Jonathan's Helpful Hints Archives · PetMassage™ Training and Research Institute

PetMassage on The Dog Face

There are areas on your dog’s face that connect with internal organs and their corresponding meridians. Forehead: bladder and intestines Temples and ears: kidneys Between eyebrows: liver and stomach Nose: heart Under-eye area: kidneys Upper cheeks: stomach Lower cheeks: lungs and liver Nasolabial folds: large intestine Upper lip: hormones, heart, and spleen Chin: bladder, hormones,…

Grieving Cat’s Aquatic PetMassage is Transformative

I just facilitated an in-hand swim session in the PetMassage heated indoor hydrotherapy pool…with Chloe…a cat. Chloe’s mom was nervous, apprehensive about putting her kitty in water. Naturally. For Chloe it was a very new experience, as it would be for most house-cats. Like most cats, she had never swum before. What Chloe shared with…

Those Blasted Research Papers – Awesome Info!

Sharing a message from one of the graduates of our PetMassage program. Hi! One of my own rescued adult puppy mill dogs has just been diagnosed with luxating patellas – yep, both of them. Immediately I thought of those research papers we all have to do. What a wealth of information! Thank you so much…

Waves inspire canine massage.

Waves tracing patterns in the sand: what could be more inspirational! The water and wind flowing rhythmically along the shore aligns perfectly with the flowing dance of massage. Whenever I stroll along a beach, I pause to experience the ebb and flow of the waves. I watch, close my eyes, and simply observe. The wind…

Note of appreciation from a former PetMassage graduate

Note of appreciation. Every once in a while, we get a note of appreciation for the work we are doing growing and teaching PetMassage. This is one we received last week. “Dear Jonathan – Thanks so much for contacting me. Because I’m fast approaching 80, I’m slowing down a bit. However, I want you to…

Notice how each particle moves.

Notice how each particle moves, Notice how everyone has just arrived here from a journey, Notice how each wants a different food, Notice how the stars vanish as the sun comes up, and how all streams stream toward the ocean. Rumi This applies to dogs too, especially while our senses are heightened during massage. Jonathan

Let’s Dash to Unify Opposing Camps.

I’ve read that there are 10 kinds of people in this world. Those who understand binary numbers and those who don’t. I remember the moment I made a commitment to align myself with one group as opposed -and be opposed-to another. I was in college. This was back in the late 1960s. I’d been cutting…

Wishbones: more than you probably wanted to know.

We humans have an innate need to have some sense of control of our futures. We believe that with focus and intention we can influence the making of our dreams to come true. We believe in Karma. We believe in the power of prayer, affirmations, goal setting, and plans of action. The act of wishing…

What happens in Vegas.

What happens in Vegas. We’ve all heard (or said), “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” Or New York, or Chicago, or Miami, or —-. Canine massage is not like that. What happens on the table (except if the dog is incontinent) doesn’t stay on the table. It stays with, and becomes, part of who…

Canine massage is therapy for dogs’ minds and spirits.

The more I practice canine massage, the more I appreciate that there is so much more that I am influencing than the anatomical nuts and bolts, fluid dynamics, and interdependent physiological systems. Touch, no matter how structured and clinical, also therapeutically influences the functioning of mind and spirit too. Dysfunction is always a result of…

Inspiration: Where does it come from?

What’s that suggestion? Moving your hands over the dog, you listen. You are open to hearing the faint stream of suggestions that will help you make sense of what you feel and the best way to respond. Sometimes when giving a PetMassage one feels the presence of kindred spirits. These are the vibrations, or emanations,…

In times like these we need to learn conscious grounding.

We are inundated with information. It’s coming from everywhere. The content is on so many subjects that it is overwhelming. It’s hard to know what’s true, what’s not; what’s relevant, and what’s inconsequential. It’s confusing and all consuming. This morning during my meditation, I was unable to quiet my mind. Too many thoughts. Each time…

Hey kids: Big price markdowns on the PetMassage Children’s Program.

