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June 2024 Canine Newsletter

Message from Nellie:


Hello all,


Jim's playing hooky with Jupiter so I'm dictating to Natalie while having my morning coffee - she's a faster typist than me. Must be the opposable thumbs. And shorter nails.


I’m actually happy to be doing this instead of posing for these silly coffee cup photos. And horse coffee cup photos at that!


This month's newsletter is all about "Doubt the Doubt"! Sometimes us canines don't want to show what's bothering us, and we have a hard time letting go - but trust me, The Masterson Method® is working!


When you use light touch and we show you a subtle response such as a blink or a fidget (see below), if you stay light enough long enough we will release some tension. I’ve heard Jim say that “it’s a law” (although I don’t know what a law is : )


We've got some tips for you below, a short reel of the Bladder Meridian technique

(I love that), a link with adoption information through the upcoming Stanley Pup, and an interview with Read and Release instructor, Kalin Finsand.


So grab your pup, (or your neighbor's pup), and try it. Jim'll get mad if you don't - although his bark is worse than his bite (ruff, ruff - a little canine tooth humor)!


Until next time, like me,


Enjoy your humans,


Nellie

Learning to Let Go

We all want our dogs to be happy and relaxed, especially during bodywork sessions, but it's also important to be mindful of how we feel and our body language.


Here are some tips to make these moments beneficial for both you and your dog:



1) Take it slow.

Choose a time of day when you're not rushed or busy. This is precious time to connect with your dog, so slow down, turn off your phone, and forget about the clock. Both you and your dog will feel more relaxed and present.


2) Remember to breathe!

Are you holding your breath? If so, breathe... deeply and regularly. When you hold your breath, you naturally tense your body, and your dog can pick up on this. Before and during any bodywork, check your breathing and keep your hands and arms soft and relaxed. The softer you can stay, the more comfortable your dog will feel.

 

3) Don’t worry if your dog fidgets. (Doubt the Doubt!)

Some dogs rest and release easily, while others become a little fussy, especially when they feel uncomfortable releasing tension. If your dog gets distracted easily, don’t worry or think you are doing something wrong. Stay soft and keep one hand on the collar if you need to. It can take time to get used to bodywork, especially if this is new to your dog, and if they have accumulated stress and tension, they probably won’t release everything in their first session.

 

4) Start somewhere that's comfortable.

If your first thought is ‘Where do I start?’ - begin where you know your dog likes to be touched. Last month we ran an online poll asking where on the body your dog most likes being touched and 89% of you said ‘everywhere’! If your dog is among the 11% that are a little shyer, start with a spot they’re comfortable with or you can try the Bladder Meridian technique, as shown in the short video below (this dog loves it!).

Adoption Opportunities

The Stanley Pup!


Petco Love and the National Hockey League have teamed up to spotlight the many pups needing a home. If you’ve wondered about adopting a dog, Doubt the Doubt! and check out these pups on US and Canada National TV on June 7th and 8th - maybe you’ll find a new family member! 

(Click on the photo for more information)

Meet the Instructor

Each month, we’re introducing you to one of our Read and Release Course instructors. This month, meet Kalin Finsand from Northern California!


Where’s home? 

I live in a small place called Pilot Hill with my other half and our 2 girls, 5 horses, a pair of burros, a bunch of chickens, 3 barn kitties, and 4 dogs.”


Tell us about your dogs:

We have 4 dogs: Dodger a McNab and my sometimes-demo-pup; Shasta the farm girl Pyrenees; Ecco our first Dogo Argentino who is deaf and the sweetest pup ever; and my main demo pup Zsas, a 2-year-old Dogo Argentino from a rescue in Sonora, California. We adopted him when he was about 6 months old and came to us with a lot of "stuff" including physical scars from those first months of his life. He has learned to love his bodywork time. The Masterson Method is helping him release physical and emotional tension, and now he can relax and enjoy being stroked and cuddled."


How did your journey with The Masterson Method begin

“It began with a horse when I heard of a man called Jim Masterson who had an amazing bodywork method he had developed. As I learned with horses, I naturally practiced on my dogs all the time. When Jim came out with the Beyond Dog Massage book, I couldn't wait for the ink to dry.”


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

 “I love seeing the ‘aha’ moments when the human finds their softness, breathes and slows way down, allowing their dog to release tension. That's when it all comes together for both the human and the pup. These moments are what the Masterson Method is all about; softness and letting it go.”


Check out the Canine Course page to learn more about Kalin and other instructors. 

Meet the Instructors

Read and Release Courses!

Spending time with your dog can be relaxing for humans as well as canines. Take a breath...and sigh.


Join a live, online Read and Release course and learn how to improve your

dog’s movement, comfort and longevity while opening the door to a more

meaningful relationship.


Thursdays, 12:00 pm. CT: June 6, 13, 20, 27 with Coralie Hughes

Tuesdays, 5:00 pm. CT: July 2, 9, 16, 23 with Valissa Willwerth

Book Now

There's more than one way to Doubt the Doubt!

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