Again it has taken me forever to get back here to write a blog. The first 6 1/2 months of 2016 have been a great success for me. I have been out to several pet expos and have met so many new people. I have been sharing my experiences and my knowledge with all that are interested. 

Over the the last few months I am really learning to pay attention to the little details. As some of you may know, I started this  journey because of my old guy Fozzy. He has spondylosis in his lower back and some narrowing of the vertebrae, which makes movement hard for him some days. I wanted other options for him other then having to always resort to medications. Don't get me wrong, medication is definitely needed but I want to keep it at the lowest dose possible for the longest time. I researched and looked around and of course had some help from a friend, thanks Carolyn, I have pursued my goal and have become certified in canine bodywork.

As my journey continues, I am learning that every dog presents with something different and shows me many different ways of communicating. It is not always something that is so clear and hits you in the face. Sometimes it is something so subtle that you may miss it. My most recent experience with this is with my own dog, Anarchy. She has been my dud dog that will always be in need of physical therapy and different modalities. I am ok with that. She is a great dog and great learning tool for me. 

We were at an agility trial in June and she was just being "strange", which is something that I have been dealing with for a little while now. I was taking all the steps that were needed to help move her past this "strangeness" but nothing was working. She just did not want to come off of the start line when we ran a class. It baffled me. This was something new and I was not sure what was happening. She looked worried so I was convinced that she just did not like the people being behind her. We worked through and carried on. The following week she had no issues. She was a firecracker in class and had no worries in the world. So I chopped it up to, she was worried about the people and it was yet another behavioural issue that I needed to deal with. Two weeks go by and I do not see the behaviour again so I move on. Then we were in a seminar and low and behold the behaviour strikes again. This time showing a little bit more. She was worried and not certain and then it became very clear when she avoided a piece of equipment, that she was in fact painful. I felt terrible. She was trying to tell me earlier that she was uncomfortable but being the dog that she is, she will do anything that I ask. Off to her rehab vet we went the next day and yup she was out of whack. 

The moral of this really long post is, you need to pay attention to what the dogs are telling you. They can't say the words so it is our responsibility to pay attention to the actions and reactions that they provide us. Some dogs will go, go as long as you let them and others know their limits. Take the time to know what your dog is saying and know that if something is "off" then you should probably listen to that and take the next step. 

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Happy New Year to everyone! Yes I am a little slow writing this blog, still trying to figure it out.

Another year has come and gone. It is time to set goals for the new year. Have you set your goals for the year? I have set some goals and will do my best to achieve them. My first goal of the year was to look at more ways to grow my knowledge and training and to find things to add to massage and bodywork. 

I have done my research and found some things that have huge potential for massage and bodywork. Still some more work to do and ways to figure out how to incorporate into the business but it is a step in the right direction.  My newest toy is Canine Light Therapy. Check out the link and see all of the benefits that this great product. I have been trying it out on my 2 the last couple of days and they both really enjoy it. They have both shown great improvements in their problem areas and I am looking forward to seeing what this great product has to offer. It will be part of my sessions going forward and hope that my clients too will see the improvements that I have seen. 

Still more to come, hopefully soon there will be yet another product to add to Active Edge K9 Bodywork!

Second attempt at my blog. Hope you enjoy!

This week in lovely Winnipeg and surrounding areas, we received some of that white fluffy stuff called snow. It wasn't just a little bit of snow, no it was a whooping 15cm all in a 24 hours span!! As the dogs go out the door, I look and see poor Ani, the snow is up to her belly and she can't move, I think to myself, It is days like these that I question my choice to live outside of the city but have all of my appointments in the city. I wouldn't change a thing though, you do become accustomed to it after a while. I wait a day or so before I made my journey into the city for Ani's monthly maintenance, no she is not a car, I do monthly chiropractic and laser on her as she is very hard on her body. Her veterinarian is beginning her assessment and she stops and says "I can't find my landmarks" I laugh and say "we have been working on conditioning lately". She told me that I am doing a great job with program and to keep it up as it is really helping Ani keep herself in good form. With that being said,  it I got me thinking again that I need to tweak my conditioning plan and figure out what I want to accomplish over the winter months. 

Winter is sometimes such a long and drawn out season and we sometimes need to find things to keep us busy. What a better way to keep yourself busy and work your dogs mind and body then with a conditioning program. It is such a great way to build that relationship with your dog. Gives you a chance to really focus on different stretches and core building. Incorporate tricks into your session and it really works the dogs mind. 

I have attached a blog post from Fitpaws USA. It gives you some info as to how to start, what equipment they recommend and some cool videos of the authors dogs. Check it out. Don't feel that you have to run out and get all of the equipment that they recommend, know that you can find things around the house that work or you can find cheaper products. Yes the quality of a cheaper product is not always the best but it will do the job that you are looking for. Tips if you do buy cheaper ones, just make sure nails are trimmed as short as possible as the rubber is not as strong. Search on Amazon and Ebay for items. A Canadian site that offers some of the Fitpaws items is orthocanada. I myself have only purchased a few of the items and the rest I find stuff in the house to use.

Build a program that fits your needs. It doesn't have to be a long session, 5-10 mins is sometimes enough. Figure out what your expectations are and what your a looking to achieve. Do your session, focusing on body form and then work on stretches. It is always important to do gentle stretches to keep the muscles from getting tense and follow with a gentle massage to relax/soften everything again. Conditioning is our friend, don't be afraid to work outside of the box.

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The holiday season is upon us! This is the time to spend with family and friends and taking the time to help others in need. Every little bit helps those in need, whether it is just a simple happy holiday greeting, gift of gratitude or donating your time to help out. Its the simple things in life that make all the difference.

This is my first Christmas season as a canine bodyworker and I must say that this year has been a great start! I have met and worked on so many great dogs and excellent owners. People who know when something is "just not right" and those that just like to spoil their dogs. They have all welcomed me into their homes and have appreciated my work. I want to Thank you all for being part of my first year and hope that we will all see each other again soon. 

From my house to yours, Happy Holidays!