Barking Needs

06/01/2025

Clinical Canine Massage can help to keep your dog in tip-top condition, so that they can live their life to the full! 🐾

As a Canine Massage Guild Therapist, I utilise the disciplines of Swedish, Sports, Deep Tissue and Myofascial Release. Most significantly, I’m trained in the unique Lenton Method™ - the use of Advanced Palpation Skills, Body Mapping and The 7 Protocols which is a set of direct myofascial releases.

Canine Massage Therapy addresses the whole body so not only are areas of issue managed, but also over compensatory issues.

Contact me via messenger or email for more information about pre-season check-ups and maintenance treatments (veterinary consent is required). Based in Rhydlewis, Ceredigion.

18/12/2024

Vote for Dara and Quince's sister, Fliss (Trinny's Sauntie)😮

Click 😮 on the original post to vote 👍

CLOSED

It's nearly time to reveal who's at the top of our nice list this year...

But until then, who do you think is the nicest boy or girl? Vote now 🙌

But will Gabi Johnson's, Rio Lottie and Margo's Adventures, Lorna Hayes', or Charlotte O'Dell's pup take the win?

Please be aware that winners of this competition will be announced in a separate post and will only be contacted directly by Earth Animal UK. Winners will not be asked to provide credit card or any other financial information to claim their prize.

06/12/2024

29/11/2024

Gorgeous George came to visit us recently after eating a mince pie- unfortunately for George, mince pies contain raisins which are toxic to dogs, even in small quantities!
Luckily, George's owner brought him straight down to us and we were able to give him an injection to make him sick. Thankfully George has made a full recovery and is back to his normal bouncy self!
Raisins, sultanas and grapes are the key ingredients to many festive treats such as mince pies and christmas pudding. However, these ingredients can be highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.
Consumption can lead to kidney failure, which can be life threatening. Symptoms to watch out for include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain.
*If your pet ingests something they shouldn't, it's important to seek veterinary advise immediately *

20/11/2024

Warm those precious dogs up folks! 🐾🐾🐾

Great article from Kathryn Stickney 👏

🐶 Canine research is a little lacking around warming up (and cooling down) but if we look to human research there is evidence that an active and dynamic warm up can reduce injury risk and improve performance.

⏰ All warm ups should build steadily with an optimal time of around 10 minutes, however when there are factors such as colder weather and being crated for long periods are involved, the warm up should build more gradually and last longer.

❗️Simply tugging with your dog on the way into the arena or playing ball/toy chasing is not an adequate way to warm up your dog.

Factors that will change how you warm up

- Injuries or weaknesses (be guided by your therapist)
- The sport
- Level of performance required
- Weather
- Type of skill being trained
- Dogs age, breed, structure etc

Warm ups do not need to be complicated, an example routine is below;

🚶🏼1 - 2 minutes Walking continuously then progressing into a trot
⭕️2 minute Circle work incorporating handling and turns
🤼‍♀️30 seconds - 1 minute Toy play (not ball throwing)
💃🏼 30 seconds - 1 minute Turns on the flat
🏃🏼‍♀️‍➡️ 30 seconds - 1 minute Sit-down-sprint
🤸🏽‍♂️1 - 2 minutes Sport and dog specific dynamic exerises
⬆️ 1 Jump practice incorporating some handling

🧘The warm up should prepare your dog both physically and mentally for the work they are about to do. At the end of your warm up your dog should be adequately warm plus focused and ready to work, they should not be fatigued or over aroused.

20/11/2024

Join Us This January for a 4-Week Online Canine Massage Course!

Ready to strengthen your bond with your dog while learning skills that will truly make a difference to their well-being? Our friendly, interactive online course kicks off in January, and we’d love for you to join us!

This isn’t just about massage—it’s about connection. You’ll learn a variety of easy-to-follow techniques, tailored to meet your dog’s unique needs. Along the way, I’ll guide you to understand where you might be going wrong and how to get it just right, ensuring your dog gets the tailored care they deserve.

