Following over 8 years of experience in the agility competition field, I have a special interest in working with your sporting dogs in order to optimise performance, reduce rate of injury and ensure both you and your dog are in tip-top shape.
Imagine a human athlete about to run a marathon: months of sport specific training, strengthening and physiotherapy input is put in to ensure peak performance. As humans we tend to expect animals to perform to the highest standard, without this level of preparation. I am here to help you, alongside your trainer, to ensure you and your sporting dog have an enjoyable and successful season.
Benefits of physiotherapy for your competition dog include:
- Optimising performance
- Increasing strength and range of motion
- Optimising recovery time
- Assessing for soreness and stiffness post competition
- Reducing soreness from training
Signs your agility dog may need a physiotherapy assessment:
- Refusing jumps (especially the first)
- Knocking more poles than normal for your dog
- Missing weave entries/skipping weave poles
- Reluctance to go up an A frame or see-saw
If you have an animal in need of my care, or a question you’d like to ask, I’d love to chat. Please get in touch using the Contact page.
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
I can highly recommend Jess. She came out to see my dog Tilly, who had a muscle injury. Jess has visited her twice now and explains everything she is doing step by step. She is very professional, and I would recommend her 100%.”
Annette, Hereford
Jess Watson came out to assess and treat my cob mare, Pixie, yesterday. Jess was prompt, friendly and incredibly thorough with her assessment. She remained calm and kind throughout and was really patient with my slightly fidgety horse! Jess talked me through the whole process of assessment and treatment and left me with an exercise plan which she explained really well and ensured I understood before writing it up and sending it to me. I couldn’t be more impressed!
Edyth, Weobley
- Equine Physio
After our dog Bowie was diagnosed with a herniated disc and underwent spinal surgery, he had no use or strength in his back legs. We turned to Jess Watson for ongoing physio, and she has worked absolute miracles with him.
While Bowie will never be exactly as he was, he is now making real strides — balancing, standing on his back legs, and even taking steps. Jess has a wonderful way of putting Bowie at ease, and she’s just as reassuring and supportive with us as his worried parents.
I would thoroughly recommend Jess to anyone looking for a caring, skilled, and dedicated physiotherapist.
Amber, Cheltenham
Jess was very good with both of my dogs; one can be quirky & he was happy with her. Following his first treatment I could see a difference and I followed the exercise plan given. The second visit also produced visible results & a happier dog with more exercises added. Jess was quiet & professional with my dogs, explaining why she was doing things and how the exercises given would benefit in the long run. Jess was professional and very good with the dogs and I’d recommend her to anyone for their canine treatment.
Jess was also interested and professional enough to come and watch my boys race so she could see exactly what was involved in their sport. I appreciated this immensely.
Jo, Ledbury
Jess did terrific work with my daschund, Gus, whilst he recovered from a major back operation. He’s made a remarkable recovery with Jess’s help. I found Jess professional and knowledgeable. Highly recommend.
Iain, Newport
By working with an ACPAT physiotherapist, you are ensuring that your physiotherapist has at least five years of university level training, including post graduate training, and plenty of placements (on the job learning) with experienced physiotherapists.