Training Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Warm Water Therapy & Training for Dogs

What people are saying about La Paw Spa in Sequim!

Completely eco-friendly construction, all natural products, plus free wi-fi and complimentary organic drinks and snacks while you wait in Cindy’s beautiful lobby… enjoy state-of-the-art, pristine and completely non-toxic pool water. Cindy’s reputation is impeccable. Just ask anyone about how she developed her skills as a dog therapy specialist by helping her own dog restore mobility using warm water treatments and a special wheeled apparatus for paralyzed dogs. One moment with her will cause any even the most discerning pet owner to offer full …

How do I get started in opening my own business?

Question: I am from the state of Missouri and was recently watching the early morning show and saw a piece on ACWT and was very interested in this. I began looking on the web and have not had any luck finding any in our area. Is this one person that has been opening these around the U.S. or is this something one buys into to open. This would be a very good thing for people in our area. I now do petsitting for …

What type of Pool or Spa should I get?

Question: Hi, I am in the process of building a boarding and training kennel, and water therapy facility. We are starting with a covered outdoor pool and a pond. Because we’re located in the southeast the pond will be used primarily for sports and conditioning 3/4 of the year because of moderate weather. The pool though, there are so many choices it’s mind-boggling. Cost-wise, we are shooting for a rectangular 12′ to 16′ by 20′ to 32′ pool. Warm enough …

Introduction – Marketing Scents

The beginning stages of market analysis for your new business of Canine Water Therapy…. Congratulations! I salute you in your endeavors to combine a heartfelt avocation within the seemingly diametrically opposed worlds of healing, compassion, and bottomless love with the world of business, and even worse, sales. “Sales” does not have to be the dreaded task we so often imagine it to be. Matter of fact, your best sales efforts are actually conducted when you are doing what you love …

What does Canine Warm Water Therapy Look Like? Graduates in the News!

Joyce Biethan, the owner of Unsinkable Dogs has created a wonderful K9 Warm Water Swim Center in the greater Portland and Vancouver area. Working at her pool is Mindy Mulligan, a level two graduate of La Paw Spa’s Aquatic Training Program and Judi Truskey, a level one graduate. These girls are offering wonderful service and this is a great video of some of the work that they do. Yeah Joyce, Mindy and Judi!!!

Maintaining A Visual Promotional Tool

We are quite the visually oriented species. We make many critical decisions during the day based upon visual input. Sometimes the visual stimulus is dramatic, such as a frown on a child’s face. Sometimes it can be subtle as in sensing the expressions of a stranger’s glance. It should be no surprise that we make our purchasing decisions based upon what we see and how we feel about what we see. A useful tool to aid in the promotion of …

Can Water Therapy Compliment Land Therapies like Massage?

Question: I just opened a pool and also offer massage and energy work. I’m feeling like my business is very compartmentalized. I offer massage & energy therapy on land. Then the swim therapy I feel doesn’t incorporate enough of the massage & energy-based work. What are your thoughts? Looking forward to hearing from you. Answer (by Cindy Horsfall): The reputation for waterwork is usually all about swimming. when vets prescribe water therapy, they are usually thinking it’s all about swimming. And when …

Is water therapy helpful for osteosarcoma?

Question: Hi Cindy- I am writing to you as you seem to have a wealth of knowledge & experience regarding canine water therapy! I am considering / researching some water therapy for our Rottweiler who has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma. We have unfortunately been down this road 2 other times with previous Rottweiler’s. It is heartbreaking to say the least. Our dog is 9 and we have chosen not to amputate. He is currently taking supplements, organic diet and a few …

How can I get get my vet to support water therapy?

Question: I want my vet to support water therapy, what do I say to her about my work? I have been a groomer for all of my life and my own dog went through water therapy and now I am hooked. What can I tell my vet so that she might support me? Answer: Hello Pamela, You could just write her a note from your heart and explain your vision and dream – perhaps something like this: Dear Dr X, I love …

How quickly will I break even?

Question: We’re having fun with bankers trying to justify why this is a good thing. Your site says you started LaPaw Spa in 1996 – how quickly did you break even? Answer:I get asked this question a lot and it’s not an easy answer since in this business, your ‘sales dollars’ will be determined by your quality of service, quality of facility, your integrity, and what kind of relationships you can build with your clients and your supporting veterinarians. I have …