PetMassage™ WaterWork for dogs

As with PetMassage, the process is always nonlinear. What is affected cannot be easily connected to the effects. The effects are impossible to connect with all the permutations of variations of unknown causes. Each session is a unique event during which your dog will be able to become and feel looser and more flexible. Sessions are gentle and nurturing. The PetMassage™ WaterWork experience affects the dog's entire body. PetMassage™ WaterWork, canine water therapy as an artistic form, will complement every form of rehabilitation and training. Its object is move in joyfulness and love, to empower, and re-establish balance.

Water, as we know, is the source of all life. Life on this plain and planet cannot exist without it. Water, as seen through the eyes of scientist, Masaro Emoto, is a mirror of life, reflecting back to us our thoughts and feelings. Our thoughts and feelings, as we have learned from contemporary psychologists and philosophers, are affected by our choices.

Contemporary science understands that the process of observation of an event affects the event. We have a new, enhanced understanding of ourselves, our canine companions, and how we all interact within natural patterns. We yearn and strive to create balance and order in our lives. Without order, balance and purpose, we are out of tune with the natural order. We are stuck out in the swirling eddies of confusion and despair. Realizing this, we access the support of water to actually influence it; amplifying its healthful affects.

It is important to understand what it is not. It is not using a garden hose to douse your dog in the hot summer heat. So it is not a Vichy shower. It is not swimming with your dog in an ocean, a lake, a pond or your backyard pool. This is all fun, however it is not massage. It is not observing your dog swimming independently in water. It is not physical therapy for dogs. And, it is definitely not a substitute for veterinary care.

We will see that it can have a multitude of benefits, so it can be readily used as an exercise that is complementary to veterinary treatments and rehabilitation.

There is flexion, extension, stimulation or relaxation, acknowledgement and/or a release that occurs. As with any aerobic exercise with people, your dog will increase his cardiovascular activity, his stamina, his endorphin - happiness level, his lymphatic immune system, his self awareness, self esteem and confidence. Says Michelle Rostron, hydrotherapy rehabilitation manager at Triple A Pet Resort and Care Centre in Tyne and Wear, UK,, "It is especially helpful to puppies - as long as they are six months old - as the movements in water builds up stamina."

Michelle calls it, "just the tonic your dog needs to help him if he suffers from arthritis, hip dysphasia or is recovering from surgery. It can also be invaluable for overweight dogs as part of an exercise and slimming regime. "About one dog in every four seen by Michelle is there to lose weight. It can be very effective. One dog, which came in for ten sessions, lost two kilos."

"We also work with show dogs here, who come to us for a fitness and stamina programme.

"Once they get used to it, all the dogs are absolutely fine. Some take to it better than others. For instance, gun dogs are more likely to go in the pool, but with any dog, once you encourage them, they are fine. I go in with them if they are scared, elderly or have spinal problems."

According to Michelle, swimming has advantages over land-based exercise in that it is low impact and non-weight bearing. The warmth of the water relaxes muscles by expanding the surface blood vessels and increasing the skin temperature, which can reduce pain and muscle spasm. A decreased range of motion can often be due to pain, swelling or stiffness. Stiffness can be eased as the warmth of the water causes blood vessels to expand.

In this workshop we will be exploring:

• Water characteristics
• Body mechanics of practitioner
• Moving in water
• Observing patterns
• Observing balance
• Observing and facilitating PetMassage™ for dogs using the attributes and support of warm water
• Effect on coat, skin, fascia, ligaments and skeletal joints, respiratory, digestion, endocrine, cardiovascular, and limbic (emotional)
• Indications, applications of canine water massage
• Precautions and contraindications
• Water characteristics compared to dry/land

Benefits of PetMassage WaterWork for canine health and wellness

• Personal transformation
• Enhances muscle tone
• Enhances body awareness
• Enhances joint flexibility
• Enhances endurance
• Enhances strength
• Enhances confidence

Benefits of PetMassage WaterWork for Practitioner's health and wellness

• Learns to move from his/her core, center
• Learns to work slowly, easily and gracefully, and effectively with PetMassage™ body mechanics
• Learns to work with the qualities and dynamics of water to enhance dog's health and wellness