When a dog comes to us for the first time for fitness and conditioning they get an assisted swim. This involves the therapist, Michelle, getting into the pool with the dog to show them what is expected. Often all it takes is one assisted swim and thereafter they're ready to go it alone with the guidance of a lifejacket, a lead rein, and some direction from the outside of the pool. The dogs are swum in both directions (clockwise and anti-clockwise) so as to build up their muscles symetrically.
Rehabilitation involves a more controlled swim where the affected part of the dogs body gets isolated so as to prevent the dog carrying the injury or body part that requires working.
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