On Monday we were over at the RSPCA Brighton delivering a workshop to staff and volunteers. It was our third voluntary … Continue reading
Charley the Senior Lab is usually quite excitable when being taken to the vets. But this time his Mum sent a picture and wrote : “Charley is at the vets uncle Les. It’s very busy and very hot. Charley is … Continue reading
Many dogs that we work with are ‘back seat drivers’ – telling us which bits they need help with that day. Sometimes the communication is vocal with sighs and purrs. Sometimes it is by a look with their eyes. And … Continue reading
It’s always encouraging when a difference in a dog is so evident after just one treatment session. These improvements are even more pronounced when the carer takes everything on board that we demonstrate and talk about. In the first session, … Continue reading
A frequent misconception we hear and read is that massage therapy is only necessary for a dog when mobility issues appear. In fact, it is equally appropriate to start manual therapy before these issues appear. Dogs are putting their bodies … Continue reading
11 year old Miniature Poodle Tilly’s Mum described her issue as ‘creaking’ when she stretches and wondered if she would benefit from maintenance massage sessions. We love terms like ‘creaking’ and ‘ouchy bits’ as they not only perfectly describe what … Continue reading
Trust. When working with dogs that is a HUGE word. You’re performing physical therapy, not petting. The dog may not have been touched in a professional way before. Petted certainly, but intentional touch. Possibly not. You can’t force them to … Continue reading
Some people suggest that massage is only beneficial for senior dogs or canine athletes. The workshops Cathie and I designed recently, focussed on ways that manual therapy, exercises and knowledge can help influence the way that development progresses – from … Continue reading
For our latest Double Therapist Day, we worked with senior girls Lyla and Midge. Midge chose Chris while Lyla chose me. Lovely Lyla is a 12 year old Doberman who has a history of stiffness in her forelimbs. Radiographs taken … Continue reading
An album of pictures from the eighth cohort of Healing Animals Organisation graduates to study the exclusive Relax HAOK9 Massage diploma can be found here
