January 2024 Newsletter

Message from Jim:

Hello All,


Dogs? Horses? What’s up with that?

Before we pick up where we left off at last month’s newsletter, I wanted to give you a little background on The Masterson Method®.


The Masterson Method is a practical method of “bodywork” that works with the animal’s nervous system to release accumulated muscular tension that may be causing pain or discomfort. I first discovered how this works while working with competition horses. I learned that if you used very light levels of pressure and paid close attention to visual feedback from the horse, you could get the horse’s nervous system to release muscular tension that it’s been holding in the body. 

The value to owners and trainers was an improvement in mobility and performance. What appealed mostly to owners though, was 1) it was something that they could learn to do themselves to help their horse, and 2) the bond of trust that developed as a result of this interaction.

As most horse people also have dogs that play and work hard, I found, to my surprise, when working with them these same principles apply to both dogs and horses. As with horses, this is something you do with your dog, not to your dog. The result is your dog benefits, your relationship benefits, and it’s learnable! Win, win, and win!


It was a dark and stormy night…


Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get on with our story…


Not to sound repetitive, but that darn change of seasons is upon us again. We pick up our story at the end of last month’s newsletter with the horses sunning in the pasture one day, and the next day Nellie and Jupiter romping in the snow. We were all set for a white Christmas, but mother nature had other plans. A wet Christmas, in the 50’s, with rain. 

Ready for a white Christmas. (No, the house is not on fire.)

Christmas lights (wet) on the Town Square on Christmas Day.

I’m not complaining. The Holiday Season was good. Good food, family, friends, and cheer.

Now we’re looking forward to the New Year. AND another season change! The wet Wednesday after Christmas, Nellie and Jupiter were helping me assemble new lifting forks that Santa dropped off for the tractor, and the next day they were romping in snow again. 

Catastrophic season change… it’s getting colder, and damper!


Transitioning to the New Year


As much joy as our animal partners bring us…


This fall/winter we lost two of the more joyful things in our lives. You may have noticed that our red aussie Popper isn’t seen romping in the snow in the videos above with Nellie and Jupiter. That doesn’t mean that she’s not romping, only that she isn’t seen. Popper, who brought us joy for 14 years, moved on in October, and our beautiful mare Annabelle left us in December. We’ll miss you Popper and Annabelle.

While Popper continues to preside at the top of our newsletter, you will be seeing more of Nellie, and our new 5-month-old poodle Jupiter.

As you can see in the videos above, he’s an excellent romper and is keeping Nellie busy. I’m sure we’ll be sharing more about him in the coming year, but for now I’ll share some images of Popper, Nellie, and Annabelle romping below (sniff, sniff).


We’re looking forward to a great year ahead, doing presentations at pet expos around the country and sharing knowledge through live online courses, which as of now are actually on the Calendar! Lori will tell you more about this and more below.


We also invite you to share your experiences with us as you share The Masterson Method with your dog.


Wishing you a Happy New Year,


Jim

“Pawsome” news at the start of 2024 for you and your four-legged companions!

After reading the Beyond Dog Massage book, your next step is to receive live, practical and guided instruction. 

 

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that registration is now open for our first canine course, READ AND RELEASE!  Woof! Woof!

 

The Beyond Dog Massage Read and Release course is an live, online course and will last four weeks, meeting weekly for four consecutive weeks.  


  • Through interactive Zoom participation, you will be learning with your dog in your own home setting.
  • Each Zoom class will include live, guided instruction and practice in an online group setting of up to eight participants. 
  • Not only will you learn with your own dog, you will watch and connect with other owners and dogs on this four-week journey!
  • Each class will last approximately three hours, with breaks interspersed.  


Are you curious? Click here to read about the course!


Current Read and Release Course Schedule

Saturdays 11:00 am CT, February 3, 10, 17, 24 with Amelia Nalli

Tuesdays 5:00 pm CT, February 6, 13, 20, 27 with Kalin Finsand

Fridays 10:00 am CT, February 9, 16, 23, March 1 with Robin Robinett

Mondays 5:30 pm CT, February 12, 19, 26, March 4 with Valissa Willwerth

Mondays 11:00 am CT, February 19, 26, March 4, 11 with Stef Watts

Thursdays 12:00 pm CT, March 7, 14, 21, 28 with Coralie Hughes

The Beyond Dog Massage book will be used for all canine courses. You can purchase the book on The Masterson Method Store.


