"How do I choose ?"
The emphasis is on behavior modification, with the addition of flower essences to enhance the training. Acupressure and nutrition in particular are important adjuncts over time to help maintain a well-balanced persona. Dogs with fears and phobias also respond very well to the soothing effect of Reiki and Tui Na. Reiki and flower essences are the best choice for animals that are afraid of being touched.
Reiki is a wonderful, gentle healing technique that is especially appropriate for dogs whose health is delicate. Acupressure can be added at an appropriate time after surgery to help the body recover its proper chi flow. Tui Na is very helpful for recovery from surgery or injury when the body needs to restore the nerve communication in the distrupted area and improve muscle function. Any animal in an acute crisis should be seen by a vet, though in terminal cases where this may be anticipated flower essences may be prepared in advance, as well as acupressure points, both of which can assist the animal while in transit to the vet.
Nutrition Counseling and Acupressure are valuable adjuncts to veterinary care for these types of issues. Diet is at the forefront of management, and can, in some cases, eventually shift the animal's system to a more balanced state. Regular acupressure sessions are an invaluable care treatment for bodies that are so out of balance. Reiki also provides gentle healing energy for the animal that is experiencing stressful health conditions. The combination of these methods can, over time, result in a much greater
quality of life and reduction of troubling symptoms. |
"How many sessions will I need?" Every animal is an individual, and there is no requirement for a certain number of session, but it's important to understand that deep change requires effort. For acupressure and reiki treatments you should be open to having four sessions in order to see significant changes in your animal's health and emotional wellbeing. Acupressure treatments should be spaced out to allow the animal to adjust between sessions. Reiki sessions can be scheduled daily if desired, and this kind of "intensive" can jumpstart healing. Behavior modification programs may range from a single session for simple problems to 4 to 10 weekly sessions for more serious issues such as aggresssion. Changing years of habits doesn't happen overnight for dogs anymore than it does for us! |
These services are not a substitute for proper veterinary care, and are not used to diagnose or cure disease. These services are an adjunct to veterinary care only. |
Acupressure Acupressure is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and has been used for thousands of years to promote health by assisting the body to achieve an harmonious state of balance within itself and in relation to its environment. Like acupuncture, acupressure helps adjust the energy (Chi or Qi) running through the body by manipulating specific points on the body. No needles are used, only gentle pressure. Both chronic and short term physical and behavioral imbalances can be helped with acupressure. Chronic imbalances are best served by a series of treatments rather then a single session because the goal is to help the body rebalance itself for lasting health. Regular treatments are also wonderful for preventing imbalances over time. Acupressure sessions include an assessment and treatment. You will also be given instructions on follow-up care to do between sessions to enhance the treatments. Download "Tips For A Successful Acupressure Session" (PDF) Tui Na Tui Na is a form of medical massage that is also part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It employs techniques such as light friction, skin rolling, tapping, and careful muscle or joint manipulation. Tui Na can be combined with acupressure or used alone, and treatments are customized for each animal’s needs. It can help animals on a wide range of issues, but is especially helpful for muscular and skeletal issues such as muscle atrophy or tightness, injury rehabilitation, paralysis, and arthritis. It is also an excellent way for owners to do between-session care by learning some of the massage techniques themselves. Reiki Reiki (pronounced ray-kee) is an energetic healing method that is non-invasive, gentle, and relaxing for dogs. Reiki is a Japanese word that can be generally translated as "universal life energy" (you might already be familiar with the chinese word Chi or Qi in this context). Reiki can do no harm, and in fact the dog is allowed to choose how long to accept the healing energy offered. This healing energy does not originate with the practitioner, but is simply channeled through them. The deep relaxation that results allows the animal's body to begin to heal itself. Reiki is ideal for animals that become very stressed with more direct bodywork such as acupressure. Reiki can be done in-person or at a distance, as it does not require hands-on contact to be effective, so Reiki sessions can be scheduled as part of an in-home visit, or as a distance session in which I send reiki to your dog without being physically present. Distance sessions can provide owners for a time to set their own intention for their pets wellbeing, and to relax and feel their own positive healing thoughts for their pet while Reiki is being sent. Download "What Does An Animal Reiki Session Look Like?" (PDF) Flower Essences Flower essences are subtle liquid extracts which assist in balancing the emotions. The modern development of flower essences was first undertaken in the 1930’s in England by Dr. Edward Bach. While his “Bach Flower Remedies” are the most well known, other practitioners continue to develop flower essences around the world. Like homeopathic medicine, flower remedies work on the cellular level, nudging the body’s energy system back into balance. Flower essences can be used alone, but I have also found them especially effective when used in conjunction with further education about dog behavior. A flower essence session is used to observe your dog and get a behavior history. You will then be given (at no extra charge) a customized flower essence mixture. Custom flower essence mixtures are also available for behavior clients. Already know what essences you want to use? I can make up your treatment combination for you. Download my article about Flower Essences (PDF) Behavior Education The Art Of Dog training philosophy is to help create a trusting partnership between dog and owner. The emphasis is on rewarding desirable behavior, and takes into account a dog's natural instincts and needs. The goal is to have a dog that truly is a companion and a full member of the family. We can learn as much from dogs as they can learn from us. It is this mutual regard that is at the heart of The Art Of Dog. While I can help with a full range of issues, including basic training, I have a special interest in social behavior including fear, aggression, and dog-to-dog interactions. Read more specifics about my training techniques. Nutritional Counseling Good food is perhaps the most important element to good health, and fresh food is good for dogs, just like it is for humans. It's not difficult to improve your dogs diet to address general health as well as specific issues and imbalances. I can provide guidance on how to choose and prepare a diet for your dog, including supplement choices.
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