Tag Archives: dog massage

Spreading the word about dog massage

Posted on January 16, 2017 | 1 comment

Dog massage??? What???!!!!

I get this fairly often; it doesn’t bother me.

One of the best ways I have found to give dog owners (and their d0gs) a bit of a taste for what I can do for them is to attend public events. This weekend, I participated in the first annual Bark in the Park at Ferrymead Heritage Park. The historic park was opened to dogs and their families to enjoy for the day.

Dogs rodethe trams, had posters printed for them on the authentic printing press, attended a blessing of the animals ceremony and were treated to frozen slushies made with chicken stock. There was a series of guest speakers, including me.

I was consistently busy throughout the day at my stall as dog after dog came to see me for massage. Dogs of all sizes, too!

Here are a few snaps from the day:

Every dog enjoyed their massage and owners were surprised at how quickly their dog relaxed and got into ‘the zone’ (as I call it).

Lesson for the day: don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. If you are a local Canterbury resident who missed out on Bark in the Park, the event is likely to become an annual one. And you can always reach me here at The Balanced Dog to discuss your dog and how massage, laser, trigger point and food therapies can help your dog.

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

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Posted in dog care, Dogs

Tagged Bark in the Park, canine massage, dog massage, dog-friendly events, Ferrymead Heritage Park

All dogs matter

Posted on May 23, 2016 | Leave a comment

All dogs matter

I often get asked ‘what type of dog benefits most from massage and laser?’

People think that a certain breed or size of dog has the most problems. While it is true that some breeds have a higher likelihood of problems due to genetics – obesity or hip dysplasia in Labradors, for example – the reality is that all dogs benefit from touch therapies. That’s purebreds and mixed breeds, toy dogs, medium and large dogs and extra-large dogs.

People also think that you only massage a dog once they are elderly and showing signs of discomfort. While of course you should seek help in these instances, you can keep your dog more flexible in the joints and with good blood flow to the muscles by instituting a regular wellness program that includes massage.

And by regular, I only see some of my clients six- or eight-weekly, because we have their dog responding well to their treatments. They move more freely and comfortably now and only need a ‘top up’ to keep in good shape.

So the other message I have in this post is that your dog’s massage therapy doesn’t have to break your budget. If you get your dog into a regular massage program, you can easily plan for this expense and accommodate it. This is so much better than trying to fund the ‘ambulance at the bottom of the cliff’ approach.

I practice on a mobile basis, and so with lower overheads (no clinic to rent, heat and insure), I pass on these savings to my customers.

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

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Posted in dog care, Dogs

Tagged acupressure, budget, dog massage, laser therapy, low level laser therapy

Bliss

Posted on March 10, 2016 | 3 comments

Koko is one dog who zones out during massage. And it doesn’t take long – like 5 seconds…

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

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Posted in Dogs

Tagged bliss, dog massage, zoned out

The benefits of stretching

Posted on February 23, 2016 | Leave a comment

Vera does her morning yoga (photo by Jenny Hamilton)

I remember watching a yoga video years ago where the instructor described the act of stretching as ‘making space in the joints.’

As a canine massage therapist, I think stretching is essential. It lengthens muscles in a controlled and safe way to ensure good range of motion in the limbs and it helps to maintain blood flow to essential soft tissues.

As our dogs age, or when they are injured, then often need help with stretching (the same is true of people). That’s where professional massage comes in – someone to help warm and stretch the muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Owners can also learn to stretch their dogs; it’s something I include in special massage workshops for greyhound owners. I’ve found that greyhounds, with their sleek builds and racing instinct, often tighten up when in a pet home or when they don’t get regular off-lead exercise.

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

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Posted in dog care, Dogs

Tagged canine massage, dog massage, greyhounds, stretching, yoga

Re-branding and going viral

Posted on January 25, 2016 | Leave a comment

It’s been particularly busy the last few days. I had expected it to be busy – just not this busy.

The planned part of the weekend was my company re-branding. At long last, my business is now The Balanced Dog Ltd – a practice focused on professional dog massage and natural care.

When I started in business in 2007, it was as a maker of preservative-free dog treats and cakes and so the company name of Canine Catering suited…but by 2010, my dog massage practice was growing and it is this aspect of natural dog care that has become my passion.

