Our business started from our passion for animals particularly dogs and horses and the knowledge that Geri’s arthritis would be an increasing challenge and daily hydrotherapy would be a good way to manage it. We bought Paddocks Farm, the land and buildings and two ancient mobile homes and together we have renovated and built the equine facilities, hydrotherapy centre and a log cabin to live in. The business has evolved to focus on rehabilitation and the addition of class IV laser therapy for horses, small animals and people has been a natural progression. Geri is dedicated to helping animals and specialises in arthritis cases. Now qualified at Level 4 for hydrotherapy and an Advanced Skills teacher Geri is teaching a select group of people each year to be registered hydrotherapists. Hydrotherapy is a rapidly evolving industry, approaching regulation by the RCVS and Geri is proud to now be a Director of the CHA responsible for monitoring standards in other hydrotherapy centres.Â
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We are delighted to now have a log cabin for people to stay which is great for not only students but also people coming to stay with their horses for competitions or holidays.Â
Geri has been running pet dog training groups for 35 years with an emphasis on socialisation with both people and other dogs. Puppies can start at 12 weeks; as soon as they have finished their vaccinations. Older beginner dogs are never too old to start training.
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Follow on groups train for Bronze, Silver, Gold and Champion dog Awards whilst having fun with a variety of dog activities including obedience, fun agility, gun dog and scent work. Training is outside in a secure field in dry weather and inside in a barn when wet.
We created our own centre from a space in our barn and Geri having taught in Secondary Schools for 30 years as an Advanced Skills teacher, naturally has become a hydrotherapy trainer. We are excited to offer high quality training opportunities in the hydrotherapy industry. If you want to learn with 1:1 or very small group teaching and be supported from start through to be a registered hydrotherapist this is the course for you.
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You can take individual units or the full certificate and whilst you will do study at home you will also have 12 days = 72 hours of practical training. Learn with experience of being in a working centre and also have a range of our dogs which you can practice with.
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Choose us because:
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The course is taught with practical blended with theory.
You can choose your own pace – some people want to take a year to qualify some less. The average is eight months and the fastest is two months of teaching/learning.
There is no extra charge for a faster course.
We have on site accomodation so that you can stay over and visit more often if that suits you.
You can start when you want to.
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We offer:
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Level 3 Canine Hydrotherapy Certificate
Level 2 Canine Hydrotherapy AssistantÂ
Introduction to Hydrotherapy Course
Canine First Aid Level 3
Animal Care Courses at Level 1 & 2
Webinars and short CPD Courses
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Hands on training for hydrotherapy with 12 days training included.
This demanding blended course offers the exciting opportunity to learn skills and knowledge to become a registered Canine Hydrotherapist with a substantial practical component. You will already have experience of working with canines or other small animals in a voluntary or employed capacity. We integrate practical training days, home study and work placement days leading to the qualification. Suitable for learners who are 19+. It is recognised by the National Industry Associations: Canine Hydrotherapy Association (CHA), Â Institute of Registered Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists (IRVAP) and the National Association of Registered Hydrotherapists (NARCH). We aim to support you through to becoming a confident qualified and registered hydrotherapist.
You need to:
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Have Level 2 qualifications in English and Mathematics. (Or equivalent flexible for mature learners)
Good computer skills (word, photos, internet and email).
Have substantial practical experience with animals.
Have confidence to interact with people in a professional manner.
Be ready to study at Level 3.
Be self motivated and dedicated to complete practical and theory units.
Be prepared to safely work in hydrotherapy.
Happy to work in water.
Hydrotherapy literally means therapy in water. The sanitised water is heated to 30 degrees and our qualified hydrotherapist works in the water with your dog. We design an individual rehabilitation plan, liaising with your vet and any other therapists who are providing treatment. Hydrotherapy is a complementary therapy which is relatively low cost and usually covered by your pet insurance.
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Conditions which benefit from hydrotherapy include:
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Aging – general loss of mobility
Ataxia
CDRM/DM
Cruciate ligament
Elbow dysplasia
Hip dysplasia
Injury to ligaments, muscles or tendons.
Lameness Â
Loss of limb
Obesity/weight reduction
Osteoarthritis
Paralysis
Paresis
Patella luxation
Spinal Conditions
Spondylosis
You can either contact us and we will arrange a vet referral form from your vet. This tells us about your dog’s condition and says he/she is well enough to swim. Or you can download a form and ask your vet to sign it. Then bring the form with you to your first appointment.
Before swimming your dog needs to have not eaten for four hours and to have been to the toilet. Please bring a towel with you to dry your dog and to wrap around him/her on the way home. Wear non-slip foot wear, (trainers are fine) and be aware that the pool room is hot and you may well get wet. The first session takes up to an hour and includes health checks including a gait assessment and paper work, induction to the shower and pool. All sessions are exclusive one dog at a time in the pool with a qualified, registered hydrotherapist. Subsequent