Shaping Dogs, 18 Greenhill Road (2026)

20/03/2026

One of the things I find hardest about working with dogs is realising that sometimes they’re experiencing physical discomfort, and it might have been that way for a while.

It’s not because we don’t care, or that we’ve missed something obvious. It’s because the signs aren’t what we expect.

There’s no obvious limping or yelping. There's nothing that shouts, “this is pain!”

So we keep going.

But the thing is, dogs are expert copers, which means any signs of discomfort can be extremely subtle.

And the sad truth is, if we don’t recognise it early, a dog can continue struggling for far longer than they need to.

That’s why this matters.

A great time to observe a dog is out on a walk, so I’ve put together a simple guide (originally written for dog professionals, but just as useful for owners):
“Spotting Discomfort in Dogs on Walks – 5 Key Signs (+ 1 Bonus)”

It will help you:
✅ feel more confident in what you’re seeing
✅spot patterns earlier
✅explain what you’re seeing to a vet

If this resonates, you can download it here:https://tracey.newzenler.com/f/spot-discomfort

30/01/2026

‘He hates his harness, but he’s fine once it's on’ is something I hear a lot🐾

You pick up the harness and your dog:
• dips their head
• stiffens
• licks their lips
• turns their body
• or turns into a loon and bum tucks around the room

Sometimes, weirdness about having a harness put on is your dog’s way of saying something doesn’t feel quite right.

Harnesses have a lot of contact points on the body and all these areas move when your dog walks.

If your dog is feeling physically uncomfortable, or emotionally worried about what walks involve, that moment of putting on the harness can be hard for them.

And here’s the confusing bit: once they’re outside, adrenaline and excitement can take over, so they look fine.

I’ve written a blog explaining why this happens and what to look out for 👇
🔗https://www.shapingdogs.com/blog/dog-doesnt-like-harness

04/01/2026

Canine Circuits are back for another 4-week block, and I’m opening a few spaces for dogs and their humans to join us.

These small, structured fitness classes focus on strength, balance, body awareness and confidence, using a circuit-style setup that keeps dogs engaged without overwhelm.

Each session includes:
✔️ Thoughtful warm-ups
✔️ A variety of movement and fitness stations
✔️ Exercises adapted to the individual dog
✔️ Calm, supportive coaching throughout

This is not about drilling obedience or pushing dogs physically — it’s about helping them move better, feel more confident in their bodies, and enjoy learning with their person.

📍 Plymouth
⏱️ 1-hour sessions
📅 4-week block starting Sunday 11th Jan 3:15 pm
💷 £80

Canine Circuits are a good fit if:
• You enjoy doing things with your dog
• You want structured exercise with purpose
• Your dog would benefit from confidence or body awareness work
• You like small classes and individual attention
Spaces are limited to keep things calm and tailored.

If you’d like details or want to check whether it’s suitable for your dog, just drop a comment or message me.

*Dogs must be comfortable in the presence of people and other dogs*

28/10/2025

I’m excited to announce a new class for young dogs: Strong Start 🐶💪

These one-hour sessions are designed for puppies and young dogs who are going places, whether that’s agility, obedience, or just living an active, confident life.

Each class is standalone, so you can join as often as you like.

We’ll focus on:
✅ Building body awareness and balance
✅ Developing coordination and safe strength
✅ Boosting confidence through fun, achievable challenges
✅ Laying the groundwork for lifelong mobility and focus

Alternate weeks feature our Active Ageing sessions which are gentle, engaging exercises to help senior dogs stay mobile, strong, and happy for longer.

Together, Strong Start and Active Ageing support dogs at every stage of life, helping them move better, feel better, and thrive.

📍Based in Happy Pets Doggy Daycare, PL6 7DD

💰Classes are £20 per session, or £55 for any 3.

📅 Classes are at 2pm on Sunday (puppies and seniors alternate weeks) starting with puppies 9th Nov and seniors 16th Nov

💬Message me to register your interest or reserve a space.

20/05/2025

🌟Active Ageing for Senior Dogs 🌟

Next session running on Sunday 1st June, 1pm to 2pm at Happy Pets, PL6 7DD.

