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September 2024 Canine Newsletter

Hello Everyone,


I’m excited to introduce myself as the new editor of our Canine Newsletter. Being Jim Masterson’s wife and having been deeply involved in the journey of launching The Masterson Method for horses and recently canines, I’m thrilled to connect with you all.


Although my lifelong passion has been riding, my love for dogs has always been a constant. Over the years, I’ve participated in various canine activities such as Agility and have won in Obedience - and with a Dalmatian no less! I even dabbled in training with a Schutzhund club in Montana, where my dogs thrived on the intense physical challenges of scent work and agility training (though we skipped the bite work!).


Currently, Jim and I share our home with Nellie, an Aussie cross who was one of the models for our book, and Jupiter, our energetic year-old Poodle puppy. Sadly, our beloved Popper, the red Australian Shepherd featured in the book, has passed on.


Together with Jim and our dedicated Canine Staff, I’m eager to support you in your journey with the Masterson Method. Whether you're just starting out or are already on the path, we’re here to help you and your canine companions.


Now, let’s nose-dive into what's coming up! In September, we’ll be hosting a Bladder Meridian Challenge. Jim’s vision is for every horse and dog to experience the Bladder Meridian Technique, relieving stress and fostering a harmonious connection. This challenge is a fun way to contribute—try the technique on your dog, your friend’s dog, your neighbor’s dog, or any dog you can get your hands on, and see how many dogs you can help!


And a special note: Jim’s birthday is September 26th, and I can’t think of a better gift for him than seeing this challenge bring comfort to countless dogs.


Read below for more details about the challenge, and let’s make this a September to remember!


Warm regards,


Conley, Nellie and Jupiter


PS, the photo was taken of Jim and me during the photo shoot for the Beyond Dog Massage book. 

Join Jim Online

Mark your calendars for the Bladder Meridian Challenge, running from September 16 to 26! Every year we get a step closer to reaching Jim’s vision for every horse and dog to experience the benefits of the Bladder Meridian technique. 


This event allows dog owners everywhere the opportunity to support their canine companions and help them relax and connect. 


Join Jim on September 10 for a Facebook Live event where he will introduce the challenge, demonstrate the technique on a horse AND a dog, show how to search for and release tension, and answer questions related to the Masterson Method. 


For more details, visit our Facebook Page and remember to account for your time zone. We can't wait to see you online!

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Read and Release Courses

There are just 2 spots left on our next Read and Release course, starting this month, and our November course is also filling up fast, so make sure you secure your space!


We have recently refined the course to make it more accessible to students. It now runs for 3 consecutive weeks and each class has been trimmed to approximately 2 hours. Best of all, in keeping with the Less Is More philosophy, we’ve also reduced the cost to $195! 


Saturdays at 10:00 am CT, Sep 21, 28, Oct 5 with Stef Watts


Mondays at 8:00 am CT, Nov 4, 11, 18 with Leslie Kennedy

Book Your Spot

Curious to find out what our students are saying about the Read and Release course? Check out Charlie and her pup Scout to hear about their positive experience and why she’d recommend it for dog lovers everywhere!

Meet the Instructor

This month we introduce you to Leslie-Anne Kennedy, one of our canine instructors. Leslie will be teaching the November course. Don’t miss out on booking your spot as this is the last Read and Release course for 2024.


Where’s home? 

I live in Fergus, Ontario, Canada with my beautiful English Shepherd Agility Dog, Riverwood Maizie Mae. English Shepherds are energetic, intense, very intelligent herding dogs.


Tell us about your dog.

The Masterson Method has helped my best friend, Maizie, remain supple and flexible throughout her body. She is a very active dog that works and plays hard. MM assists with maintaining maximum joint mobility, so necessary in helping to prevent injury. The Masterson Method techniques are wonderful in calming stress and anxiety levels.


How did your journey with The Masterson Method begin? 

My MM journey began with my own high level performance horse. It led me to become an Equine MMCP, Instructor and Coach. The journey has continued to include being an MM canine instructor.


What do you most enjoy about teaching the Read and Release course? 

It is such a joy to teach the R&R course. Strong bonds develop between dog and owner. My favorite thing about teaching the course is reading the ‘response’ of the owners as they discover how to find, read their dog’s response and release tension. Their smiles light up the room.


It is a privilege to be part of my students' journeys in creating a stronger bond with their dogs while at the same time showing them the way to foster healthier, happy, less stressed dogs as they learn just how beneficial MM techniques are.


Visit our Canine Course page to learn more about Leslie-Anne,

and our other canine instructors. 

Meet the Instructors

Woof and Answer Wednesday

If you follow us on social media, you may have noticed our exciting new feature, "Woof and Answer Wednesday." Every week, we answer your burning questions about common dog issues, how specific Masterson Method techniques can help, and tips for enhancing your dog’s comfort and mobility.


Last week, we discussed a problem that many dogs experience - tension in the jaw. Dogs that love carrying balls or sticks, frequently play fetch, or enjoy chewing on large bones can develop tightness or restriction in their jaw muscles. This tension might cause discomfort when eating or make it difficult for your dog to fully open their mouth.


Fortunately, you can use a simple technique to help alleviate this discomfort. In the video below, our expert instructor, Stef Watts, demonstrates how to gently release tension in your dog’s jaw, promoting relaxation and easing discomfort.

Have a Question?



We’d love to hear from you! If you have a question about your dog’s well-being or need advice on a specific Masterson Method technique, email us at dog@mastersonmethod.com. Don’t forget to follow us on social media to catch more "Woof and Answer Wednesdays" to keep your dog happy and healthy!

Houston Book Signing

If you attended the Houston World Series of Dog Shows, you might have bumped into a couple of familiar faces - Jim and Dr. Robin Robinett, DVM!


Now in its 45th year, the Houston World Series has grown into a five-day show, attracting more than 40,000 spectators and plenty of dogs. 


Jim and Dr. Robinett, who co-authored the Beyond Dog Massage book, were there to meet some attendees (the two-legged and four-legged kind) and sign copies of the book. Of course, Jim couldn’t help but say hello to a new-found friend who was taking part in one of the competitions. 


If there’s a show or pet expo you think Jim and Dr. Robinett should attend, or you’re a canine specialist keen to chat about a potential event, you can reach out to us at courses@mastersonmethod.com

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