Hello, I’m Emily.
I’m a Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer (CPCFT). As your canine fitness coach, my goal is to strengthen your dog’s physical fitness while also deepening your understanding of each other as teammates.
Through a blend of in-person sessions and online guidance, I’ll create a personalized conditioning plan designed to set you and your dog up for lasting success both on and off the field.
What is Canine Fitness?
If your dog competes like an athlete, then they should be training like one too.
Whether you’re training in a high impact sport like agility or a lower impact one like scent work, all dogs can benefit from targeted fitness exercises. Think of canine fitness like taking your dog to the gym. Of course you have to practice drills for your chosen activity but your dog should also be completing exercises that mimic the specific demands and needs of their sport.
Even if your dog doesn’t compete or is retired, dogs of any age or background can still gain from staying fit. The benefits of fitness include improved mobility, sharper mental acuity, and improved overall quality of life.
Please note that a canine fitness trainer is NOT a rehabilitation program and does NOT diagnose or treat injuries, illness, or disease. All dogs who participate in the canine fitness training program should have veterinary clearance. When concerns are noted, clients will be directed to seek appropriate care from their veterinarian, chiropractor or other care provider.
Benefits of Canine Fitness
Injury Prevention & Preparedness
While no amount of fitness can completely prevent injury, maintaining a foundation of fitness can help your dog be better prepared if an injury does occur. Having experience with even just foundational exercises may also make some rehabilitation exercises easier for your dog to learn. Think of it as building a physical foundation before you actually need it.
Slow is Smooth. Smooth is Fast.
We use the SAID (Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands) Principle to replicate movements in the canine gym that your dog will use in their sport. By practicing these movements slowly and with good form, your dog learns to engage the correct muscles when executing specific movement patterns. Then, when they perform the movement at higher speeds, they are more likely to correctly utilize their muscles and avoid unhealthy compensatory movements.
Building Physical & Emotional Confidence
When our dogs feel more confident in their bodies, that confidence can extend to how they navigate the world around them. When we first adopted Luna, she was a nervous wreck. Canine fitness helped build her confidence through targeting exercises and movement patterns. Now, for scent work she’s more confident climbing or interacting with different surfaces to show me where a hide is located. She’ll also happily hop onto almost any surface I ask her to for a cute photo-op. Building physical confidence can help our dogs become more confident, capable, and willing to tackle new experiences.
Know Your Normal
When you know what’s normal for your dog, you can more quickly identify when something becomes abnormal. Maybe there’s a slight change in their topline, or they’re more hesitant to hold their hocks perpendicular. Canine fitness can also help you identify specific weaknesses or asymmetries. Instead of simply noting that “turning clockwise (to their right) is their more difficult side,” you can more easily determine whether the difference is primarily coming from the forelimbs, rear limbs, or another aspect of their movement. Once you identify a specific weakness or asymmetry, you can target it more accurately.
Remember, fitness helps you notice changes, while a veterinarian or rehabilitation professional will help you determine what those changes mean for your dog. Canine fitness is NOT a substitute for any medical evaluation.
About Me
My name is Emily Hadley, and I’ve been working with and training dogs for as long as I can remember. Dogs have been a consistent passion throughout my life.
In 2021, I adopted Luna, a dachshund–chihuahua mix with a long back and a naturally bow-legged structure. When Luna began having issues with her forelimbs, I started researching ways to support her long-term health and comfort. That search led me to canine conditioning and fitness.
As we incorporated fitness work into our routine, I not only saw a clear physical transformation—but I also noticed a boost in Luna’s confidence as she interacted with the world. The most rewarding outcome was the strengthening of our bond. By learning how her body functioned and how movement influenced behavior, I became more in tune with how she was feeling, both physically and mentally.
In 2025, I pursued a certification as a canine fitness trainer through the Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer (CPCFT) program. I had the opportunity to learn from leaders in the field, Dr. Debbie Torraca and Tara Monahan, alongside a knowledgeable and supportive cohort. After a year of vigorous studying and hands-on experience with numerous dogs, I completed my certification in 2026.
As a CPCFT, my goal is to help dog owners expand their understanding of their dogs’ bodies and deepen their relationships through canine fitness. The impact this work had on Luna and me was profound, and I’m excited to pass that experience on to others.
