We’re proud to be partnering with Lorna from Wellington Canine Bodywork to bring our members valuable insights into canine therapy and rehabilitation. Lorna’s expertise as a canine massage and conditioning specialist adds an important dimension to the way we understand and support dogs especially those with mobility challenges, pain, or special needs.
As part of this partnership, Lorna has joined us as a guest speaker for our Pet Talks series, and members can access her recorded session and additional resources anytime through the Members Drive.
This feature — A Day in the Life of a Canine Therapist — offers a behind-the-scenes look at Lorna’s work and philosophy, complementing what you’ll find in her talks and resources. If you’re interested in diving deeper into canine wellbeing, we encourage you to check out the Members Drive and follow Lorna’s future contributions with us.
For those who don’t know exactly what’s involved in your work, can you explain what you do and how it can help our pets?
I’m a canine massage and conditioning specialist, and I help dogs stay active, mobile, and pain-free through hands-on therapy, exercise programs, and rehabilitation techniques. My work focuses on improving mobility, reducing discomfort, and enhancing overall wellbeing. Whether a dog is recovering from surgery, dealing with arthritis, or simply needing better flexibility and strength, my approach is tailored to each individual dog’s needs both in person and online.
Lorna, you’ve built such an incredible business with your app and courses on pet therapy. What inspired you to take that leap, and how did you get started in this field?
It all started with my passion for animals and a desire to help them live their best lives. I initially trained in canine massage therapy and conditioning after seeing how many dogs suffered from mobility issues without proper rehabilitation. From there, I expanded my business to offer online courses, an app, and in-person therapy to reach more dogs worldwide. Seeing the impact these services have on dogs and their owners keeps me motivated every day and I'm constantly upskilling and studying to add even more services to my skill-set. I'm currently studying canine osteopathy and hope to open my own canine rehab clinic in the Wellington region next year.
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You work with so many dogs every day—can you walk us through a typical day as a canine therapist?
No two days are ever the same! Mornings usually start with client appointments, where I assess dogs for any mobility issues, pain, or stiffness and create a treatment plan. Sessions might involve massage, stretching, or specific exercises to improve strength and movement. I also spend time running my online business—whether it's creating educational content, updating my app, or engaging with my community on social media. Living on a farm means I always have my own animals to care for as well, so my days are full of getting my hands dirty outside and connecting with animals.
In our previous chats, you’ve mentioned how you handle various physical challenges dogs face. Can you tell us more about the most common issues you see, and how you approach rehabilitation?
Some of the most common issues I see are arthritis, hip and elbow dysplasia, muscle atrophy, and post-surgical recovery. I love an all-round approach, working with vets and physios, and using a mix of hands-on therapy, targeted exercises, and lifestyle changes to support each dog’s needs. The key is to make sure rehabilitation is both effective and enjoyable for the dog, so they stay engaged in the process.
What types of treatments and therapies do you use for rehabilitation, and how do they benefit the dogs?
My approach combines canine massage, myofascial release, stretching, and tailored conditioning exercises. Massage helps relieve tension, improve circulation, and support muscle recovery, while targeted exercises help strengthen weak areas and prevent future injuries. I also focus on at-home care, giving owners practical exercises they can do daily to keep their dogs feeling great.
How do you approach working with dogs who have behavioural issues or anxiety, and how does this relate to their physical health?
Many dogs with physical issues also struggle with anxiety, especially if they’ve been in pain for a long time. I take a slow, trust-based approach, using gentle touch and positive reinforcement to help them feel safe. I also educate owners on how physical discomfort can affect behaviour—often, dogs labelled as ‘reactive’ or ‘grumpy’ are actually just in pain. Addressing their physical health can significantly improve their emotional wellbeing too.
You must have some wonderful success stories—can you share one where a dog really made significant progress thanks to your treatments?
