The Woof Inn

28/10/2026

A bit more about what Gemma is doing in the community! Does your dog have pain, allergies, general discomfort. Get in touch with her for more info :)

🐾 Introduction to Tui Na – Chinese Medical Massage for Dogs 🐾

I would like to share a little more about Tui Na, the traditional Chinese massage technique I have studied in and how it can benefit our dogs. ❤️🐶

What is Tui Na?

Tui Na (pronounced twee nah) is an ancient Chinese bodywork therapy dating back thousands of years, believed to have originated around the Shang Dynasty (approximately 1700 BC).

Tui means “push,” and Na means “grasp, pull or lift.” It uses a combination of massage, acupressure, traction and gentle manipulation techniques to support the body’s balance and wellbeing.

Tui Na is one of the five branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine, alongside acupuncture, Qigong, Chinese herbal medicine, and food therapy. It follows similar principles of assessment and treatment to acupuncture and acupressure.

Through specific techniques, Tui Na aims to encourage the flow of Qi (the body's vital energy), helping to address imbalances and support comfort, mobility and overall wellbeing. It can also be combined with acupressure when appropriate.

During my studies, I learned about canine anatomy, foundations of Chinese medicine, assessment techniques, massage methods, meridians, acupoints and treatment approaches (prescriptions) for common conditions.

My training included techniques and treatment approaches for:

🐾 Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) support
🐾 Arthritis and mobility concerns
🐾 Hip discomfort and cruciate ligament-related issues
🐾 Skin-related conditions
🐾 Behavioural/Stress and anxiety support

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, a treatment “prescription” refers to the chosen treatment approach or technique, not medication.

Every dog is an individual, and treatments are tailored to their needs. Working together with the owner is an important part of the process, helping build trust, encourage relaxation and honour the special bond we share with our dogs. ❤️

Tui Na is intended to complement veterinary care, not replace it, particularly when a dog has a diagnosed medical condition.

Would you like to know more? 🐾

If you’re interested in learning how Tui Na may support your dog’s comfort and wellbeing, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’d love to chat with you!

❤️ Helping our dogs feel their very best, one gentle touch at a time. 🐶

27/10/2026

One of the challenges of running a small business with kiddies is when either they, or the daycare teachers are sick! You have your day planned and then WHAM you gotta change it and quick!

Thank you Leith for stepping up and taking our small dogs for a walk at such short notice, I appreciate you.

The dogs loved seeing each other again, There was a bit of commotion/zoomies at the start but soon they fell into a happy and calm pack.

Leith explained she was too busy focusing on the pooches and forgot to take pictures til the very end! But here the are anyway 🙂

27/10/2026

Big dog walks were lovely! Lots of frolicking in the water.

If you think your pooch would like to join the fun and get a healthy dose of socialisation with friendly reliable dogs, get in touch!

23/10/2026

Need a dog walker?

You've probably seen ‘the video’ doing the rounds of a pack of dogs rushing some horses, and it's got a lot of people thinking about what to ask before handing over their dog's lead. We offer pack walks in the Te Anau and Manapouri area, here are a few questions we get asked:

How many dogs do you walk at once?

Three at a time, never more. That keeps every dog safe and gives us the attention to spot problems early.

Do you have control and good recall?

Recall is our main focus. We use a long line when needed to build that bond and reliability, so we're confident about what happens when we meet horses, livestock, wildlife or other dogs.

Are you insured? Yes, we are fully insured.

How do you understand dog behaviour?

We're experienced handlers with a real interest in canine behaviour and body language. We watch for signs of stress or excitement and step in before things escalate.

How are the dogs transported?

Every dog travels in a harness clipped to safety points in our van, so they're secure from the moment they leave your home.

So why book a walk with us? 🐕
✔️ Small packs mean your dog gets real attention, not just a quick lap with a crowd
✔️ Every walk is a chance to build recall and good manners, not just burn off energy
✔️ We're locals who care, and we treat every dog like one of our own family
✔️ You'll come home to a happy, tired dog and the peace of mind that they were safe the whole time

Spaces are limited because we keep our packs small, message to book a walk or to ask us anything. We'd love to meet you and your dog. ❤️

Kim @ The Woof Inn, Manapouri

22/10/2026

Can you spot the new pack member?

20/10/2026

Yey! I got to walk these beautiful doggies today. My wee girl has started at daycare so I’m back at it. It’s been so nice strolling through the countryside and reconnecting with Fox, Bear, Layla and Bella.

15/10/2026

Our pet lambs have grown up around my dog so naturally arnt afraid when our daycare dogs show up. What amazes me is how gentle these dogs are, they sniffed and was quite calm when the lambs came to the fence. Our neighbours house also arrived on a truck today so there was lots going on around the place.

Rain or sunshine our dogs have a ball! See you next week!

13/10/2026

What do we do differently at the Woof Inn?

Our Doggy daycare
Your dog joins a small group of regular friends, not a crowd of strangers. They get to know each other, build real friendships, and enjoy safe, supervised socialisation: sniffing, playing, resting, reading body language, and being a dog with other dogs. It's ideal if your pup is home alone while you work, or just doesn't get enough time with other dogs.

We only say yes if it's right for your dog.

Every dog starts with a free assessment, then trial days and regular check-ins. Our philosophy is simple: your dog should be getting real benefits from being here, and if something isn't working, we'll adjust.

Pack dog walks
Some dogs prefer a shorter, smaller-group outings. We've got that covered too.

Luxury daycare
For dogs who don't thrive in a kennel. They get a beautiful open space, a cosy cabin with couches and floor beds, plus training games, playtime and plenty of rest, while you're out enjoying the national park.
(Daytime only, no overnight stays.)

The Woof Inn difference: a home-style environment, small numbers, and a team who knows your dog by name and nature 🐶

09/10/2026

Our Thursday pack enjoying their time playing together in the sun. I love the difference where at pick up thy are energetic and excited and at the drop off they are quiet and sleepy!

07/10/2026

Did you know we offer luxury doggy daycare for people wanting to head into Fiordland National Park?