Case Study: Lula’s Journey Back to Agility

Agility dogs are athletes — and just like human athletes, even the smallest imbalance or discomfort can have a big impact on their performance, comfort, and behaviour.

Meet Lula, a 2-year-old Yorkshire Terrier with a huge heart and impressive drive. She was competing at the intermediate level in agility when her owner noticed some subtle but worrying changes:

• Hesitating on jumps

• Missing weave poles

• Slowing down during training

• Becoming irritable at home, even snapping at her sibling

These changes weren’t dramatic, but they were out of character for a dog like Lula — and her owner trusted her instincts that something was off.

The Assessment

During Lula’s initial physiotherapy assessment, we picked up signs of low-grade patella instability in her right hind limb — a subtle joint issue that might go unnoticed in less active pets but becomes very significant in performance dogs.

At her level of agility training, even a small amount of instability or pain can alter gait patterns, affect timing, and increase the risk of compensatory injuries.

The Treatment Plan

We immediately created a tailored physiotherapy plan to reduce Lula’s pain, support the joint, and ease her back into confident movement. This included:

• Laser therapy and manual therapy for targeted pain relief

• Strengthening exercises to stabilise the stifle and support surrounding muscles

• A temporary reduction in training intensity, removing weaves and lowering jumps

• Daily home exercises performed consistently and carefully by her owner

The Results

By her third session, Lula was already showing clear improvement:
✔️ Happier and more energetic at home
✔️ More confident and fluid during agility
✔️ Reduced irritability and improved movement

We slowly reintroduced weaves — spaced further apart — and continued to build her strength and joint support. She’s now on a monthly maintenance plan to keep her performing at her best and reduce the risk of setbacks.

Why Agility Dogs Need Regular Physiotherapy

Lula’s case is a great reminder that athletic dogs need regular check-ups, even if they seem “fine.” Small issues can grow into major limitations if left untreated — and because these dogs are so driven, they often push through pain until their bodies can’t compensate anymore.

Regular physiotherapy can:

• Detect early signs of joint or soft tissue strain

• Prevent small problems from becoming serious injuries

• Improve your dog’s performance, safety, and recovery

• Keep your dog moving comfortably and happily for longer

Call to Action: Keep Your Agility Dog at Their Peak

If your agility or sport dog is slowing down, missing jumps, or just not performing like they used to — don’t wait for the issue to get worse.

Book a Physiotherapy Performance Check-Up Today
Contact us now to schedule an assessment and give your dog the athletic care they deserve.