Each session includes:
✔️ Gentle, low-impact exercises to maintain strength and mobility
✔️ Balance and coordination work to prevent slips and injuries
✔️ Fun enrichment activities to engage your dog’s brain
✔️ A relaxed, positive environment to encourage movement without pressure
✔️ Maximum of 4 dogs per group session
*Dogs must be comfortable around people and other dogs
** We do use a lot of food, so please bring some treats or your dog’s daily food

£20 per dog - please message me or email me at [email protected] if you'd like to book 🐾

16/04/2025

When it comes to canine fitness, it’s so tempting to rush ahead, skipping to the flashy bits or aiming straight for the end result.
But true progress comes from building strong foundations 🐾💪

Taking time to make sure your dog is mentally and physically ready for each step means fewer setbacks, more confidence, and better results in the long run.

It’s not about ticking off exercises, it’s about setting your dog up for success.

The dogs (and humans!) at Canine Circuits did such a fantastic job of embracing that mindset this week. Slowing down, tuning in, and focusing on quality over speed is no easy feat, but it makes all the difference.

So here’s your reminder: focus on the journey, celebrate the little wins, and trust the process.

09/04/2025

Hind Leg Awareness – What’s That All About? 👣🐾

Helping dogs become more aware of their back legs might sound a bit odd at first, but it’s a really useful skill that supports better movement, coordination, reduces risk of injury and grows confidence.

In this week’s Canine Circuits, we looked at just that, and it was a great reminder that every dog is wonderfully individual. Two lovely dogs tackled the same exercise in completely different ways, and each one taught us something valuable.

One dog was initially a little unsure about placing just his back feet on a different surface, and who can blame him? From his point of view, that’s a pretty strange request! So we took it slow, gave him time, space and celebrated every small step.

The other dog zoomed through the activity like a rocket! For him, the focus was on slowing down, noticing what his body was doing, and staying in the moment.

Their fabulous owners were so tuned in, encouraging and patient throughout – making the whole session a joy. 🥰

Can you guess which dog was which? 😉

04/04/2025

Well done Sasha 💪

This is Sasha, one of my lovely training clients.

She’s clever, sensitive, dog selective, and takes her sniffing duties very seriously.

Today, my usually-reliable dog radar let me down.

A lurcher-type dog came running up from behind us, no recall in sight, while the owner stood about 15 metres away, doing… nothing.

Sasha spotted the dog and chased as it moved away.

Not ideal!

She doesn’t know this dog, the situation was high arousal, and these interactions can flip from fun to fraught in seconds.
I recalled her, and she came flying back for a game of tug (her fave!)

Just as I was about to pop her on the lead, the dog charged up to us again.

So, Sasha chased again 🙄

Whistle recall and Sasha came back to me, instantly. This time, we had a game of tug AFTER I clipped her on-lead.

Sasha got a bit vocal (she is a 🐕‍🦺 after all 😁).

Meanwhile, the bloke laughed and continued to be utterly uninvolved.

I then watched the same dog go on to hassle a little on-lead dog while the owner still did… nothing.

So, what’s the point of this post?

Aside from giving Sasha the praise she deserves, it’s this:
We can’t always control what’s going on around us. But we can teach our dogs to cope with it. To think. To recover. To choose us, even in the middle of chaos.

So as tenuous as this connection might seem, this is one of the things we build in my Canine Circuits class.

It’s not just about fitness (though that’s part of it). It’s about focus. Self-regulation. Learning how to stay balanced, mentally and physically, even when the world throws distractions or stressors their way.

If your dog’s a bit full-on, easily overwhelmed, or just too clever for their own good, this class could be a game-changer.
Send me a message if you want to know more 💬

28/03/2025

❓ Can your dog do these 4 things?

Test their body awareness and control:
🐾 Step over poles without clipping them
🐾 Hold a square stand for 5 seconds
🐾 Back up in a straight line
🐾 Pivot around a front foot target

Most dogs struggle with at least one of these — especially pivoting.

Why?
👉 Because rear body awareness doesn’t come naturally
These simple skills aren’t just “tricks.” They help your dog:
✅ Move more confidently
✅ Improve balance and coordination
✅ Activate muscles that reduce injury risk
✅ Stay calmer and more focused in everyday life

That’s exactly what we focus on in Canine Circuits — a fitness-based class for dogs who love to move (or need to learn how!).
🐾 Thoughtful exercises
🎯 Clear progression
🏅 Optional fitness challenges when you're ready
💬 Drop a ✅ if your dog can do all four — or a ❓ if you'd like help getting there!

