31 blogs #2 - "Settling"

Just to be clear, I am working with dogs, not humans and there is a very big difference in massaging dogs and humans. For humans, you simply ask them to settle in, relax, roll over etc. For dogs, and especially dogs I don't know and who have never had a massage, settling in is a big deal. In fact, you could say, it is the gateway to a deeper experience. So my first goal with any dog I massage, even ones I have done before is to see if they will settle. That usually means they will get themselves comfortable either sitting, leaning against me, or best of all lying down comfortably. For an owner to watch this process is usually educational and entertaining, sometimes even magical if their dog finds it difficutl to relax or settle. I like to begin the settling process quietly, hanging out with the dog, letting my own breathing deepen and relax and simply noticing the dog's behavior. Simply things like moving towards me, moving way, soft eyes, general look of the body are all helpful signs and owners like this process very much as they really observe their dogs in detail. I work on the basis that "everything" the dog does is a form of communication and my job is to listen. Depending on the situation, I usually place my hand on the dog's back or scapula and let it rest their a bit to see what happens. At this point, whatever the dog does is furthering our communication. If and when the dog settles, I proceed with the massage.