Bev - Canine Therapy

08/10/2023

We tend to rush dogs through life, and never really give them the chance to make their own choices, or observe something for long enough to understand it.

Just slowing down and letting them be still, is good for them and for us.

Remember: ensure they have enough space to feel safe.

10/09/2023

“There’s a common misconception that by acknowledging our dog's fears or anxiety, we end up "reinforcing" the behaviours. It is also said that it makes them weak and they need to toughen up (much like it's told about humans). But here's where this theory doesn't work.

Dogs don't just learn from rewards and punishments. That's just ONE way of learning, like in humans. There's motivational learning, learning by cognition, observational learning. The other critical part is that most often fear, panic, and anxiety responses aren't voluntary responses. They're not rational, thought out - they are subsconcious and triggered by survival mechanisms of an individual. it's very unlikely that your dog, in anticipation of a reward (like receiving attention), is going to choose to be fearful of something. Or even on the flip side, your dog won't even think "if I become fearful, my human isnt going to give me attention, so let me not be fearful. They may mask the expression of fear and anxiety but the emotionas are so inherent that it's hard to condition those.

Instead, when we acknowledge our dogs' fear and anxiety, we can provide them with a safe space. A space where they can authentically express their feelings, even if they are unpleasant or uncomfortable for us. In some cases, we can take them from a distressing situation; sometimes, we can sit with them and be close in case they need us. Either way it helps them recognise that they are not alone, that we see that this is hard for them and ultimately, we all want to be seen, especially in moments that make use feel extremely vulnerable.

So please go ahead and reassure your dog, comfort them, acknowledge that it is hard and scary and show them that they can rely on you for safety and support.”

Sowjanya & Zoey ❤️



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If you want to learn more about the BHARCS way, sign up for Canine Essentials 101 at courses.bharcs.com

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Sowjanya is the first BHARCS graduate with a BACBED diploma. She runs the lovely Dog Pawmise and offers 1:1 consultations across the globe. You can reach out to her at and know more about her work, details

04/08/2023

04/08/2023

28/03/2023

When we start working with dogs, one of the first things we do is to work on calming then down. Over-arousal is at the root of a lot of behavioural issues. Over-aroused dogs are unable to use their cognitive powers to deal with things like anxiety. So the first thing for us, is always to calm the dog down and then look closer at what else may be going on. But most times, just calming them down does the trick. Calming dogs down is not a training issue. Calmness is not a trained behaviour, but a state of mind and we achieve that with lifestyle changes. Once we calm them down, often dogs show remarkable ability to deal with most things that come their way. With a little reassurance and building of secure attachments, the dogs do a 180 and poof...all conflict disappear...at least, in most cases. This is the BHARCS way.


https://courses.bharcs.com/

28/03/2023

Puppy exercise; the importance of it is talked about a lot but do we really understand the full impact?This recording is from a live webinar which discusses ...

06/03/2023

At Galen Myotherapy we give dogs the freedom to move around during treatment so they have time to think about the treatment which is being offered to them. For this reason treatment will always take place on the floor or on a low level, where a dog is most comfortable and can move away from the treatment area whenever they like.

We do not use treats or voice cues to instruct a dog’s behaviour therefore the balance of the first treatment can be orientated more towards trust building. This allows the dog autonomy within a Galen Myotherapy environment so they are an active participant within their own treatment.

A relaxed dog is much more receptive to hands-on therapy allowing a more comprehensive treatment.

Learn how to massage your dog at home using the principles of Positive PACT with our online course ‘Introduction to Canine Massage & Visual Assessment’. https://www.galenmyotherapy.com//product-page/introduction-to-canine-massage-and-visual-assessment

01/03/2023

The relationship between guardian, dog and therapist is important within a dog's treatment experience to ensure they feel happy, safe and comfortable.

A relaxed dog is much more receptive to hands-on therapy allowing a more comprehensive treatment. This environment enables the dog to give feedback to the therapist and guardian about areas of their body which they feel are uncomfortable. This gives greater insight into the dog’s perception of their own pain and discomfort. Helping to inform the therapist and guardian on how best to support their dog’s treatment and ongoing rehabilitation at home.

Find out how working with a Galen Myotherapist can help your dog here: https://www.galenmyotherapy.com/help-your-dog

02/02/2023

Dogs need environments that are compatible
with their physical and behavioural needs to enjoy good
mental and physical health.

27/01/2023

Stretching has many meanings for dogs, but it can also be used as an indication of their physical health? This blog will help you learn how.

21/01/2023

Welcome to my Galen Myotherapy page!
Galen myotherapy is a massage and rehabilitation therapy for dogs which aids with musculoskeletal issues and helps with pain relief. The treatment process starts with an indepth postural assessment which indicates areas of discomfort and informs the treatment plan. I will complete 3 treatments with your dog in your own home, following vet consent, and share techniques with you to use between treatments. We can also talk about any environmental changes and activities which may benefit your dog. On completion of the initial treatments a report will be sent to your dogs vet. Treatments are choice led by your dog and take place on the floor or where they feel most comfortable. They will have freedom of movement at all times during the treatment.
For more information about Galen myoptherapy please feel free to take a look at the Galen Myotherapy website : https://www.galenmyotherapy.com/about
Please contact me with any questions with no obligation. I am unable to answer messages when working but will always get back to you as soon as I can.

Galen Myotherapy is a canine massage and exercise rehabilitation therapy. It improves joint and muscle health, aids the rehabilitation of dogs with musculoskeletal issues and can relieve pain.

17/01/2023