Why are you waiting to register for the Read and Release course? Your dog will thank you!


Would you like to purchase the Beyond Dog Massage book? Click here to go to the Store.

What’s next after the READ AND RELEASE course?

For dog owners and canine professionals that are interested in additional learning opportunities, we are working on an educational pathway. The Read and Release is the first course, and it is mandatory for both dog owners or canine professionals before continuing in future courses.   

What else is Happening in Early 2024?

In March, Jim will be presenting The Masterson Method at two expos. It is an exciting start to a new year!

Please come by and see us at the Super Pet Expo in Edison, NJ March 1 -3 or in Chantilly, VA March 15 – 17. 

 

Just follow the trail of dogs… they will be lining up to get their Masterson Method Canine Bodywork directly from The Master!

We love to hear your stories!

We invite you to tell us how The Masterson Method® Canine Bodywork is making a positive difference in your dog’s life. Please send your stories to dog@mastersonmethod.com to be featured in upcoming newsletters. 


Be sure to include a picture of you and your dog with the Beyond Dog Massage book!  

An “Ask” from Us to Our Readers 

Some of our readers tried to purchase the Beyond Dog Massage book through our Masterson Store. Because of our international shipping limitations at the moment, we had to direct you to another website to make your purchase. Would you leave a Beyond Dog Massage book review on the site you made your purchase? 

 

We believe that the Beyond Dog Massage book is a valuable tool in learning a skillset that every dog owner can use. If you have found value in the book, we ask that you share your thoughts with other dog owners by writing your review. Your insights can help them decide if this book is for them and their dog. Thank you in advance!

Who’s been waiting for… eBook?

Exciting news for our digital book readers! Our publisher, Trafalgar Square Books, has now released the digital version of the Beyond Dog Massage book! It is available on their website or wherever else eBooks are sold. 


Click this link to visit Trafalgar Square Books and view both hardcopy and digital book versions!

 

Speaking Writing of books…we are onto our second printing of the Beyond Dog Massage book! Most important of all are the number of dogs that are benefiting. AND, dog by dog, we are getting closer to Jim’s goal of every dog receiving the Bladder Meridian! A big thanks to you, our Masterson Method dog community!  

Making Resolutions for a Pawsome New Year:

As we set our sights on the new year, let's not forget our furry sidekicks. Here are some resolutions we can make together to ensure a year filled with even more tail wags and woofs:

  • More playtime and adventures: Make time for daily walks, park trips, and hikes. Explore new trails, sniff out hidden treasures, and let your pup's inner explorer shine.
  • Spoil your pup with healthy and delicious treats, but remember, moderation is key! Try baking homemade dog biscuits or investing in fun puzzle toys that dispense yummy rewards.
  • Prioritize training and mental stimulation: Keep your dog's mind and body active with obedience training, agility courses, or fun tricks. A well-trained and stimulated pup is a happy pup!
  • Strengthen your bond: Cuddle on the couch, enjoy lazy mornings in bed, and shower your pup with love and affection. The more time you spend together, the stronger your bond will become. Using the Masterson Method canine bodywork not only helps build a stronger relationship, but helps your dog feel better, too.

Every day is a new adventure with your dog. Embrace the mud, the fur, the slobbery kisses, and the endless love. Here's to a New Year filled with belly rubs, zoomies, and endless tail wags!


Let's make 2024 a fantastic year for all our dog owners and their furry friends!  


Masterson Method Canine Bodywork

Looking for More?

Curious about The Masterson Method?

Click here to learn more about Beyond Dog Massage

Listen to Jim talk about The Masterson Method Canine Bodywork

Click here to listen to Jim

Want to give the Bladder Meridian Technique on your dog a try?

Click here to see Jim demonstrate the Bladder Meridian

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