Dog Massage Seminar

[Neal Campbell-Sarah Ferrell]

Dear Dog Manners Student,

I wanted you to know that there is going to be a day long workshop offered in April by Confederated Ridge Animal Hospital . Several students had expressed an interest in the class, so here is the press release I have just sent to the newspaper. I am sending it to all my students who have e mail addresses just in case anyone really, really wants to go and would like to sign up before others see it in the paper.

See you at class. Kiss that fine dog for me, Sarah


DOG MASSAGE CLINIC TO BE OFFERED

To rub or not to rub. That is the question.

Most pet owners can think of no better feeling than to have their hands on the fur of the companions they love. In many homes right now, dog owners are stroking or rubbing dog fur and can think of nothing more enjoyable or relaxing to themselves or their dog. Those owners could be having an even more beneficial effect on the dogs if only they knew a few techniques of dog massage.

Dog behavior experts warn that too much petting can spoil the dog; making her demanding, neurotic or unsure of her place as a lower member of the pack. Many dog behavior books give strict advice describing " the ten second petting rule". They warn that the dog needs to DO something for its petting and not be over fondled.

Renowned dog behavior counselor and writer,Job Michael Evans ( The Evans Guide for Counseling Dog Owners,Howell Book House) is famous for his " perform for petting" rule: you may pet the dog if the dog sits, but after a few seconds of petting, you need to give another command. When the dog responds,you are free to pet a little more. Another wise dog writer and behavior analyst, William Campbell ( Better Behavior In Dogs, Alpine Publications) is well known for his " no free lunch petting program." Same idea: you want to pet the dog, the dog wants to be petted. But the dog needs to " learn to earn his petting". If you read many dog behavior books, this idea of not over fondling the dog lest you spoil or confuse the dog are stated over and over.

What is a pet owner who is dying to lay on the floor and rub the dog to his or her heart's content to do? The dog wants to be rubbed; you delight to rub her. After a rough day at work, many dog owners arrive at home as eager to be with their canine companion as the dog is to see them. Many a care of the world has been left outside the house because the love of a good dog waited behind that front door. Any dog lover will tell you the dog gives back as much love as she was ever given.


There is an easy solution to the how long to pet the dog dilemma: learn the art of dog massage. Massage is not spoiling. Massage is good for the dog's body and mind, and a rewarding skill to be mastered by the owner.

Sunday, April 30, a day of massage instruction will be offered for area dog owners who would like to learn dog massage technique while being taught why massage is very beneficial to all ages of dogs. The seminar will be given by nationally known, massage therapist and massage instructor Jonathan Rudinger. Rudinger is author of the book "Effective Pet Massage for Dogs", two canine massage videos" Complete Basic Dog Massage Demonstration, and " Effective Pet Massage for Older Dogs: Advanced Lessons for Geriatric Massage", and operates a school of massage in Michigan.

Rudinger explains that massage for dogs has many benefits. He believes it will " help you bond with your dog, improve circulation and muscle tone, increase flexibility of joints, shoulders,back and tail. He offers massage to old and young dogs to "increase body awareness and to ease mental stress and physical discomfort." Massage is much more than petting, but it does feel good to both dog and owner.

Registration forms to attend the seminar/ clinic with or without a dog are available at Confederate Ridge Animal Hospital at 2301 1/2 Jeff Davis Highway. For more information, call 373-6100. Jonathan Rudinger's very informative internet website is found at www.petmassage. com.

Dog massage is explained in most holistic dog care books. In "Four Paws. Five Directions" , by Dr.Cheryl Schwartz, canine massage benefits and techniques are described for the dog owner. Leaf through a few at a book store and you will see many pictures and explanations of dog massage.

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