Corley Canine Pool

The Corley Canine Pool, located in England, blazed the trail when it comes to the benefits of hydrotherapy for dogs. Owner Julie Kolaj established the pool back in 1996 and turned it into a success. There have been many imitators since that time both in the States and abroad, but Kolaj devised Corely's comprehensive therapeutic program.

Kolaj was the first in her country to build a full size, heated indoor pool specifically for the benefit of orthopedically challenged dogs. While many professionals were attempting to treat dogs in a smaller tank that allowed dogs limited movement, Kolaj seemed to understand the psychological, as well as the physical benefits a full size pool offered in terms of therapeutic reward.

The 20' x 15' rectangular pool is heated, filtered and purified, and is five foot, seven inches at its deepest point. The pool does not have any water jets that mask the movement of the animals. Kolaj wisely chose not to have stairs built, which would only add to the pain dogs experienced. She instead chose a graduated ramp for entry. Outfittedin a safety vest if needed, a buoyancy device and collar, a dog is easily led into the pool.

As the owner walks around the outside of the pool, the dog follows alongside by swimming. Dogs are allowed to swim for approximately three minutes and are then assisted out of the pool to rest. After the rest, a dog will be encouraged to do another three-minute swim in the pool.

Kolaj found a six-minute swim in the Corley Canine Pool is equal to a five-mile walk. The experience is more beneficial and less stressful on the joints and muscles of the dog, just as it is for humans.

Since the facility allows only booked appointments, only one dog (two if the dog experiences motivation by having a canine friend join in), has access to the pool at a time. This provides a calmer atmosphere, and allows both the owner and a trained hydrotherapist to concentrate on the dog achieving optimal movement.

Although there are no certification programs in canine hydrotherapy, Kolaj developed a three-year training program for those wishing to obtain employment at her facility. Over the course of the three years, her team learns to know, understand and watch for specific movement choices the dog makes, as well as how to devise a training schedule for correction and improvement of the movement. Everyone must be able to competently and calmly access the dog in the water.

While in training, hydrotherapists trained at the Corley pool accept that this will be their full time job while they learn all the reasons, illnesses, and conditions that can affect a dog, as well as how hydrotherapy can help.

At today's exchange rate, the cost per session at the pool is about $23.00. For an additional $16.00, another dog can be part of the session. This is actually on par, in American terms, with the average co-payment a person with insurance would make at a hydro/aquatic therapy treatment facility.

Juie Kolaj is a pioneer in the development of hydrotherapy for dogs, and the dogs and the owners are the ones who benefit most from her techniques. Canine hydrotherapy promotes healing for both the dog and its human companion. The therapy also promotes self worth, independence and relaxation for both as they take joy in being together and being able to move without pain.

Allowing dog owners to take an active approach in assisting the healing process of their canine best friends is the best medicine of all..

• Beagle Dog Christmas Ornaments
• Funny Halloween Dog Pictures
• Miniature Teacup Chihuahuas
• Name That Dog Breed Quiz
• Choosing a Puppy Quiz

• Signs Of Dog Pregnancy
• Dog Anal Glands
• Sick Dog Symptoms
• Female Dog Heat Cycle
• Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding

• LoveToKnow DOG:Wanted Articles