The new name also reflects my interests in Traditional Chinese Medicine and nutrition. It’s all about balance and health.

But what I didn’t expect this weekend was my first truly viral post on Facebook. A client of mine shared this cartoon with me and it all took off from there:

You see, last month my column about this subject was published in NZ Dog World magazine. I’m increasingly concerned about how people are taking to Facebook for medical diagnosis (instead of seeking professional veterinary care).

It’s okay to seek advice from peers when your dog has a known condition. Support groups for all types of disorders exist on social media; I’ve used them myself.

And I guess a lot of people agree with me – I’ve tripled the number of Facebook likes on my page and have had over 1.5 million views. Not bad for an independent canine massage practitioner from little old New Zealand…

Thanks for reading my blog; I’ve been writing it for five years now and I still enjoy it and the connections I have made with some dedicated dog parents.

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

Oh…and here’s my column about “Dr Facebook” if you’re interested:

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Posted in dog care, Dogs, Uncategorized

Tagged dog massage, Dr Facebook, Facebook, nutrition, responsible dog ownership, This is Jill, Traditional Chinese Medicine, veterinary care

Teaching others the benefits of dog massage

Posted on August 29, 2015 | Leave a comment

Last weekend, I held my first dog massage workshops in five years. These half-day workshops cover my own 12-step relaxation massage sequence for dogs along with the basics of gait analysis, senior dog care and keeping records on lumps and bumps.

Today, I received this text:

“Hi, Coffee and I came to your massage class last weekend and, when we were doing hands on, I noticed a golf-ball sized lump on her. I took her to the vet and they have operated and removed it, so just wanted to say thanks as would not have come across it if it wasn’t for your class.”

I can’t wait to do more workshops on a variety of holistic dog care topics…and I am so happy that Coffee’s lump was found in time – all because of massage.

And here are some photos from the weekend:

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand

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Posted in dog care, Dogs

Tagged bumps, canine massage, dog massage, lumps, supplements

Proud Mum

Posted on August 26, 2015 | Leave a comment

It has been a great week for Izzy (and it’s only Wednesday!).

Over the weekend, she was my ‘demo dog’ at workshops to teach owners how to give their own dogs a relaxation massage. Izzy is very comfortable on my massage table and chose to remain there during the last half of the workshop rather than getting down on the floor…

Izzy relaxes on my massage table during my “Learn Dog Massage” workshop

And then on Monday night, she visited a local scout group so our local coordinator for Greyhounds as Pets could talk about the re-homing of retired greyhounds. Izzy loves children, and soaked up all their love and affection.

I’m so proud!

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand

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Posted in Dogs

Tagged canine massage, Dog, dog massage, Greyhound, greyhounds as pets, Izzy, massage table, relaxation massage, Scouts, workshops

A dog’s perspective of your trip to the vet

Posted on August 14, 2015 | Leave a comment

This is a great video made for veterinary practices – reminding them about the layout and setting they should provide for their dog clients.

I particularly like the reference to stress and the effect it has on recovery time. That is one reason why I recommend massage, done by a professional, when a dog is recovering.

Massage will help to reduce the anxiety and aid blood flow and recovery. I also use acupressure to help clear the anesthetic medications from the dog’s body.

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand

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Posted in dog care, Dogs

Tagged anxiety, dog massage, dog massage therapy, massage, post-operative recovery, vet, veterinarian

Sister Gracie

Posted on October 5, 2013 | Leave a comment

It’s been a bit busy this week, so I haven’t had time to post until now. One reason for the busy week has been that I have appeared in The Press, the Christchurch region’s newspaper. The reporter wanted to know more about dog massage (which of course is a favorite subject of mine). Both Daisy and I are very grateful for the free publicity, which came out of the blue in the form of a phone interview.

The article generated a very special enquiry in the form of an email:

May I ask if Daisy is a Pinerock pointer? I lost my beautiful old lady Gracie in May and this morning I almost fell off my chair to see that face. Even friends have asked how I found the massage worked with Grace. That’s how alike they are – my girl had just turned 13 so they could conceivably be a similar age. Happy to send you a picture if you like.

And so it transpired that I learned more about Daisy’s sister, who lived with another dog named Shamus, who still grieves for her. Indeed, it is eerie to see how much Daisy and Gracie resembled one another. The bloodlines are clearly apparent…