24/03/2025

Our Active Ageing workshop yesterday was so much fun! Lots of gentle exercises, wagging tails, and a room full of much-loved golden oldies living their best lives! 💛

These classes are specially designed for senior dogs to help them stay mobile, strong, and happy in their later years. Think of it as a fitness class for your dog – tailored to their age, needs, and personality.

✅ Low-impact strength and mobility work
✅ Mental stimulation and confidence building
✅ A calm, supportive space with plenty of rest breaks
✅ Run by a qualified canine fitness trainer

📸 Check out the lovely dogs from our last session (swipe through the photos!) – proof that age is just a number when you’re feeling good in your body.

If your dog is slowing down or you'd love to give them an extra boost, our next workshop is the perfect opportunity.

🐶 Suitable for dogs 7 years and older
📍 Happy Pets Doggy Daycare, PL6 7DD
📅 Sunday 13th April 2pm to 4pm

Message me to ask any questions, or go to the Shaping Dogs website for more details 💪🐾

18/03/2025

Keeping Senior Dogs Sharp🧠🐾

Just like humans, dogs experience cognitive changes as they age. While keeping their bodies moving is important, keeping their minds engaged is essential for their overall well-being.

🐕 What Happens as Dogs Age?
As dogs get older, you might notice small shifts in their behaviour:
✔️ They sleep more or seem less interested in play.
✔️ They get “stuck” in familiar places, like behind furniture.
✔️ They seem confused about routines they once knew well.
✔️ They are more vocal or anxious, especially in the evening.

These can be signs of cognitive decline, but the good news is that just like physical exercise supports mobility, mental stimulation supports brain health!

🧠 Keeping Your Senior Dog’s Brain Active

Here are some easy, low-impact activities that can help keep your dog engaged:

🐾 Scatter & Seek – Scatter food in the grass, use a snuffle mat, or hide treats around the house to encourage problem-solving.

🦴 Gentle Training Games – Simple trick training (like chin rest, touch, or paw lifts) builds confidence and keeps their brain working.

🚶‍♂️ Sniffy Walks – Letting your dog take the lead and sniff freely engages their brain and provides natural enrichment.

💆‍♀️ Gentle Massage & Touch – Encouraging awareness of their body through massage helps with relaxation and mental stimulation.

📦 Nostalgia Box – Introduce old favourite toys or soft fabrics with familiar scents to provide comfort and positive association.

👃 Scent Work – Teaching your senior dog a simple scent game (like finding a hidden treat or specific scent) can be incredibly rewarding and mentally stimulating.

🏠 Mini Obstacle Course – Setting up a few soft cushions to step over or a low tunnel (like an open cardboard box) provides gentle movement and problem-solving.

💡 The Key? Keep It Fun & Adaptable!

Your senior dog doesn’t need a rigorous routine—just a few minutes of gentle engagement each day can make a big difference.
Adjust activities to their mobility and comfort level, and always let them set the pace.

17/03/2025

Curious to learn more about your canine? 🐶

We're thrilled that professional dog trainers Becky's Walkies, Training & Behaviour, Dogological,About Town Pet Care & Shaping Dogs are supporting us by hosting Plymouth's annual Dog Owner's Summit!

Join Plymouth's positive dog training community to deepen your understanding of your pet and help support dogs without a home.

Reserve your spot NOW through this link:
👉 https://www.plymouthdogs.co.uk/ 👈

We'll also have our Gables stall there with lots of goodies for your dog and information about the work we do. All proceeds go to helping the animals in our care. 🧡

📌 Woolwell Centre, Plymouth, PL6 7TR
📆 Saturday 12th April
⌚️ 10am - 4pm

This is THE dog event of the year in Plymouth - not to be missed!

Shaping Dogs

20/03/2026

30/01/2026

04/01/2026

28/10/2025

20/05/2025

16/04/2025

09/04/2025

04/04/2025

28/03/2025

24/03/2025

18/03/2025

17/03/2025

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