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October 2024 Canine Newsletter

Hey everyone,


As we gear up to leave Iowa for a couple of months of fun, I’m squeezing in this quick newsletter update. Our next adventure involves not just hitting the road but doing so with a trailer full of toys! Jim has been busy constructing scaffolding to transport his sailboat (below) and my sculling boat (above). Along with that, we’re packing the truck with saddles, bicycles, and a cart that Jim plans to use to help Masterson Method Certified Practitioner (MMCP) Anita Parra train her horse, Sterling, to drive. With all this gear, I’m not sure how much space will be left for clothes or household items—but really, what’s more important, right?

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who took part in the Bladder Meridian Challenge. It was such a fantastic tribute to Jim and his mission: “Every horse and dog on the planet should experience the Bladder Meridian at least once.” The entries were wonderful, and we loved seeing the different approaches and results from you all. Check out some of the highlights below!


For those of you who caught our Facebook Live earlier this month—or if you missed it—I wanted to share a little behind-the-scenes action from the day before the event. Jim and I tested out the equipment, giving a close-up look at the “Search, Response, Stay (stay, stay, stay) and Release (SRSR)” technique.


Our dog, Nellie, is quite the challenge when it comes to the Bladder Meridian work. She tends to flop over onto her back as soon as we start, hoping to evade the process altogether. If you’ve read the Beyond Dog Massage book, you might recall Nellie’s escapades. By applying the SRSR technique to her underside, Jim was able to get some great responses, even from our little Houdini. If you have a dog that’s a master at evading your attempts to find their tension points, this technique could be a game-changer for you! In this four-minute clip, I think you will see what Jim means by using this “technique of opportunity.”

We’re off to California! Jupiter and Nellie are ready to dive into the fun, testing out their doggy life jackets for some ocean sailing and lake sculling. There will also be plenty of hiking, running alongside the cart, and quiet moments spent in the hills near San Luis Obispo. We’re looking forward to soaking it all in.


Until next time, don’t forget to give your dog a big hug!


Conley, Jupiter and Nellie

Bladder Meridian Challenge Results

It was wonderful to see all the participants in this year's Bladder Meridian Challenge. Thank you to each of you for taking the time to send in your photos and videos. We loved watching them almost as much as your dogs loved the Bladder Meridian Technique!


Choosing a winner is never easy, especially with so many fantastic entries, but we’re thrilled to announce Laura Grant as our winner. Laura will receive a copy of the Beyond Dog Massage book and a $100 Absorbine gift basket. Well done, Laura!


Since we enjoyed watching your dogs embrace the technique, here are a few other entries we wanted to share.

Read and Release Courses

Starting Nov 7, Kalin Finsand will be teaching another Read and Release course and there are only 5 spots left, so if you are keen to join, book your space now.


The course runs for 3 consecutive weeks and each class is approximately 2 hours in length. Best of all, in keeping with the Less Is More philosophy, the cost is just $195! 

What a great way to start the Thanksgiving season early.


Thursdays 6:30-8:30 pm CT - Nov 7, 14, 21 with Kalin Finsand

Book Your Spot

Here are some photos and a testimonial from Natalie who took Kalin’s course in May 2024 with her friend's dog, Kaya:


"It was so fun to watch Kaya (a dog I don't know well) respond to the techniques. Kalin was a very patient teacher - she kept her eyes on all the class members, spotlighted members who were having challenges or successes, and offered suggestions that could be applied in the moment. I really enjoyed it - and now Kaya greets me with a "woof" and comes to me for some light touch techniques whenever we meet!"

"I love watching Kalin teach this course! Natalie's touch is getting softer and better with each class. In fact, it's quite amazing how Natalie finds my areas of restriction and how comfortable I feel afterwards!" Kaya

Kaya: "Step back Echo - my session isn't done yet". (stretching-yawning)


Echo: "Where's the Beyond Cat Massage book? Get busy Jim - birthday party is over!" (purring)

Meet the Instructor

This month we introduce you to Amelia Nalli. Not only is Amelia a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner, but she also produced and edited the videos linked in the Beyond Dog Massage book, which gave her the unique opportunity to watch Jim work with many types of dogs with very different temperaments.


Where’s Home? 

My family and I live in Culver City, California.


Tell us about your dog.

We have a Brittany Spaniel/Pit mix named Hendrix who we adopted in February this year. He was pretty anxious when he moved in, but was always incredibly sweet and great with kids. He makes a great demonstration model and has a lot of patience. He chases anything that moves (skunks, too) and we are working at walking together on a loose leash.


How did your journey with The Masterson Method begin?

My journey to The Masterson Method started in 2016 when I saw a video of Jim Masterson searching for a blink on the TMJ of a horse, so I went straight to the barn, and it worked right away. I have been hooked ever since.

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

The most enjoyable part of teaching the Read and Release course are the students, as they see how sensitive and communicative their dogs can be. It is a wonderful time to slow down, pay attention, and really get to understand how the body responds and releases tension.


Visit our Canine Course page to learn more about all our canine instructors. 

Meet the Instructors

Woof and Answer Wednesday

Every week, we answer your questions in our Woof and Answer Wednesday feature on social media. This month, we’ve been focusing on the Bladder Meridian Technique and we received a question about what to do if your dog becomes distracted while practicing it.


Question: ‘I was doing the Bladder Meridian Technique with my dog when he suddenly left to bark at someone passing by on the street, but then he came back and sat with me. Does this mean he wants me to continue? Can I do bits of the Bladder Meridian Technique with “interruption moments” like this one?’


Answer: If you’re doing the Bladder Meridian Technique and your dog feels overwhelmed or needs to leave, it’s important to let him go. In your case, your dog returned to sit by your side, so it’s likely he enjoyed the technique and wanted you to continue - he just got “busy” in between.


Watch this video of Jim and Jupiter where he talks about using “a technique of opportunity”. This means finding the right moment when your dog is relaxed and starting the Bladder Meridian Technique or the Search-Response-Stay-Release Technique anywhere on his body. 

If you have a question 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!

Dog Aging Project

As we celebrate Pet Wellness Month this October, we're excited to spotlight The Dog Aging Project – the largest canine health study in the world!


The Dog Aging Project team is on a mission to track thousands of dogs for ten years or more. Their goal is to gather information to help dogs live longer, healthier lives. 


Currently, only dogs in the US can enroll, but all types and ages of dogs are welcome. The insights gained will benefit dogs worldwide.


Joining the project is free and here’s what you can expect:


- Enroll your dog by completing a short survey online

- Complete the Health and Life Experience Survey

- Update your dog’s health & lifestyle info annually

- Connect with other dog lovers in an online community 


Click on the link below for more information and to join. Together we can help future generations of dogs live their best lives possible.

Dog Aging Project
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