Last week I delivered the Relax HAOK9 Massage Level One to 10 of the Healing Animals Organisation students and graduates. These therapists already bring a great deal to the practitioner table and wanted to add a physical skill to their mix of remedial tools.

We started, as usual, with the Muscle Game to familiarise the students with the difference in muscle placement and action between humans and canines. Then we played the Compare It game where a number of different breeds are presented and students are asked to think what issues they may have because of their breed – such as Labradors or Dachshunds.

After demonstrating the full Relax HAOK9 Massage routine, the students were taken through the first half of the massage techniques.

After the lunch break I demonstrated a masterclass with two handsome senior Golden Retrievers, Perry & Joey.

The rest of the day was taken up with practicing the first part of the Relax HAOK9 Massage routine. During the second day the students were taken through the other half of the routine in preparation for their examination which all passed.

That’s another 10 canine massage therapists who are truly multi modal in practice.