Works With Dogs

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Canine Physical Conditioning-Personalized Exercise with Purpose
Welcome to the Works with Dogs website!

OUR DOGS  They are family members.  Whether they are young or old, working with us in the field, or lounging on our furniture, it is our responsibility to care for them. Keeping them healthy and mentally stable is more important to us now than ever. And we now know a healthy diet, the right exercise and mental stimulation helps their overall health and longevity.

CANINE CONDITIONING is a personalized form of exercise for dogs. The trainer, or “coach”, is equivalent to a personal trainer you would use at a gym. The coach discusses the condition of the dog with the dog’s person, gets health information, goals the family would like to achieve and evaluates areas the dog could use help with. Reaching the goal is a team effort.

Canine Conditioning helps:
• Young dogs build strong bodies without taxing still developing growth plates and connective tissues, giving them a strong foundation
• Anxious dogs build confidence and focus
• Ageing dogs prone to arthritis and lethargy enjoy the mental stimulation and feeling more in control of their bodies
• Overweight dogs build muscle and increase cardio through individualized, safe exercise routines
• Dogs that have had previous injuries or health conditions safely build strength and learn to use their bodies efficiently, reducing stiffness, pain and over-compensation
* The first step is always to have your dog examined by their veterinarian. Canine Conditioning is not vet care. It is a beneficial exercise program.
I have spent years working with dogs, one on one, guiding them to use their bodies and their minds to help with the issues listed above. Safely strengthening young dogs, encouraging safe movement of older dogs, creating mentally stimulating exercises that encourage more physical mobility in ways that address their entire body gives them the benefit to become happier and more excited about life. So many families have expressed their appreciation for having their dog more willing and able to be part of their family.
Contact me for more information.

ABOUT

My name is J Linn Black Henline. I work with dogs. I am and have been dog-focused for most of my life. After volunteering at rescue organizations for years I realized I had to do more. In 1999 I began researching options and in 2001 started training in Washington state, completing the education and testing required by the state to become a licensed professional SAMP (Small Animal Massage Practitioner). Massage helped reduce pain, increase range of motion, and allow more mobility for dogs in a wide variety of conditions.

I went on to train with the Red Cross and became a Pet First Aid/CPR instructor teaching classes throughout the Greater Seattle Area, teaching employees of dog daycares, boarding facilities, breed groups, sporting dog groups and families in class settings.

While working with people’s dogs I found they were interested in learning some hands-on techniques they could do for their dogs. I developed a class for people to get an introduction to canine massage for their personal use at home.

In 2005 I began working at SplashDog Spa in Edmonds Washington as a canine water therapist. The work consisted of getting into a 4’ deep, warm water pool with a dog, massaging and moving them thru the water, ‘swimming’ them in ways to increase their range of motion, build strength and help with areas of compensation aided by the buoyance and warmth of the water.

I became then became co-owner of SplashDog Spa in 2011 where my business partner and I expanded the vision for the business and changed the name to SplashDog Canine Well-Being Center. In 2012 I began training with FitPAWS USA receiving a FitPAWS Master-Trainer Certification in canine physical conditioning techniques and added Canine Conditioning to my professional services.

In April 2021 I left the Pacific Northwest and moved to Ohio where I grew up. Professionally it was a very difficult decision because Ohio does not support professional animal massage, water therapy and conditioning the way Washington does. I had built a client base, many of whom had become friends, as well as a reputation of providing safe, effective services recognized by the animal care community in the Seattle area.

WORKS WITH DOGS canine physical conditioning is now helping dogs in Ohio. As a conditioning coach I am able to use my years of experience in canine anatomy and physiology to create an exercise program that will be the most beneficial to the individual dog. The health and safety of the dogs I work with are my highest priority.

Therapeutic water massage for Henry, a senior Lab with arthritis
“Therapeutic water massage for Henry helped reduce pain and reduced mobility from arthritis. J practiced warm water therapy 2005-2021 in Edmonds, Washington

PHYSICAL CONDITIONING SESSIONS

An initial session at Works with Dogs, includes evaluating your dog for what type of exercise will be of the most benefit for him or her. Regardless of age or physical condition, each dog will get a personalized plan. Beginning with a health intake, information about their lifestyle, life stage, what their limitations may be, and the goal for their conditioning, a plan is constructed. Each dog’s personality is also considered. Most dogs really enjoy the sessions and often they learn to build confidence as their strength and abilities grow. Many of the dogs I work with will get really excited when they arrive for their sessions. The one-on-one attention and participation of their family member(s) gives them a fun reason to participate in the workout, and the treats involved don’t hurt either.

