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Debbie (Gross) Torraca, Faculty (Body & Health)

deb@wizardofpaws.net

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Deborah (Gross) Torraca (she/her), DPT, MSPT, Diplomat ABPTS, CCRP has been involved in the field of animal physical rehabilitation for over 17 years and currently owns a small animal rehabilitation practice in Connecticut called Wizard of Paws Physical Rehabilitation for Animals, LLC. She received her BS from Boston University, a Masters degree from Quinnipiac College, and her doctorate from the University of Tennessee. She has advanced certifications in her field. Dr. Torraca has lectured throughout the world on the topic of small animal rehabilitation for the past 12 years, and is one of the founders of the certificate program in canine rehabilitation from the University of Tennessee. She has published widely on both the professional level and to dog enthusiasts of many venues. Laser therapy has been an interest and passion of hers for over 10 years and she is very active in the development of treatment programs and education on laser therapy.

Pronouns: Debbie goes by she/her.

Debbie Gross Torraca's current and upcoming classes

CC280 Iliopsas

Iliopsoas injuries are unfortunately becoming a fact in many performance dogs' lives, as well as the lives of active dogs. This course will review the reasons why so many dogs are suffering from iliopsoas issues, prevention of these problems, exercises and activities to assist in the prevention, addressing and recognizing and injury, appropriate exercises for an injury, and a safe, successful and realistic return to activities. Easy steps may be taken to assist in stacking the cards in your dogs' favor to help with the prevention of an iliopsoas problem. Dogs with predisposing factors, such as canine hip dysplasia, stifle disease, or lumbar transitionial vertebrae, should take extra steps to help them live an active and pain free life for the longest time possible. Your dog may be knocking the occasional bar in agility or refusing to walk on a slippery surface - there are many levels of iliopsoas problems and they all need to be addressed. Chronic iliopsoas problems may be associated with pelvic weaknesses or range of motion deficits. This course will not only examine the coordination of care for a dog with an iliopsoas problem but also steps to take to prevent an injury.

Why choose us?

We offer a variety of online training solutions designed to help you and your furry friend achieve success

World Class Trainers

Learn from professionals with years of experience in canine behavior

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Proven methods

Science-backed positive reinforcement techniques that actually work

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Personalized approach

Programs tailored to your dog’s unique needs and personality

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Engaging lessons

Keep training exciting with interactive exercises and games

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Our testimonials

Don't just take our word for it — see what our clients say about their experience working with us.

Thanks again for this opportunity and for the awesome timely feedback and encouragement you showed to all the posting students. Even though I was only at the bronze level I really felt like part of the class and feel that I got alot out of it. Kudos to you for the initiative!

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I wasn't sure if an online format would really be "helpful enough" to learn something new, but I was very pleasantly surprised! Seeing the videos of the Gold level participants and reading the instructor feedback was VERY helpful! I had fun and learned several new things. I highly recommend these online classes!

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Incredibly informative and helpful class. I am a crossover student, with 35 yrs experience training the "traditional" way. This is a challenge for me! But I have seen significant improvement in my dog's problem areas, so I am now committed to learning these training techniques; I'm starting over with her, having lots of fun and learning new things as fast as I can keep the clicker going! I have high expectations for achieving all of my performance goals using the Fenzi Academy to help me get there. I can't wait for my next class!! Really enjoyed the course! I'm still catching up, but am already looking forward to the next class. So useful, especially if you don't have a really good positive methods trainer where you live!! Helped my dog revive his enthusiasm for working.

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