The prices on all PetMassage Children’s Canine Massage materials have been slashed. We have boxes and boxes of brand new PetMassage produced books, DVDs and CDs. We need the space that we’ve been allocating in our PetMassage School to the PetMassage for Kids Program. We are preparing to install the new Canine Aquatic Massage pool.…

Senior dog massage

One of the good things we’ve learned during the pandemic is that dog owners are maturing in their appreciation of their dogs. Especially their older, more vulnerable dogs. They are demonstrating by their actions that they know how valuable their dogs are to them and their families. They celebrate them. Their companionship. Their emotional support.…

Sacred geometry of Reiki Power Symbol Cho Ku Rei

During a recent dinner with friends, I heard the term “sacred geometry.” It was spoken in reverence. Sotto voce. So it got my attention. As soon as I had an opportunity I looked it up. I learned that sacred geometry ascribes symbolic and sacred meanings to certain geometric shapes and certain geometric proportions. It is…

Sumi-e PetMassage

Japanese Ink Painting I had an intriguing lesson last weekend. I attended a short workshop on Sumi-e painting. I rediscovered and reclaimed a freedom that I had nearly forgotten. I was so eager to take this class. This was something that I’d wanted to learn since my age was still in single digits. I knew…

Hey Rocky, want to see me pull a rabbit out of my hat? Again Bullwinkle?

Last week I was massaging a sweet senior dog. I could not walk her during her PetMassage assessment because her hind legs kept crossing and getting tangled beneath her. She was unable to stand unassisted. Her eyes, still and dull, stared unfocusingly into space. Here and not here, she was Stuck in a dispirited, uninspiring…

Gait Observation For PetMassage

We can only know for sure what effects our massage is having on the dogs if we’ve first established a baseline for their movement. Then, we can recognize changes from day to day, and over the span of several massages. Although throughout the massage, we are constantly evaluating and assessing, adjusting what we are doing…

Canine massage enhances dogs quality of life. The word “ameliorate…

Does canine massage really enhance dogs quality of life? In a word, yes. The word “ameliorate” describes the intention, the purpose, the rationale, the function of massage for dogs. Speak it aloud. Ameliorate. It’s beautiful. Savor the syllables as if you were tasting wine. Roll them slowly around in your mouth. Feel your palette, your…

What’s a PetMassage workshop?

At the beginning of our last Foundation Level workshop, I asked the 5 people who had traveled to study with me if any had ever taken a workshop like this before. No one had. This group included a vet tech, a physical therapist, 2 massage therapists, a registered nurse, and a dog agility trainer/groomer. For…

Presence within Presence within Presence. Breakthrough Session.

A Graduate of the PetMassage Foundation Level Program writes: Fascia wonders I had the honor to administer some love on an absolutely gorgeous Doberman by the name of Jochen yesterday. He was almost as tall as me (though that is not saying a lot). He is 8 years old and has DCM and Arthritis. As…

Ear bone’s connected to the lip bone.

Ear bone’s connected to the lip bone. Massaging dogs is a kind of meditation for me. I’m aware of my breathing, my heart rate. I’m open to what’s going on in the dog’s body and her body language signals. My self-awareness is activated. I’m open to any unconscious cues that my own body might be…

Protests for Canine Massage

Protests all over the planet are revealing a lot about us and our culture. We’re learning that there are disconcerting versions of our history, our education, our culture, even our unconscious narratives. This is a very different world from the one I knew when I was a History major in college. Our civilization is evolving.…

Pandemic Insights and Opportunities

The Covid-19 pandemic has revealed a lot about us and our culture. One thing it has shown us is just how much we depend on our dogs for our basic human needs i.e., companionship, love, and protection. The pet care industry is more essential than you can imagine. All of us in it are busy,…

PetMassage practices can grow in many directions

We are always interested in the progress of our students. Please indulge me as I share an email that we just received. It describes how she is applying the information from our workshops in veterinary context and also – and this is exciting— how learning PetMassage is still functioning as a pathway to another career!…

Have you ever wondered if dogs have sacroiliac problems? And if they do, can massage help?

