Loving dogs has always been something very close to my heart. There is a unique kind of presence they bring into our lives; pure, trusting, and deeply grounding. They don’t ask for anything other than connection, safety, and care.
In my work as a physical therapist, I have spent years focusing on the nervous system, movement, and the body’s ability to heal through gentle, intentional touch. Over time, I began to notice how universal these principles are; not only in humans, but in animals as well.
This quiet realization is what inspired me to begin Dog Body Works.
I have completed 250 hours of training at the Ojai School of Canine Massage and obtained my certification as a Small Animal Massage Therapist. This formal training has deepened my understanding of canine anatomy, safe touch, and therapeutic bodywork approaches for dogs.
Alongside my clinical practice, I am currently settling into a new space where I am creating a dedicated room specifically for dog wellness sessions. This space is almost ready and has been intentionally designed to feel calm, safe, and grounded.
Dog Body Works is a gentle wellness approach designed to support dogs through calm presence, light bodywork, and movement awareness. The intention is simple: to help the body soften, release tension, and feel safe enough to move more freely.
This work may include:
- relaxation and nervous system calming
- gentle manual support for muscular tension
- mobility and movement awareness
- comfort-focused, non-invasive touch
It is important to clarify that Dog Body Works is not a veterinary service. It does not diagnose, treat, or replace veterinary care. Instead, it is a complementary wellness approach that works alongside a veterinarian’s guidance, supporting comfort and quality of life.
This work can be especially supportive for:
- senior dogs experiencing stiffness or reduced mobility
- active or athletic dogs needing recovery support
- service dogs with high physical and emotional demands
- therapy and working dogs under consistent workload
- dogs recovering after surgery, once cleared by their veterinarian, to support gentle mobility, comfort, and soft tissue and fascial recovery
In addition to my clinical work, I have also been a long-time volunteer at a local dog shelter. This experience has deepened my sensitivity to animals’ emotional states, trust, and resilience, and continues to shape the way I approach this work.
On a personal level, my love for dogs has also been shaped by my golden retriever, Dr. Lulu, who passed away two years ago. Her presence continues to stay with me in a very meaningful way, and this work carries a quiet sense of her memory and what she taught me about unconditional love.
What I continue to learn, again and again, is that healing begins with safety. Whether in humans or animals, the body responds to gentleness, presence, and respect. When the nervous system softens, the body often follows.
Our dogs give us so much love without conditions. This work is a way of offering something back: time, attention, and care that honors their bodies, and their health in a calm and compassionate way.
I will continue to share more about this journey as it evolves.
With gratitude,
Alexandra Chaux
