Hi everybody, [sm=wave.gif]
I just wondered if anyone has come across/trained in canine massage? I know it's really popular in the States, but very new to the UK. I work with rescue dogs and am looking for something I can use with them. I've done a 2day TTouch workshop (loved it!) so I use some basic touches and they seem to really like it, but then saw an article in 'Dogs Today' about a company in Devon who run training courses for equine and canine massage. I'm qualified in ITEC A&P/holistic massage and as I love working with animals, I just thought it would be a natural progression. I have started mentioning it to people - expecting to be laughed at, but (apart from the odd comment), most people seem to think it's a good idea.
I thought it would be a good way of allowing new owners to bond with their adopted pooches.
I'd be interested in any thoughts you may have.
Thanks in advance,
Jo 😀
RE: Canine Massage ...........
I think it's a wonderful idea. I massage my cat who has a dodgy shoulder and she really loves it! Basically most things from the States usually end up over here so I imagine it will catch on. Good luck! Lisax
RE: Canine Massage ...........
I haven't found anywhere over here which offers animal masasge courses.
I really have to finish my little book of cat massage.. it's crying out to be finished!
RE: Canine Massage ...........
Hi Gussie - I've got a cat massage book as well - is your's by nicky routledge? My two cats love it! I've found a company in Devon who do animal massage courses, through the article in Dogs Today, so I asked them for some info. Then 2 days later I met a really nice lady on my TTouch course who was doing the equine course with the same company - a nice bit of synchronicity!
Bird - thanks for the encouragement, one of my cats is getting on a bit and she loves a massage, I'm convinced it's helping with her mobility.
Jo
x
RE: Canine Massage ...........
I'm sure it helps my cat's mobility too and she just loves it! Let us know how you get on with this - Lisax
RE: Canine Massage ...........
Hi,
Thanks for the replies – I really appreciate them. I’ve booked my place on the course and it starts end of October - can’t wait!! I had initially thought about becoming an animal physiotherapist, but I’d have to firstly train within the human field (5 yrs p/t), then work within the human field for a minimum of 2 years, before I could start training within the animal world. That’s when I decided to continue on from the complementary therapies that I currently do.
I’ve spent several months researching different courses/companies and am really happy with the one I’ve chosen. The course is held over three levels, each level involves 3/4 days of hands-on training. You have to leave a minimum of 4 months between each level, to ensure that you complete extra studying and to carry out a minimum of 20 case studies. I also have to complete a thesis, pass both a written and practical exam and also present my work to a local veterinary practice. As for insurance, during the training I will be covered as a student and once I complete the course, I’ll be able to get full public liability insurance.
Initially, I want to be able to help dogs within the rescue centre, help them to deal with stressful situations. Plus, if any of the dogs have had injuries, or surgery, it could help in their rehabilitation – obviously this would be done with the vet’s permission. It would be nice to be able to help new owners bond with their new dogs, but I'll complete the training and then follow that route.
Sorry for rambling on, I’m just really excited about all of this!!
Thanks again,
Jo ((-;
RE: Canine Massage ...........
Dont worry about rambling on - I think its very interesting, Ive not heard about this before!
Please keep us informed with how you go on - and if you can make a difference to the animals in the centre that would be great!!! When I left school I worked in a dog/cat rescue place, and worked my way up to be in charge of puppies and cats section 😀 I loved it!! Everyone tried to get all the chores done as soon as possible so we could spend some time with the animals, so they could have human interaction, and it was fun for us!!
The more time these animals get spent on them to help them both physically and mentally the better - im sure you will do a great job!!!
WELL DONE YOU - AND GOOD LUCK FOR YOUR COURSES!!! [sm=dogrun.gif]
RE: Canine Massage ...........
Jo, that sounds great! I'm sure the animals will really benefit from it 🙂
Another thing for you to think about - Flower Remedies - they really help animals on the emotional level, help them release their fears, traumas etc.... Have a read at Dogs Misbehaving by Martin J Scott and Gael Mariani, it's the best book about how they work with animals. Cassie was a terrified rescue and they, among other things, (TTouch, massage etc) have helped her loads. Martin and Gael reckon every rescue dog needs at least Star of Bethlehem and Walnut, and I agree with them. Here's their site
[DLMURL] http://www.flowersociety.org/safer.htm [/DLMURL]
RE: Canine Massage ...........
Hi, I've just done a Quantum-Touch healing course, it's not massage but can be used to amp up the effects of massage, or just on its own (just involves focusing and breathing, hands lightly laid on pet.) I think that would be worth adding to your skills at a later date - I used it on a dog I was looking after and the back-ache or tenderness she was feeling completely disappeared. Very relaxing and non-invasive! If you want any more details contact me. I love it, can be learned cheaply and quickly , too.
RE: Canine Massage ...........
Hiya guys,
Thanks for the replies ...............
Muddi - I know what you mean about getting chores done quickly. I spend as much spare time as possible volunteering at my local animal rescue centre. I get stuck in to all the cleaning out and feeding, just so can spend as much time as possible with the animals. You're right - more time spent on the animals really benefits them and hopefully makes it a little easier to be at the centre.
Muriel - thanks for the link, I've added the book to my ever growing 'must read list'! The lady who runs the canine course is qualified in flower remedies, so I'll be talking to her about that as well. Is the photo you have a picture of Cassie? If so, she's gorgeous, weimaraners are my favourite breed, unfortunately, due to work, I'm unable to have a dog (hoping this will change soon!), but there is a breeder who lives in the next village and he lets me spend time with his weimaraners.
creativejani - quantum-touch sounds really interesting, I'll definitely drop you a line for more details about that! Sounds like you achieved a great result with dog - just the sort of result I'm hoping to get.
Thanks again!!
Jo
xx
RE: Canine Massage ...........
Hi,
I wonder if anyone can help. I have spoken to someone just the other day who told me it is currently illegal in this country for anyone other than a vet to do complementary therapies on animals?! I find this a bit strange myself, but wondered if anyone out there could verify - or not. She said it was Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons ruling or something. Any info much appreciated! I do reflexology on my cats and they are much healthier - surely that can't be 'illegal'?!!
Thanks
Slingshot
RE: Canine Massage ...........
Hello Slingshot
The following link has lots of various bits of information regarding the treatment of animals..hope it helps
[link= http://www.healthypages.net/forum/tm.asp?m=255919 ]http://www.healthypages.net/forum/tm.asp?m=255919[/link]
If you are interested in canine massage, Nikki Routledge does a course at very reasonable cost...