date of purchase
8-Week Package – $960 (ex GST)
8 sessions | $120 per session | Save $120
Must be used within 2 months from date of purchase
About Your Trainer
Emily Dustan is an Accredited Animal Behaviour Consultant, qualified dog trainer, and certified in canine exercise, health, and nutrition.
I design programs that combine behavioural understanding with fitness training, keeping dogs physically capable and mentally engaged through positive reinforcement methods.
I work collaboratively with your veterinary team and refer to specialists when medical expertise is needed.
Start Your Dog's Fitness Program in Auckland Today!
Contact us to book an initial Dog Fitness Assessment in our tailored behaivour and training centre in Onehunga, Auckland. We’ll discuss your dog’s needs and determine if this program is the right fit.
For dogs with behavioral concerns that go beyond fitness needs, see our behaviour consultation service.
Science-based fitness programs that keep dogs physically capable and mentally stimulated – suitable for all breeds and life stages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our dog fitness programs in Auckland are suitable for dogs of all ages…
Sessions are typically 60-90 minutes, allowing time for thorough assessment and hands-on work with your dog.
This gives us enough time to observe your dog’s movement, behavior, and responses while implementing tailored exercises.
Absolutely! Our programs are designed for dogs of all ages. Puppy sessions focus on gentle confidence-building exercises and creating healthy movement patterns that support proper development as they grow.
We require veterinary clearance for any dog with existing health conditions. Our programs are designed to complement veterinary care, not replace it.
Most dogs benefit from an initial assessment followed by 2-4 follow-up sessions, depending on their specific needs and goals. Sessions can be booked weekly, fortnightly, or monthly to suit your schedule and your dog’s progress.
Most dogs benefit from 2-4 sessions after the initial assessment, but this varies based on individual goals and progress.
My whole-dog approach combines multiple disciplines, exercise, diet, training, and behaviour into one integrated program.
Rather than addressing an isolated issue, I look at how your dog’s physical health, and emotional wellbeing all connect. My methods are thorough and comprehensive, backed by ongoing research and years of hands-on experience.
There are no short cuts, my goal is to improve your dog’s overall quality of life. Every program is completely personalised because no two dogs are exactly alike.