My Touch: Removes a Dog"s Ouch! - Part 4
In Part 3 of the Series: My Touch: removes a dog's ouch, I discussed the importance to practice Constant Observations of a Dog (COD) to better learn about dogs' instinctive behaviors.
This preparation has definitely been an excellent practice for me, and in this Part 4 Series, I want to describe how it is applicable when choosing my location, to conduct canine therapeutic massage! Dogs are denning animals.
That is, their home is their den therefore, their territory! I am always a mental step ahead with COD, in order to make a significant choice where to conduct my session.
For example, to avoid a "ready to defend" exhibiting behavior from my client, I normally choose a new location...
a place that is not his or her den! Often owners want dog sessions performed in their home, and feel adamant about this choice.
I listen graciously, but resist in all instances, as I know I will get better cooperation from my client at my studio as opposed to their territory, regardless of breed, gender, or disposition.
So, when it comes to "your place or mine?" Massage treatments are done at my canine massage studio.
Canine personality types exist, and I have studied about them well, and what possible scenarios can happen with each.
Hence, before each session I'm cognizant of behavior possibilities, but most importantly, I'm absolutely alert for unexpected behaviors.
The unexpected usually pose problems and make sessions eventful.
Often and not surprisingly, the problems stem from the owners, more than their dog.
So in essence, my client is not just the dog, but the owner as well! Some major canine personalities are: The Loner or Bashful Dog: This dog is timid, sensitive, and exhibits fear with panicky and shaky behavior, and should be feared as a "biter.
" To be touched by a stranger, of which I am for the first session, I MUST be particularly alert to the dog's senses.
I do know the "bite" is due to fears, NOT to harm.
In these cases, I avoid eye contact and try to get the dog to approach me.
I do this by offering a toy or a treat.
Once I'm able to touch the dog, I allow my client to sniff my hand with the palm up, and proceed to gently pet under the chin.
I do remember, and we all should too, to NOT pet the dog on the head as most dogs of this disposition find this threatening.
Keystone in handling this kind of a dog is patience.
Once I establish a friendly presence to this type of dog, I normally continue to stroke gently until we're "buddies.
" The Aggressive Dog: This dog possesses a fearless and often disrespectful demeanor.
Being obedient to the owner, this dog is never intimidated by others.
Usually at the evaluation, I suggest to the owner to exercise the dog an hour before the therapeutic massage.
Actually, this type of dog is straightforward.
I KNOW "charge" is in his or her "thoughts" and therefore do not consider this type of personality a serious problem because, I am prepared.
It's like talking to a seriously arrogant person whose socially wrong behavior, is insistent, and usually can be stopped by ignoring the person and walking away.
With the aggressive dog, I ignore immediately, and walk away with my back facing the dog.
At a reasonable distance I then face the dog with a pause, and encourage the dog to approach me as I offer a treat.
For a period of 15 minutes I gently stroke under the chin to settle the dog.
When this type of dog interprets me as assertive, and confident he or she will relax.
For in actuality, this dog is not mean, but aggressive in-nature.
So I attempt always to show this dog who is the alpha or the boss! I communicate by looking directly at the eyes when reprimanding, And, when the dog abides, I praise convincingly.
Should this dog attempt a move to bite, I usually respond with a sharp tap on the nose once, and often it takes a quick tap under the chin! I am quick and precise with my aim.
Then, I take heed to praise once the snapping behavior stops.
All to show, I love you, but for these moments, I am the leader! The Vicious Dog; I am the first one to respond and advise, NOT to take such a vicious dog case, particularly when there is good cause to confirm after evaluation, the dog is not trustworthy even with the owner! Yet there is always the need to sense beyond and between the layers of the dog's actions.
I think how can a dog recover for the better! There are ways, such as other facilities and unique manpower required.
I usually do NOT leave a case alone, even if I decide for the safety of myself and the dog, to not perform massage therapy yet.
Instead, with the owners' approval, I will research and find help for the dog's rehabilitation.
I feel it is my responsibility, to help "discover" directions to improve a dog's health-care.
Massage therapy HELPS dogs! A personal belief proven through testimonials and with my own dogs.
Therefore, I diligently attempt to gain trust with problem dogs in order to provide for them a longer, happier, and comfortable existence, ultimately through therapeutic massage treatments.
Remember, stress in a dog means pain in a dog.
Too much barking or growling can mean emotional imbalance.
They are hurting, and it is us, the mindful humans they depend on for their health-care.
I follow a practice to question why a dog is a problem, as well as why a dog is happy! Why is the dog vicious? I want to help this dog, but how? Should I muzzle the dog during the massage? How can I distinguish between the dog being vicious or just aggressive? Why is a dog happy one moment and aggressive the next? Answers to these questions are usually simple, but time consuming.
Well, I have the time.
My profession as a Canine Massage Therapist is a dogs' time.
I want my touch, to remove a dog's ouch.
In order to consistently offer a good touch, I am decisive in measuring my ability to manage a dog.
Dogs will know my calm and confident actions, and will sense my resoluteness and respect it.
It is my intent to become what they want me to be, a confident good friend, for I am convinced each dog will be loyal and loving in return.