As part of their training, students must write a short paper on a topic suggested by the instructor. This is one of the post-workshop requirements for them to earn their Foundation Level Certification in canine massage from the PetMassage School. These papers are organized into categories and published; and they are all available to you…

Let’s figure this out and learn ways to play with each other. Life…

Let’s figure this out and learn ways to play with each other. Life lessons from a tiny dog. At the beginning of our stay at home and shelter in place orders I was full of enthusiasm. I was eager to use this time to get projects done. I was going to read, write, paint, organize,…

Covid19 update

Hi, This is one more message that you’re getting because of the Covid19 pandemic. We affirm that you and your loved ones are healthy. We affirm that you are maintaining your emotional well-being. We’d like you to know that we are offering 6-month extensions for completion of PetMassage Foundation and Advanced Level Certification Programs and…

Canine massage instruction with a PetMassage

Check out the new PetMassage home study course, “Senior Dog Massage for the Canine Massage Practitioner.” This expands on the book “How to Massage My Senior Dog.” Or, if you are not interested in continuing ed, you can just get the book. It’s an easy read. PetMassage books, DVDs, and charts are no longer available…

When you’re stressed, massage therapy can help you.

Check out the new PetMassage home study course, “Senior Dog Massage for the Canine Massage Practitioner.” This expands on the book “How to Massage My Senior Dog.” Or, if you are not interested in continuing ed, you can just get the book. It’s an easy read. PetMassage books, DVDs, and charts are no longer available…

Meditate with your Dog(s)

Meditate with your Dog(s) Hello Everyone I am writing a blog, perhaps once a month, (sounds very feminine) to share my experiences in my on-going healing arts practice. When I dedicate myself to a spiritual practice, on a daily basis, just as many of us do with a daily exercise program (walking, biking, weights, etc.),…

When you’re stressed, massage therapy can help you.

I usually use this forum to share my thoughts on the importance of massage for our dogs. That is important; and, just like the preflight instructions when you fly, when putting on oxygen masks in the case of an emergency, you, the caregiver have to put yours on first. So this week, I’d like to…

Your next career is helping animals.

I thought someone might identify with this Facebook request for help. This person was deciding whether or not Vet Tech school was the best venue for her to help animals. I offered advice and encouragement. Here’s the (edited) transcript: Help. I need advice…..so I was all about going to school and getting my degree to…

Tending a meditation garden. Use a reik.

You’re massaging a dog and your attention is drawn to something unusual. It could be in the coat, like a burr, a matte, or a clump of organic matter. It could be on the skin: a rough patch, a bump, or a critter. It could be under the skin: a lump, a hot spot-heat, or…

Dog massage for rigid top lines

The tension we see and feel in dogs is always protective. They may be self-restricting their movements for several reasons. They may be experiencing a pain that is at a tolerable level but any addition to what they are doing would be too uncomfortable. So, they’d act like they are stuck in quicksand. They’d breathe…

The ebb and flow of waves inspire canine massage innovations.

Waves tracing patterns in the sand: what could be more inspirational! There’s an organic sensibility to water and wind flowing along a sandy shore. It aligns perfectly with the nonverbal flow of canine massage. Whenever I stroll along a beach I pause, and empathically experience the ebbs and flows of encroaching waves. Mysterious ancient salty…

Toning the spirit of your distant or deceased animal.

There is another application for toning; one that I thought I’d save for another of my Helpful Hint blogs. Add it to your energy work. Charge your palms by rubbing them together. Cup them to form an energy ball. Charge the energy ball by breathing with your hands; pulling them slightly apart and feeling them…

Hmm…Toning in Canine Massage.

When I was very young while visiting my grandfather, I learned a valuable lesson. I recall being in a sunlit porch with him and a couple of his buddies. One of the men clasped his hands against my ears and faux-whispered a secret to the others that I was not supposed to hear. I heard…

When thoughts and feelings arise.