Spoiler Alert: Your dog doesn’t have to lie down to benefit from massage! Dogs are clever communicators—they’ll show you the areas they need help with (and sometimes the ones they’re not quite ready to share). I'll teach you how to read these cues and work with your dog’s body language to provide a gentle, effective, and empowering therapy.

I bring nearly 20 years of experience in the canine massage industry, as a pioneer, course developer, and founder of the world’s largest canine massage association. Thousands of dog lovers worldwide have already benefited from my courses and teachings—and now it’s your turn!

Joining me (and my trusty sidekick, Lyra, my 8-year-old Collie X Terrier) means you’ll get so much more than a few massage techniques. This course will deepen your understanding, strengthen your bond, and give you the tools to care for your dog in ways you never thought possible.

✨ Spaces are limited, so book today! It also makes a thoughtful, unique gift for the dog lover in your life.

Let’s make January a month of connection, learning, and love—one paw at a time. 💛

Click below to book
https://www.k9-massage.co.uk/shop/workshops-seminars-cpd-cat/beginners-massage-workshops/beginners-guide-to-canine-massage-online/

26/09/2024

22/08/2024

20/08/2024

07/08/2024

Muscles pull on bones to create movement, and when arthritis is present, the joint has to recruit extra support of muscles which leads to your dog offloading, overcompensating on other limbs, primary as well as secondary areas of muscular and myofascial pain, and habitual patterns of tension throughout the whole body

So it's not just the joint thats affected.
It's your dog's whole body.
We can help.
Locate your local therapist on the official Canine Massage Guild Therapist Register Today
www.k9massageguild.co.uk

28/02/2024

*** FREE DOWNLOAD!!*** "How do I know if Canine Massage therapy may help my dog?

*** FREE DOWNLOAD!!*** "How do I know if Canine Massage therapy may help my dog?".

We're glad you asked because we've got just the thing! Did you know that there's a really easy way to find out if your dog could be helped with canine massage therapy? Just click the link and you can download 'The 5 Principles of Pain' PDF, free, now! https://bit.ly/3OW5Q4T

* The 5 Principles of Pain was developed by our founder a few
years ago to help dog owners recognise clinical and sub-
clinical signs of pain that can be managed or resolved with the
Lenton Method® of canine massage therapy.

* It consists of 5 categories that breakdown indicators that
canine massage may be a viable therapy for your dog.

* The 5 Principles of Pain can also be used to track the
outcomes, or improvements in your dog, that you see from our
therapy too

* Our method tends to work pretty quickly, usually within 1-3
sessions according to the research by Wi******er University as
published in the Vet Record by the British Veterinary
Association. And if there's no change, we don't continue to
treat. Your dog is our No. 1 priority.

* Share this with your family and friends, it may be just the thing
that helps their dog

* Our therapy is affordable and can also be claimed via PetPlan
and other insurers

* Our ethical approach has positively changed the lives of
thousands of dogs across the world. So, if you are considering
our affordable, results driven therapy for your dog, download
the '5 Principles of Pain' guide and use our therapist register to
find your local therapist today!

https://www.k9-massageguild.co.uk/therapistregister/

25/01/2024

Clinical Canine Massage can help to keep your sporting and show dogs in top condition!

As a Canine Massage Guild Therapist, I utilise the disciplines of Swedish, Sports, Deep Tissue and Myofascial Release. Most significantly, I’m trained in the unique Lenton Method™ - the use of Advanced Palpation Skills, Body Mapping and The 7 Protocols which is a set of direct myofascial releases.

Canine Massage Therapy addresses the whole body so not only is the area of issue managed but also over compensatory issues.

Contact me via messenger or email for more information about pre-season check-ups and treatments (veterinary consent is required).

31/12/2023

Happy New Year! 🎉🐾

19/09/2023

I am pleased to say that Barking Needs is now a full member of The International Association of Animal Therapists (IAAT)