My Approach
Positive
My first job as a Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer (CPCFT) is to do no harm. I want you and your dog to walk away from this experience with tools that help your dog live a long, healthy, and happy life. My dog means the world to me, and I know yours does too, so I will always strive to help both dog and owner meet their goals—and maybe even discover new ones along the way.
Customized
No two dogs are the same — and their conditioning plans shouldn’t be either. When we work together, we’ll start with an in-person session where I get to know both you and your dog. Together, we’ll establish short and long term goals, and from there I’ll create a personalized conditioning plan designed to help you reach them.
Collaborative
Your dog’s health comes first, and that’s why from the very beginning I’ll be in contact with your regular veterinarian and any other health professionals involved in your dog’s care. This helps create a well-rounded understanding of your dog’s past and present so we can build the best future together.
You and I will also stay in consistent communication throughout the process as we update and modify your conditioning plan. Life is constantly changing, and if the need arises, we’ll also always be open to adapting your goals together.
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Our Services
6 Week Package
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✅ 6 Weeks of Individualized Instruction
✅ 20-30 Minute Initial Consult Call
✅ In-Person Initial Consultation Session (90-120 min)
✅ 3 In-Person Sessions (1 Hour Sessions)
✅ Customized Conditioning Plan - New exercises or progressions introduced every other week
✅ Structure & Gait Analysis
✅ Personalized Webpage for Posting Work
✅ Virtual Support Includes:
• Unlimited Email Support
• Video Review and Feedback (up to 6 minutes of video per week)
• Scheduled 30 minute Zoom calls as needed if you are struggling with a specific exercise (maximum of 1 call per week)
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This package is ideal for owners who want to actively pursue canine fitness for their dog.
You’ll build a strong foundation and leave with a clear plan to continue working toward your dog’s long-term fitness goals.
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$165 Initial Assessment
$160 Per Session (x3)
Initial Assessment
12Week Course
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✅ 12 Weeks of Individualized Instruction
✅ 20-30 Minute Initial Consult Call
✅ In-Person Initial Consultation Session (90-120 min)
✅ 6 In-Person Sessions (1 Hour Sessions)
✅ Customized Conditioning Plan - New exercises or progressions introduced every other week
✅ Structure & Gait Analysis
✅ Personalized Webpage for Posting Work
✅ Virtual Support Includes:
• Unlimited Email Support
• Video Review and Feedback (up to 6 minutes of video per week)
• Scheduled 30 minute Zoom calls as needed if you are struggling with a specific exercise (maximum of 1 call per week)
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This package is perfect for anyone ready to commit to a long-term canine fitness journey.
Over 12 weeks, you’ll gain a clear, in-depth understanding of how to safely condition your dog and perform exercises tailored to their specific needs and goals.
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$135 Initial Assessment
$130 Per Session (x6)
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✅ 20-30 Minute Initial Consult Call
✅ One In-Person Session (90-120 min)
✅ During this initial consultation we’ll evaluate your dog’s fitness level, goals and specific needs through:
• Measurements
• Gait Video
• Baseline Photos
✅ A detailed report will be emailed to you and your veterinarian. The report will include:
• Structure Analysis
• Your Intake form/session notes
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This option is a great fit for anyone who wants to explore canine fitness before committing to a full 6 or 12 week program.
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$175
Puppies (less than 2 years): $140
Ready to continue after your evaluation? Your $175 evaluation fee will be credited toward the total cost of a 6- or 12-week program.
More on How to Begin Your Fitness Journey
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During this 20–30 minute call, we will discuss:
Information about you and your dog
What sparked your interest in canine fitness
Your current goals and priorities
Any additional information you feel is important for me to know
By the end of the call, we’ll determine whether we’re a good fit to work together and discuss the best next step for you and your dog.
From there, you’ll have two options:
Begin with an Initial Assessment Session: The Initial Assessment is an opportunity to assess your dog’s current abilities, identify areas for improvement, and develop a clear path forward. This session is $175 and does not require you to move forward with a full package.
Purchase the 6 or 12-Week Package: Ready to get started with the full program? After the call, you’ll complete an intake form and we’ll schedule our first session. I’ll also reach out to your veterinarian to obtain medical clearance for your dog’s participation.
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Your Initial Assessment Session will take approximately 1.5-2 hours.
