Turns out the majority of dogs are not born with an instinct of how to doggy paddle. According to Point Loma resident Trish Penick, owner of Cutting Edge K9 Rehab, many dogs are afraid of the water and would sink if they found themselves paw-deep in a pool. But for many pooches, a dip in the pool is exactly what the vet ordered. Swimming not only provides a fun alternative to pounding their paws against the pavement, but also doubles as an aid for multiple dog-related injuries.
Penick, a registered physical therapist with additional training in animal rehab, took her knowledge of the benefits of water and has turned it into a successful enterprise for man’s best friend. Her Point Loma location is the newest pool to offer dogs a safe environment to learn how to swim or work on strengthening muscles following injury or surgery without the impact of land exercise. Conditions including disc herniation, hip and elbow dysplasia, arthritis and obesity can be alleviated by swimming. “Being able to incorporate my human physical therapy training into the dog world was an amazing idea and swimming just made sense,” Penick said. “There were only a few other people doing animal rehab back when I started and no one that I know of had deep water swimming. (They had) only the underwater treadmill,” she said. Additionally, the warm water and no-impact swimming offers a less difficult approach to strengthening a dog than traditional rehab options. “The 80- to 82-degree water allows extended cardiovascular training for the (dog) athletes and the large breeds without the overheating experienced on land,” explained Penick. And it turns out most dogs love their doggy-days in the pool. Both puppies and older dogs are welcome in the swim programs and often thrive in the new environment.
Apparently, you can teach an old dog new tricks. Just imagine how much cooler it is for Fido to exercise in the water rather than run in the hot sun during summer months.
And perhaps Spot finds the water is a terrific way to make friends and begin a surfing career at dog beach. Plus, an owner can enjoy the water too – they’re encouraged to join their pooch in the pool to ease them into the new experience. Individual and group lessons with no more than four dogs are offered. Penick, a resident of the Peninsual since 1992, would like to offer neighborhood group swim lessons for Point Loma doggies at discounted rates. According to Penick, swimming can help dogs of all ages. “(High energy puppies are) calmer and happier dogs after a swim. (They’re also) more focused since we work on commands and work their brains as well as their bodies. “For the senior dogs that are struggling, we hear that within a couple of sessions the dog has more energy and is able to get up easier. They also want to go on their walk when they didn’t before.” 
Penick offers two main services. The Cutting Edge K9 Rehab works with local veterinarians to target what a dog needs after a medical procedure. Her Training with Trish service offers pool safety classes, swim lessons, weight management, diet and nutritional counseling and cross training for show and working dogs. “To apply my knowledge as a physical therapist to the canine world is what I am here to do,” Penick said. For more information, visit www.cuttingedgek9.com.