One minute of relaxed uncontrived sitting is better than an hour of forced “no thought” posturing. It is natural for thoughts and feelings to arise. Let them pass without feeling the need to follow. Clouds pass on their own. When we are massaging dogs, our ideal state is to be completely present and available for…

Best massage ever.

Bliss. You’ve heard the Joseph Campbell admonition to “follow your bliss.” That’s exactly what I get to do in every PetMassage. Just last week I described my excitement every time I get to massage a dog. I used the term “giddy happy.” The dogs and I share waves of endorphin rushes together. It’s addictive for…

Resolutions require resolve. Or, just who do you think you are?

Here we are. It’s the end of January. And you’re reading yet another blog about resolutions. Will they never end? Goals. Do you remember setting goals for yourself a few weeks ago? The first of the year we were all thinking about what we’d like to accomplish in the new year. We were bright-eyed and…

Is massaging dogs/animals as hard on the therapist’s body as it can be when massaging humans?

I received an email from someone who states “I am interested in your program to become certified in canine massage. I was a licensed massage therapist for about 15 years and “retired” the table last year after developing a back issue as well as hand/wrist issues. I say all this to ask, is massaging dogs/animals…

In times like these we need to learn conscious grounding.

We are inundated with information. It’s coming from everywhere. The content is on so many subjects that it is overwhelming. It’s hard to know what’s true, what’s not; what’s relevant, and what’s inconsequential. It’s confusing and all consuming. This morning during my meditation, I was unable to quiet my mind. Too many thoughts. Each time…

Mentoring Canine Massage.

I love to massage dogs. Even more than massaging dogs, I love training and mentoring others to massage dogs. I envision the workshops we teach as vocational training. I have a vision of canine massage as a serious, respected, and professional career. I’m thrilled that the concepts I introduce during workshops, along with the manual…

Dog Massage Clients: One and Done’s and Dogs That Require Several Sessions

Many of the dogs I massage are “1 and done” clients. They get one massage. They are happy. They make the course corrections they need. And, I may not see them again for several years. I’ve learned to accept and trust the process. Not all bodywork can be completed in 1 or 2 sessions. Many…

Treadmills and An Introduction to Active Dog, Sport Dog Massage.

One of the most creative names I’ve heard people call their dogs is “Five Miles.” As they clip the leash to the collar they announce “I’ll be back soon. I’m going to walk Five Miles.” It’s a joke that never gets old. Well, not for the one who says it. Let’s say you do not…

Happy Thanksgiving.

As we spend the weekend with friends and family, it’s easy to fall into old familiar patterns. It’s imperative that we remember that we are no longer who we were. We’ve grown. Evolved. We are older and wiser. Our relationships are different this time because everyone in them is different. I’m reminded of a poem…

Before and After’s Buddy’s PetMassage

Rather than describe a canine massage this week, I ask that you take a minute to watch this short video. It’s this dog’s second session. The transformation from “before” to “after” is remarkable. https://vimeo.com/manage/374470278/general

Research Is Part of PetMassage Training

As part of the PetMassage Foundation Level Program, in addition to completing the hands-on workshop, written canine massage documentations and videos, and home study courses in canine anatomy, dog handling, and marketing, students are required to complete a short research paper. The reason we have this as a requirement is that when our students complete…

Pain Management.

As we drove past a healthcare clinic Anastasia pointed to a sign by the door and read aloud, “Pain Management.” Pain management!? What are they advertising? I would like to think that the goal would be pain elimination. Rid the patient of the degree of discomfort that it would take to get into the “pain”…

Pinecone offers insights into canine massage.

I was taking a walk with our two dogs. When we are in the park, I’m always scanning the trail for who knows what I might trip over: branches, tree roots, slippery blobs of processed dog food. When we paused for the dogs to get their sniffs on, my attention was drawn to a grayish…

The dog’s truth: Who he is in contrast with who he could be.

