31/ 31 #4 Teaching by regions of the dog's body

TEACHING DOG MASSAGE BY REGIONS OF THE BODY

I have discovered in my teaching that dog owners no almost nothing about their dog’s anatomy. I originally started showing them which muscles connected with what bones, etc. but their eyes glazed over. The strategy that has worked much better is to look at the dog’s body by regions. The four regions I have selected are 1) scapula and back, 2) head and neck 3) hindquarters and 4) legs, belly and sides. I teach a four session basic course at the moment focusing on a major landmark or two in each of these four regions. I find that starting with the scapula has clear and easy results because everyone can pretty well find the scapula and outline it as part of the massage protocol. The dogs generally like this a lot also. Then the owners can see how the muscles connecting to the scapula affect leg extension and retraction and they can both see and feel this as a reality. I even like to get more granular if possible and have them feel the spine of the scapula. Most owners find this interesting as their sensitivity increases. What is even more wonderful is that the dogs tune into this exploration and become interested themselves.” Hmmm, they think, my owner never did this before”.  I also like to show how the longissimus muscle fits into the picture and begin showing the basic massage techniques on that long and wonderful muscle. It gives us a chance to talk about the importance of spine flexion, exercise and general overall dog health. The basic techniques of effleurage (which I call gliding) or petrissage (which I call kneading or perhaps circling) can be practiced very well on this long muscle.