PetMassage™ Blog Archives · Page 2 of 11 · PetMassage™ Training and Research Institute

Today I use massage to make a dog feel better. I am delightfully fulfilled

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…

I have the capacity, strength, resolve, and support to be who I honestly am. I love that I can massage dogs as my dream career.

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…

I heed the call of my spirit and follow my passion to help dogs with massage.

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…

I release and let go of any thought that does not support me or my work.

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…

I am enjoying a beautiful and meaningful holiday, filled with love and light, and I anticipate an excitingly vibrant 2020

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…

Every time I enhance a dog’s quality of life with massage I share their sensation of bliss.

The value my dogs find in their canine massage is evident in every one of their movements.

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…

I ask for and receive an abundance of everything I desire to lead a success-filled and purposeful life.

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…

Each day brings me greater awareness and a more loving, accepting heart.

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

When I massage dogs their quality of life is enhanced.

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…

When I understand and apply the research that’s available, my canine massage is more effective.

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”…

During each PetMassage I affirm the dog’s experience is perfect harmony.

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…

Loving thoughts and responsive actions are at the core of my canine massage.

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…

The massage I give dogs brings them lasting peace and balance.

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…

I’m happy, healthy, and youthing when I am doing what I love.

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.…

I am comfortably aware while massaging dogs. They follow the relaxation and trust that I model.

My energies join with those of the water to enhance dogs quality of life.

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…

My heart sings when the dogs I massage rediscover joy and comfort in their bodies.

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,…

I am sensitive and responsive to the needs of my dog clients and their people, during every stage of their lives.

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…

This moment, I have a commitment to learn PetMassage for dogs. I am manifesting my vision for my future, NOW.

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…

With each canine massage my life force is refreshed. I am filled with happiness and gratitude.

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…

I surround myself with like-minded, like-intentioned people and welcome comfort and support.

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…

I now know that I have a way to develop my natural gift, talent, and desire to help dogs using massage.

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…

I massage my dog and we both become calm and happy.

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…

I am making the best decisions for my future. My education and training choices will help me discover my spectacular possibilities.

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…

Amore. The more PetMassage training I get the more I will be capable of helping dogs, and more than that loving myself

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…

In the midst of giving a canine massage I remember exquisite clarity. I easily tap into the peace of my presence and stillness.

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…

Thinking about giving a canine massage I am quiet, focused and centered.

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…

Even though I become anxious every time I see the lips of a dog tighten, I love and accept myself.

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…

Just like me, dogs are working through their issues. I am aware. I am safe.

Here is the link to “Jonathan’s Helpful Hints Blog’: Thoughts on dog bites and how to recover from them. Part 1

When I incorporate Lymphatic Drainage in dogs PetMassage, I provide another powerful way for them to feel better, heal faster, and become more balanced.

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…

My massage encourages balance and optimal flow of blood and lymph throughout the entire dog’s body.

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…

By actively witnessing PetMassage Positional Release, I support dogs as they explore and discover better ways to live in their bodies.

I choose the school that is in perfect alignment with my career goals.

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…

With each dog I see behind what I see, imagine beyond what I imagine, and I know more than I know.

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…

My client dogs and I agree. Every canine aquatic massage session is a profound and ecstatic experience.

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…

I am a Human Doing. The things I do enhance my dog’s quality of life.

Stretching at Joints

Stretching at Joints In its most basic form, stretching is a naturally instinctive activity; it is performed by humans and many other animals. Stretching often occurs instinctively after waking from sleep, after long periods of inactivity, or after exiting confined spaces. This is an appropriate activity to foster and use, since it comes from our dog’s natural instincts. Stretching…

My PetMassage is safe and effective as I combine breath, presence, intention, and my understanding of how the dog’s body moves.

A Walk in the Woods is open to interpretation.

A Walk in the Woods is open to interpretation. Last weekend I attended a concert at our local university. In this essay I work through understanding how to experience a new musical form and how it relates (as everything does) to canine massage. The concerts entire program was original compositions created by faculty, grad students,…