Special equipment is used in the sessions. Balance boards, inflated equipment, cavaletti poles and other pieces are the tools of the work but many exercises can be adapted so they can be done at home without special equipment. The equipment can also be purchased for home use if desired.

Each session is tailored to the dog’s current state. If it has been a while since they have had exercise or they have had changes in their lives that might alter their plan, that is taken into consideration. The work is about what is best for your dog overall.

basic physical conditioning exercises
“Highly energetic, ageing Angelina working getting some relief of her Spinal curve while strengthening her shoulders and hips.”

IN HOME SESSIONS

If you don’t have the time to bring your dog to the gym Works with Dogs can come to you. J services the Greater Lima area covering approximately 15 miles around the city. All that is required is an area in the home (garage, basement, or other room with about 8’x 8’ of unobstructed floor space) or, in good weather, outside without distractions. A family member that is responsible for the dog is required to be present. Young children and other pets should not be in the area.

I’ll bring the equipment and can provide information about what could be used at home if you wish to do some exercises with your dog on your own and do not have equipment.

Service dog, Hank, receives massage therapy
“Service dog, Hank, receives massage therapy for help with a flare up of a previous elbow injury. J practiced therapeutic massage in Washington from 2003-2021.”

GROUP CLASSES

Have a group that is interested in beneficial exercise for their dogs? Want a fun way to socialize with other dogs and their people? Have a dog daycare or grooming business and want an informative, beneficial class to hold at your facility?  Works with Dogs will come and teach basic physical conditioning exercises to the participants and their dogs. These classes are meant to be educational and fun. Instruction will include safety and evaluation of the dog’s comfort level throughout the class. Participants will each get a chance to try different pieces of equipment with individual attention by the instructor. As each dog is different and has different needs, not all dogs will do every exercise but will do what works best for them.

PET 1ST AID/CPR CLASSES   for Pet Parents and Pet Professionals

Caring for our pets involves knowing when we need to seek medical care. The information in this class is designed to teach basic first aid, how to determine the seriousness of a situation, safety of emergency situations and being prepared.

For pet care providers such as groomers and daycare attendants this information is a must. Previous first aid and CPR training can be refreshed in this class. Knowing basic pet 1st aid can give the professional and their clients peace of mind.

CPR is one of the most important skills to have when a serious, life threatening situation arises with a companion animal. Just like humans, there are basic techniques used for rescue breathing and chest compressions. This information can sometimes be the difference between life and death for an animal.

The class covers preparedness, first aid kits, cautions, and hands on practice time. Appropriate for 13 years old and older.

Host a class at home, a school, club or other facility. 

massage

“Intro to Canine Massage Classes provide individuals safe and effective techniques they can use for their own dogs at home.”

INTRO TO CANINE MASSAGE for Pet Parents There are many reasons that a basic knowledge of massage can help your dog. • Finding specific areas of tension • Releasing tight muscles and spasms • Increasing blood flow to areas that need to heal • Reducing scar tissue, often not obvious to see • Increasing range of motion • Relaxation • Bonding Just to name a few. Learn a basic understanding of precautions, techniques, benefits and feedback that the pros use in massage. Your dog will love you (even more) when you can massage them with purpose. Massage can be done at home in a quiet, undistracting space, at Works with Dogs or in a facility with multiple participants.
J observes a herding dog in action
“J observes a herding dog in action to help develop a plan for her post-surgery strengthening, getting her back to work with less chance of re-injury.”

TESTIMONIALS

Frieda and Dori, Long Haired Dachshunds

🐾🐾One of my long haired dachshunds, was having chronic difficulties with her neck. Our Vet was doing neck adjustments bi-weekly.
We started Frieda in the gym & She LOVED it! So much so, that going to the gym & working with JLinn, became literally the highlight of her week!

She would run to the door, crying to be let in so she could work with & see her favorite person. JLinn worked with her on the FitPaws® equipment & because of her knowledge, demeanor & special way with Frieda, Frieda started to push herself to try new things & “show off” her skills! It was amazing to watch!

Frieda developed “abs of steel” & not only did her work with JLinn create a strong core & spine (that has allowed her at age 14 to do things only young dogs can do with no effort), her time with JLinn has also benefited her mentally as well. JLinn is her favorite person (aside from her mom & dad!)

… we started to take our other dachshund, Dori (who never had disc issues but was starting to show extreme hind end weakness from a variety of endocrine issues) to see if JLinn could help her as well. Dori, who struggled to stand without tipping over & was quite lethargic, literally came alive when we took her to the gym to work with JLinn. She became a different dog!!! She could stand & balance & recover her stumbles on the inflatables. She would light up as she entered the gym. The improvement we saw mentally & physically was phenomenal! Working in the gym with JLinn became the highlight of her week as well.