The dog’s truth: Who he is in contrast with who he could be. The only way we can sense something is if it is against a contrasting backdrop. Activity in stillness, stuckness within flow, moist against dry, hard against soft, sponginess against denseness, tangles in the smooth, threadiness in the midst of fullness. When you…

How The Dance reverses dogs brain and physical degeneration.

How The Dance reverses dogs brain and physical degeneration. As our dogs grow older, they suffer a decline in mental and physical fitness. Since our dogs age just like we do, we can base the way we address dogs age-related declines on human studies. One new study, published in the open-access journal Frontiers in Human…

Sit on a stool while giving a canine massage.

Sit on a stool while giving a canine massage. Using a stool will make your canine massage practice easier and more enjoyable. You’ll experience less fatigue and discomfort. You’ll add longevity to your practice. You’ll have more options for positioning your body vis-a-vis the dog on the table. Every canine massage you give will be a far more effective therapeutic treatment.…

Canine Aquatic Massage.

Canine Aquatic Massage. Massaging dogs in a heated swimming pool is an under-utilized therapy that is endorsed by many veterinary and animal rehabilitation resources. The trainers and handlers of sport dogs already know about it. They are seeking ways to access this therapy for their dogs. Let me introduce you to Canine Aquatic Massage, and…

Lipomas, lumps and bumps

Lipomas, lumps and bumps, from the perspective of PetMassage canine massage. This discussion is part of the preparation for the continuing ed workshop I will be facilitating, at the IAAMB/ACWT – NBCAAM Conference this September, in Seattle. In the 4-hour workshop titled, “Canine Myofascial Release: Techniques to Discover and Track Movement,” we’ll be wrist-deep in…

Living the dream and including pets in Hospice care.

Living the dream and including pets in Hospice care. Living the dream. I recently overheard a fellow describing his job as “living the dream.” When he said it, he used air quotes. I sensed that he felt defeated. A meaningful vocation was beyond his imagination. I too describe my life as “living the dream.” And,…

Learn PetMassage techniques from the videos on the PetMassage Training and Research Institute YouTube channel.

This weekend, as you are searching for some meaningful entertainment on your mobile device, we invite you to visit our YouTube channel: PetMassage Training and Research Institute. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTLn7J2DR9LIwM1WzXu5B3w Watch, share, laugh, learn, massage your dogs -and please subscribe. Here’s an easy way to find it: Visit our website at http://www.petmassage.com Tap the little red YouTube…

Make some serious waves. Practice PetMassage.

Make some serious waves. Practice PetMassage. Imagine yourself sitting in your kayak in the center of an 82 acre pond*. It’s early in the morning. It’s quiet. The air is still. The sky is brightening. The water’s surface, smooth as glass. You turn to look around. Your boat gently rocks, bouncing gentle waves out onto…

Addressing the effects of isolation and getting the support we need.

Addressing the effects of isolation and getting the support we need. There’s a factor that is often detrimental to our success and the longevity of our canine massage practices. Most of us are working isolated. Isolation is a bane on our culture. It’s the cause of great stress and distress. Isolation is the theme of…

When Did You Know You Were a Healer?

When Did You Know You Were a Healer? As canine massage practitioners we cannot claim to heal. Our manipulation of dogs bodies redistributes fluid to restore balance and function. Projecting a healing intention, infuses the entire procedure with the energy of health and wellness. Canine massage creates a friendly ecosystem within dogs bodies, which activates…

PSA, Public Service Announcement: Use PetMassage to help your dogs survive-and sleep through-Fourth of July fireworks.

PSA, Public Service Announcement: Use PetMassage to help your dogs survive-and sleep through-Fourth of July fireworks. Independence Day fireworks are highly stressful to sensitive people and sensitive dogs. Let’s focus on the victim dogs. When the bombs start bursting in air, their percussive blasts can be devastating. Dogs shake. Dogs pace. They cannot sleep. Cannot eat. Cannot play. Cowering by…

We just got the following request for information.

We just got the following request for information. Message: Good morning! My name is —-, I am seventeen and am an upcoming junior in high school. I was wondering what you could tell me about your Canine Aquatic Massage program. Can anyone attend the workshop, and if so, do they have to have a background…

Have you heard of the Dunning-Kruger Effect?