During this session, we will cover:
Baseline structure photos
Gait video analysis
Review of you and your dog’s current skillset
Palpation session
This session gives me a comprehensive understanding of where you and your dog are starting from. The information gathered will allow me to create a customized fitness plan tailored to your dog’s specific needs and goals over our next 6 or 12 weeks together.
If you have purchased a standalone Initial Assessment session, we will use this time to review my findings, discuss recommendations, and determine the best path forward for you and your dog. Regardless of which option you choose, you will receive a detailed structure analysis of your dog.
For those moving forward with the 6 or 12 Week Package, we will schedule your first training session together and begin implementing your customized plan.
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12 Week Package: The Initial Assessment is $135. Over the course of 12 weeks, we will meet in person a total of 6 times at $130 per session, approximately every other week.
6 Week Package: The Initial Assessment is $165. Over the course of 6 weeks, we will meet in person a total of 3 times at $160 per session, approximately every other week.
Only Initial Assessment: If you’re unable to commit to a full package, you may purchase the Initial Assessment as a standalone private lesson for $175. If you decide within 3 months of your Initial Assessment to enroll in a full package, the $175 assessment fee will be credited toward the total cost of your package.
For the 6- and 12-week packages, each in-person session will be 60 minutes and will focus on 3–4 exercises. Some exercises may be continued from previous sessions, while others will be new additions based on the individual needs of both the dog and handler.
This structure allows you and your dog time to process, practice, and build confidence with the information introduced during each session before moving forward.
Between in-person sessions, you’ll have ongoing access to virtual support to help you feel confident and successful with your training.
Virtual Support Includes:
Unlimited Email Support
Video Review and Feedback (up to 6 minutes of video per week)
Scheduled 30–40 minute Zoom calls as needed if you are struggling with a specific exercise (maximum of 1 call per week)
Regular feedback allows me to help you fine-tune your technique, troubleshoot challenges, and ensure both you and your dog are performing each exercise safely and effectively.
FAQ
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A Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer (CPCFT) provides care that complements your dog’s regular veterinary services. I work closely with owners and their veterinarians to support each dog’s strength, mobility, and overall quality of life.
Canine fitness training is NOT a rehabilitation program and does not diagnose or treat injuries, illness, or disease. All participating dogs must have veterinary clearance before beginning training.
After reviewing your intake form, I contact your veterinarian to confirm your dog is healthy and cleared to participate. If any concerns arise during training, sessions are paused immediately and you will be directed to seek appropriate care from your veterinarian or other qualified health professional.
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Absolutely! In fact, it’s incredibly beneficial to introduce foundational exercises to puppies from a young age. My own puppy began working on foundations as soon as he came home at 10 weeks old.
IMPORTANT: Puppies are still growing and developing, so there are essential precautions and limitations to consider. When working with puppies, the main goal is to build confidence and take a more conservative approach with foundational exercises to support their safety, health, and development.
Canine fitness foundations also have a lot of crossover with other dog sports, as well as everyday life skills. Building these skills early can help puppies develop proprioception, balance, and confidence that can benefit them throughout their lives.
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We'll start with a free 20-30 minute phone consultation to determine whether or not canine fitness is the right path for you and your dog.
If it seems like we’d be a good fit, then you will decide which package you want to purchase. No matter what you choose, you will fill out the official intake form.
After completing an intake form, we’ll have our first in-person meeting where we’ll take photos, videos, discuss the form and the goals you have for your dog.
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My prices are listed under the Services tab. You can purchase the initial assessment separately or the full 6 or 12 week package.
If you purchase the one initial assessment session, then decide you want to pursue a longer package then the $175 will be credited towards the chosen package price.
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No. While the general structure of the packages and sessions remain the same, the length of sessions will be shorter. Therefore, prices are also less.
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I am based in Van Nuys and am able to service many areas of the greater Los Angeles area.
This includes but is not necessarily limited to:
Simi Valley
Moorpark
Thousand Oaks
Sherman Oaks
Studio City
West Hollywood
Burbank
Pasadena
For areas farther West of Thousand Oaks or East of Pasadena, I will charge an extra $25 travel fee for each in-person visit.
Get in Touch!
Schedule a FREE 1:1 consult call with me to discuss your canine fitness needs.