McKinsey, Mixed breed

🐾🐾J Linn was highly recommended. Once J Linn started working on McKinsey, I knew that she was knowledgeable and knew what to do. She identified the problem spots on McKinsey’s back and started relieving McKinsey’s pains immediately.

J Linn works with her clients as a team. Her objective is to enhance the healing process with home conditioning programs. Sharing her knowledge has given me tools to maintain McKinsey’s well being at home.

Nikki, Australian Shepherd

🐾🐾J Linn is one individual who uniquely stands out. I recommend her services without reservation. With respect to J Linn’s professional qualifications, she not only has a good understanding of canine massage therapy and conditioning, but is also proficient at practicing what she knows (which I observe in my dogs’ improved mobility). Likewise, the feedback from my dogs’ other care providers (veterinarians and rehab specialists), validates her understanding of canine anatomy and musculature, and talent for spotting subtle gait abnormalities as well as detecting and identifying specific locations of concerning soft tissue aberrations. When applying her skills, she understands how to adjust her approach to ensure my dogs feel comfortable, confident, and safe, and enjoy their experience.

Her years of experience allow her to address therapeutic and conditioning challenges from various perspectives, and quickly improvise. She thinks outside the box (e.g. using atypical or customized pieces of equipment when traditional pieces are inadequate for accomplishing a particular stretch or exercise for your dog). When working with you and your dog, she is never condescending, and expresses herself clearly. She is calm, patient, and encouraging. Her demeanor is positive and cheerful. My dogs whine with excitement the moment my vehicle enters the parking lot, and they volunteer behaviors learned under her care at home.

J Linn is passionate about canine wellbeing! She understands how to read dogs, and skillfully apply her education and experience. She happily shares her knowledge and inspires you to be a more informed and responsible pet owner. She strives to meet your needs and surpass your expectations! Working with J Linn is truly a pleasure.

Daisy, Newfoundland

🐾Daisy was diagnosed with bilateral laterally luxating patellas at 14 weeks old.
Once Daisy’s stability increased to the point she could successfully begin the FitPAWS® program, we moved into the gym. JLinn’s patient and loving hand led Daisy over obstacles and around cones, up on platforms, and even onto balance boards. Daisy learned to balance on FitPAWS® balance bones and to sidestep down slanted balance beams. Most importantly, as her strength increased her self confidence did too. She is now happily greeting other dogs on our long walks up and down the hills of our neighborhood and is proudly stepping up into the back of her old nemesis, the car.
We leave our sessions only after a massage belly rub with exercises to work on for the following week. Our homework is always thoughtfully presented and resourced with ideas of how to make things work in a busy household or how I can speak better dog to communicate expectations to Daisy. I have no question in my mind that without the physical conditioning that we have worked on with JLinn, Daisy would be leading a much different life right now. I plan to continue with the conditioning exercises JLinn has taught us indefinitely. Daisy and I think the world of JLinn and her work. I’ve personally appreciated her calm, pragmatic approach to a potentially no-win situation. No matter what came up through the ups and downs of Daisy’s recovery and the COVID closures JLinn was ready to work with a smile on her face.

Pet Parent, Pet 1st Aid/CPR Class

🐾🐾 I recently attended a canine CPR class, taught by J Linn. I had been a bit skeptical about what I could really learn and be able to apply in one class, but I was very surprised! I not only learned canine CPR, but very important first aid skills. As a pet owner, I personally feel responsible to learn about canine CPR and first aid. The information was presented in a clear, practical way and I left feeling that if I was faced with an emergency, I would know what to do.
I highly recommend this course for anybody that has the best interest of their canine friends at heart.

Dog Day Care Owner, Pet 1st Aid/CPR Class

🐾🐾 Being in the dog day care industry it is crucial to know what to do in case of an emergency. J Linn is a trusted client of ours, so we asked her to teach the CPR training to our staff. About a month ago a staff member came running to me holding one of our day care dogs in her arms, he was lifeless with a faint heartbeat and not breathing. I immediately began mouth to snout and after a few breaths his eyes were moving around and he started wheezing, but at least he was breathing! I realized his needs were past what we could do for him so I rushed him to the vet. There he was stabilized, had some tests done and was sent home. Turns out he had a seizure caused by an enlarged heart. But he’s back at day care and is as happy and healthier than ever! Without J Linn’s skills and expertise in teaching the hands-on CPR training class I wouldn’t have known what to do.

Thank you so much J Linn!

EQUIPMENT INFORMATION

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