About & Contact | Active Canine Performance & Recovery

Our Why

At Active Canine Performance & Recovery, our passion is helping dogs live stronger, healthier, and more comfortable lives. Whether they're recovering from injury, building fitness for sport, managing are-related mobility changes, or simply maintaining their wellbeing, we believe every dog deserves the opportunity to move with confidence and enjoy the best possible quality of life.

It All Started With Mishka...

My journey into canine hydrotherapy began with my Pomchi, Mishka.

While researching common health concerns within her breed, I learned that Pomeranians can be predisposed to luxating patella issues. Determined to take a proactive approach to her long-term wellbeing, I began exploring preventative care options and discovered hydrotherapy as a safe, low-impact way to build strength, support joint stability, and maintain mobility.

Mishka started hydrotherapy as a preventative measure, and the results were remarkable. As her strength, muscle tone, and overall condition improved, I gained a firsthand appreciation of the powerful difference targeted movement therapy can make in a dog's life. What began as a way to support my own dog soon grew into a passion for helping others experience the same benefits.

"What started as a way to keep me healthy became Mum's passion for helping other dogs."

– Mishka, Chief Inspiration Officer

From Passion to Purpose

Dogs have been a significant part of my life for many years. Through working with dogs of all breeds, ages, and abilities, as well as my involvement in dog sports, I have developed a strong understanding of canine fitness, conditioning, performance, and injury prevention.

Inspired by Mishka's journey and the positive impact hydrotherapy had on her health and wellbeing, I decided to further my knowledge through specialised education and training in canine hydrotherapy and rehabilitation. The more I learned, the more passionate I became about helping dogs not only recover from injury, but also build strength, improve mobility, and enjoy longer, healthier lives.

Following my move the the beautiful Lockyer Valley, I established Active Canine Performance & Recovery to combine my lifelong love of dogs with evidence-based rehabilitation and conditioning services. My goal was simple: to provide personalised support that helps dogs move better, feel better, and live life to the fullest.

"Because we believe each dog has the right to move with ease, feel great, and thrive in every moment."

Where We Are Today

Today, I am privileged to work with a diverse range of dogs and their dedicated owners throughout the Lockyer Valley and surrounding communities.

From dogs recovering from surgery or injury, to canine athletes competing in sports such as agility and flyball, and senior dogs looking to maintain comfort, mobility, and independence, every client has their own unique story and goals.

There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a dog regain confidence in their movement, return to the activities they love, or simply enjoy a better quality of life. every dog is different, and helping them achieve their individual goals is what inpsires me every day.

Our Values

Everything we do is guided by a commitment to helping dogs move better, feel better, and enjoy the highest possible quality of life. These values shape every interaction, every treatment plan, and every dog's journey with us.

What we stand for

Compassionate Care

Every dog is treated as if they were our own. We provide a calm, supportive, and positive environment where comfort, safety, and wellbeing always come first.

Excellence & Professionalism

We are committed to delivering the highest standard of care through evidence-based practice, ongoing professional development, and a genuine dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for every dog.

Improving Quality of Life

Our goal extends beyond recovery alone. We focus on supporting long-term mobility, strength, comfort, and wellbeing, helping dogs enjoy life to the fullest at every stage of their journey.

Individualised Care

No two dogs are the same. Every program is tailored to the dog's age, condition, lifestyle, and goals, ensuring a personalised approach that meets their unique needs.

Accessibility & Community

We believe quality rehabilitation and mobility support should be accessible to more dogs and their families. From our Lockyer Valley facility and through future mobile services, we aim to support dogs across the Ipswich to Toowoomba corridor, including those in rural and regional communities.

Collaboration & Trust

The best outcomes are achieved through teamwork. We work closely with owners, veterinarians, and other canine health professionals to deliver safe, coordinated care built on trust, communication, and shared goals.

Education & Prevention

We're passionate about empowering owners with knowledge and practical tools to support their dog's health. Whether it's injury prevention, strength and conditioning, healthy ageing, or ongoing maintenance, we believe proactive care is just as important as rehabilitation.

"Apparently building strength before you need it is a thing. I'm here for the treats."

– Brodie, Chief Conditioning Assistant

Meet Brodie

Our youngest team member and future canine athlete, Brodie reminds us every day that movement, strength, and confidence start long before rehabilitation is needed. As he grows, he'll be exploring the world of conditioning, fitness, and canine sports, helping demonstrate the importance of proactive care for dogs of all ages.

"Every dog deserves the opportunity to move with confidence, stay active, and enjoy the best possible quality of life."

Meet Ralph (and Mishka)

Hello, I'm Ralph, the family patriarch, and this is my little sister, Mishka.

Between us, we've helped shape the heart of Active Canine Performance & Recovery. While Mishka inspired Mum's journey into canine hydrotherapy, I've spent the last 16 years reminding her that age is no barrier to enjoying life.

Together, we're a daily reminder that every dog deserves support at every stage of life, from preventative care and conditioning through to healthy ageing and maintaining quality of life.

"Age isn't about counting the years. It's about making the years count."

– Ralph, Chief Healthy Ageing Ambassador