Have you heard of the Dunning-Kruger Effect? Do you know what you don’t know? What if you could find out what you don’t know? We can be confident about the things we have experienced with. Things we know. And there’s always another tier of experience just over the horizon that we are not sure how to…

Massaging dogs at the Humane Society “Bark in the Park” event.

Massaging dogs at the Humane Society “Bark in the Park” event. The above picture was pulled from this video. https://petmassage.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_4659.TRIM_.mov Last weekend the PetMassage School had a booth at a “Bark in the Park” summer fundraiser/ 5K race-walk for the Toledo Area Humane Society. The event was held in a grassy field adjacent to an…

Subscribers comments

Subscribers comments Thank you subscribers for taking the time to share your thoughts on my Dog Bite blogs. Here are some of the comments we received. Marianna T. Thank you for this. Looking forward to next weeks. I find myself overly cautious/fearful at times after a very bad bite several years ago. Tamarie P. (PetMassage…

Dog Bites, Part 2. Resolving PTSD from dog bites.

Dog Bites, Part 2. Resolving PTSD from dog bites. Dog bites happen. Car accidents happen too; and we don’t stop driving. We’ve got places to go. So, we get back in the drivers seat and move on. For people practicing canine massage, a dog bite need not end the journey – and a career you’ve trained for. Your commitment to helping…

Thoughts on dog bites and how to recover from them. Part 1

Thoughts on dog bites and how to recover from them. Part 1 A student writes, “I’ve been doing massages at our local shelter for over a year now . . . NO bites – a few signals that guided me toward not getting a dog out of his kennel, but no major problems. “However, during…

Canine Massage Lymphatic Drainage

Canine Massage Lymphatic Drainage Lymphatic drainage is a therapeutic massage treatment. The goal of lymphatic drainage in the massage is to increase the flow of lymph and reduce toxins in the body. The lymph system is part of the dog’s body’s immune system and helps fight infection. Lymph itself is a clear, slightly yellow fluid.…

PetMassage and Circulation

PetMassage and Circulation. When we ask people to describe the benefits of canine massage, the first thing that comes to mind is that it improves dogs circulation. It sounds good; but what does this mean? What is circulating? Is circulation all that important? Can PetMassage really have an affect in the quality and rate of…

What do Positional Releases feel like?

What do Positional Releases feel like? During positional release, we hold the dog’s body -in a position- and observe how in the tissues under our hands release tension. We describe these releases as shifts in the fascia. The movements can be obvious, like an inflated balloon releasing air, or very subtle, like your mood change…

The school you choose for training needs to fit your personality.

I just responded to an inquiry from a RVT about our school. You may have similar questions. If you do – even if you don’t – please read on. She writes: Hello, I am an RVT from California currently working as an instructor at a college. I am interested in your program thinking of starting…

Grounds for exercises in intuition.

Grounds for exercises in intuition. As I was taking my morning coffee I noticed a tiny chunk of grit on my tongue. I looked down at my cup; there on the bottom was a smattering of coffee grounds. I grind whole beans before brewing, and when I dump the grounds into the filter not all…

Canine aquatic massage and underwater treadmills

The Benefits of Hydrotherapy was the topic this week on Dr Karen Becker’s blog on the Healthy Pets Mercola website. https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2019/04/11/pet-hydrotherapy.aspx Karen discusses aquatic therapy from the perspective of her holistic veterinary practice. Her subtitle: Soothes Sore Joints and Muscles, a Godsend for Injured or Obese Pets. I’d like to add my perspective to her…

What’s in Your Pet First Aid Kit?

What’s in Your Pet First Aid Kit? From the perspective of canine massage, first aid includes the gentle manipulation of the dog’s body, his environment and his activities. We use touch healing touch and /or Reiki acupressure and meridian rebalancing leadership through body language presence breath control anxiety control positioning for comfort and controlled blood…