It's hard to choose a success story but one of my favourite clients is a wheelchair dog called Stephen that moved to New Zealand from China. I see him every two weeks for massage and stretching, and the bond we have is just the cutest! He's always happy to see me and within 2 minutes he's zonked out on the massage bed. When it's time to finish up he'll go and get me his favourite toy for a quick play session before I leave.
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You’ve been working with dogs for a while now, but I’m curious—how do you manage the emotional side of your work, especially when dealing with dogs that have been through trauma or chronic conditions?
It can be tough, especially when working with senior dogs or those with long-term health issues. I focus on celebrating small wins—every improvement, no matter how small, is a step towards a better quality of life. I also remind myself that my role is to bring comfort and support, and even in cases where we can’t ‘fix’ everything, we can still make a difference in a dog’s happiness and wellbeing.
What are your goals for Wellington Canine Bodywork?
I want to continue expanding my services to help more dogs and their owners. That includes growing my app, launching new courses, and eventually opening a full canine rehabilitation centre. My goal is to make high-quality canine therapy more accessible, whether through in-person sessions, digital resources, or professional training for other dog therapists.
You’ve got such an inspiring setup with your two rescue dogs and your farm full of animals. How has living and working in this environment shaped your approach to canine therapy, and what have your animals taught you along the way?
I actually have 4 dogs! 2 rescues and 2 farm doggies! Living on a farm has definitely deepened my understanding of animal behaviour and movement. Watching my own animals interact with their environment—whether it's my dogs climbing over logs or my goats balancing on rocks—has reinforced how important natural movement is for overall health. It’s also taught me patience and the value of a calm, grounded presence when working with animals.
Many pet owners wonder how they can support their dogs' recovery outside of therapy sessions. What advice do you have for them when it comes to maintaining their dogs' health and wellbeing at home?
Consistency is key! Even small daily habits—like short stretching sessions, gentle massage, or engaging exercises—can make a big difference. I always encourage owners to be proactive and look for signs of stiffness or discomfort early. I made the app so that owners could access structured exercise plans tailored to their dog’s needs, making it easier to stay on track.
And finally, where can our readers find you and learn more about your services, courses, and app?
You can find me on Instagram at @caninehealthubapp for daily tips and behind-the-scenes content.
My website is wellingtoncaninebodywork.com where you'll find my blog and online courses.
And of course my app, Canine Conditioning is available in the app store to download for free!
We offer a variety of resources, from guided exercise plans to massage tutorials.
Whether you're looking for hands-on therapy, an online course, or practical ways to support your dog’s health, there’s something for every dog owner!
I love connecting with dog owners so send me a DM on instagram if you want to connect!
About This Article
This article was produced by Pet Sitting NZ in collaboration with Lorna from Wellington Canine Bodywork to provide insight into the work of a canine therapist and the importance of rehabilitation in maintaining dogs’ mobility and wellbeing. Through this article, we hope to shed light on the invaluable role that professionals like Lorna play in improving the quality of life for dogs facing mobility issues, arthritis, post-surgical recovery, and more.
By understanding the physical and emotional needs of dogs, pet owners, and pet sitters alike can be better equipped to support them, especially when working with dogs who have specific therapeutic needs. This feature aims to raise awareness about the challenges and rewards of canine therapy and to inspire more pet care professionals to deepen their knowledge in this area.
Disclaimer:
At Pet Sitting NZ, we collaborate with passionate pet professionals and animal welfare advocates to share educational and informative content. While we support the work of various organisations, the views and practices presented in this content do not necessarily reflect the official practices or views of Pet Sitting NZ. This post is for informational purposes only and aims to encourage further learning and involvement in pet welfare. We encourage pet owners and sitters to conduct their own research and seek professional advice when needed.
Please note that pet care practices, regulations, and guidelines can evolve over time. Always ensure you stay up-to-date with the latest information and consult relevant professionals.
Did you know that all PSNZ members can access the latest industry resources directly through their members area? If you haven’t joined yet, our free membership is a great way to tap into helpful resources that can assist you on your pet care journey.
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