Watch for Part 5 in the Series: My Touch: removes a dog's ouch!
This preparation has definitely been an excellent practice for me, and in this Part 4 Series, I want to describe how it is applicable when choosing my location, to conduct canine therapeutic massage! Dogs are denning animals.
That is, their home is their den therefore, their territory! I am always a mental step ahead with COD, in order to make a significant choice where to conduct my session.
For example, to avoid a "ready to defend" exhibiting behavior from my client, I normally choose a new location...
a place that is not his or her den! Often owners want dog sessions performed in their home, and feel adamant about this choice.
I listen graciously, but resist in all instances, as I know I will get better cooperation from my client at my studio as opposed to their territory, regardless of breed, gender, or disposition.
So, when it comes to "your place or mine?" Massage treatments are done at my canine massage studio.
Canine personality types exist, and I have studied about them well, and what possible scenarios can happen with each.
Hence, before each session I'm cognizant of behavior possibilities, but most importantly, I'm absolutely alert for unexpected behaviors.
The unexpected usually pose problems and make sessions eventful.
Often and not surprisingly, the problems stem from the owners, more than their dog.
So in essence, my client is not just the dog, but the owner as well! Some major canine personalities are: The Loner or Bashful Dog: This dog is timid, sensitive, and exhibits fear with panicky and shaky behavior, and should be feared as a "biter.
" To be touched by a stranger, of which I am for the first session, I MUST be particularly alert to the dog's senses.
I do know the "bite" is due to fears, NOT to harm.
In these cases, I avoid eye contact and try to get the dog to approach me.
I do this by offering a toy or a treat.
Once I'm able to touch the dog, I allow my client to sniff my hand with the palm up, and proceed to gently pet under the chin.
I do remember, and we all should too, to NOT pet the dog on the head as most dogs of this disposition find this threatening.
Keystone in handling this kind of a dog is patience.
Once I establish a friendly presence to this type of dog, I normally continue to stroke gently until we're "buddies.
" The Aggressive Dog: This dog possesses a fearless and often disrespectful demeanor.
Being obedient to the owner, this dog is never intimidated by others.
Usually at the evaluation, I suggest to the owner to exercise the dog an hour before the therapeutic massage.
Actually, this type of dog is straightforward.
I KNOW "charge" is in his or her "thoughts" and therefore do not consider this type of personality a serious problem because, I am prepared.
It's like talking to a seriously arrogant person whose socially wrong behavior, is insistent, and usually can be stopped by ignoring the person and walking away.
With the aggressive dog, I ignore immediately, and walk away with my back facing the dog.
At a reasonable distance I then face the dog with a pause, and encourage the dog to approach me as I offer a treat.
For a period of 15 minutes I gently stroke under the chin to settle the dog.
When this type of dog interprets me as assertive, and confident he or she will relax.
For in actuality, this dog is not mean, but aggressive in-nature.
So I attempt always to show this dog who is the alpha or the boss! I communicate by looking directly at the eyes when reprimanding, And, when the dog abides, I praise convincingly.
Should this dog attempt a move to bite, I usually respond with a sharp tap on the nose once, and often it takes a quick tap under the chin! I am quick and precise with my aim.
Then, I take heed to praise once the snapping behavior stops.
All to show, I love you, but for these moments, I am the leader! The Vicious Dog; I am the first one to respond and advise, NOT to take such a vicious dog case, particularly when there is good cause to confirm after evaluation, the dog is not trustworthy even with the owner! Yet there is always the need to sense beyond and between the layers of the dog's actions.
I think how can a dog recover for the better! There are ways, such as other facilities and unique manpower required.
I usually do NOT leave a case alone, even if I decide for the safety of myself and the dog, to not perform massage therapy yet.
Instead, with the owners' approval, I will research and find help for the dog's rehabilitation.
I feel it is my responsibility, to help "discover" directions to improve a dog's health-care.
Massage therapy HELPS dogs! A personal belief proven through testimonials and with my own dogs.
Therefore, I diligently attempt to gain trust with problem dogs in order to provide for them a longer, happier, and comfortable existence, ultimately through therapeutic massage treatments.
Remember, stress in a dog means pain in a dog.
Too much barking or growling can mean emotional imbalance.
They are hurting, and it is us, the mindful humans they depend on for their health-care.
I follow a practice to question why a dog is a problem, as well as why a dog is happy! Why is the dog vicious? I want to help this dog, but how? Should I muzzle the dog during the massage? How can I distinguish between the dog being vicious or just aggressive? Why is a dog happy one moment and aggressive the next? Answers to these questions are usually simple, but time consuming.
Well, I have the time.
My profession as a Canine Massage Therapist is a dogs' time.
I want my touch, to remove a dog's ouch.
In order to consistently offer a good touch, I am decisive in measuring my ability to manage a dog.
Dogs will know my calm and confident actions, and will sense my resoluteness and respect it.
It is my intent to become what they want me to be, a confident good friend, for I am convinced each dog will be loyal and loving in return.
Watch for Part 5 in the Series: My Touch: removes a dog's ouch!
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