Healing Touch for Dogs: The Proven Massage Program

I purchased the Kindle version to help my year-old pup. He suffers from dysplasia in both hips as well as two knees that dislocate several times a day. Despite his pain, it's sometimes hard to keep him calm enough to introduce a massage. I suggest starting your massage regime while your dog is asleep at first. I found this helped a lot when we were new at it.Pay attention to your dog's breathing. Mine will sigh or let out a big exhale which tells me he likes what I'm doing. We all need positive reinforcement!We've only been at it a couple weeks so I can't advise on whether it is truly helping his pain. I do know that he appreciates the deep muscle massage around the hips, but he's still too tender to exert much pressure. Multiple massages a day is definitely worthwhile - at the very least one in the morning and one at night.I think some of the massage gives him a burning sensation in the muscle because he sometimes tries to lick or nip himself in a particular spot I'm rubbing. When I see that, I give light vigorous rub to the area (I forget the term the author used for this in the book, but he mentions doing it toward the end). I find that it does help alleviate the burn or discomfort that he sometimes gets during his massage, but I do it a second time in the proper order.This is definitely a bonding experience for you both.Two things I wish: 1) I would have found better picture examples helpful in learning where I should be touching; and 2) As much as I LOVE my Kindle, I wish I had purchased the book itself. This is the first reference-type book I have gotten on my Kindle and I find myself having to refer back often (not too easy to do) and have made written notes for myself on what to do when and for how long.Good luck to all your pups. I hope they are feeling better soon!

Compassionate book. It gave me the confidence to massage my dog knowing what everything was that I was touching and how to be sure I wouldn't be hurting him. The very first time I gave him a massage, he absolutely melted with pleasure. He was not alone, I enjoyed it tremendously also. He gets massages often now. I feel the magic of bonding with him across species lines and the thrill of getting to know his body and he to feel my love and caring for him. As I do this with him more, I will better know his body and reactions and be in an ideal position to locate any places he is hurting and how I can best help him heal if he is ill. If you want a strong bond with your dog, this is a great place to learn about doing that. Dr Fox is very compassionate and caring for all animals.

I wish I would have had this book years ago. I had a cocker spaniel that became ill late in life and he eventually died from cancer. I did all the right things... many vet visits, medications, held him & petted him and loved him. I know I was a good pet owner, but I wanted to to be a great pet owner for my best friend and even though I bought him the bed orthopedic bed money could buy, there was a time when I knew he wasn't in pain, but he was just uncomfortable and I felt helpless to help him more. I now have a young, healthy chihuhua and I bought this book because being a good pet owner is easy, but being a great pet owner requires constant learning.

I'm not crazy about the author's writing style. He's a little wordy for me and I found myself skipping over things, because the first several chapters there's tons of details and he talks about himself a lot. That's fine for a biography, but what I was looking for was the something that when straight into how to apply massage to my dog. I don't think everyone is interested into an author's personal story of how or why they got "into it"....meaning their professional field. At least that is my perspective. It would have been fine had he contained it to one short chapter. I have small kids at home and can only squeeze time into reading before I turn out my own light.

I haven't finished book yet but so far it is interesting. It will open pet owners minds on how beneficial massages are for your pet.If you only can afford to buy one book, I highly recommend Four Paws, Five directions as it is much more informative. To me Four Paws is as treasured to me as my pup. Food, massage, exercise are all vital for a dog. Just appreciate God's blessing to us with our pet(s).

I'm so glad I got this book, my dogs love it too.I was thinking of getting the books on accupressure for dogs, but this one contains that informations, plus more. It has terrific tips on how to massage the animal, different kneading motions, my dogs were so relaxed after they get massaged, you can see they're so happy from it.It's a great way to bond with your dog. This book also contains step by step ways to check on your dog, how to check for ailments, and what to look out for.Very good buy! Highly recommended!

This book could have been shortened by half and not lost a thing. The various massage techniques could use added depth, and graphics could be enhanced to assist the layman (and that's who we are) to effectively massage our dogs. If you have experienced a massage personally then you will have a better idea of what the good doctor means in his technique descriptions. If not, I think I would probably check out youtube to improve my ability to do it right. Overall, this isn't a bad book; it is just overly long winded. Start reading at page 60 and then jump back to the brief massage descriptions earlier on.

This is a very interesting book about the different ways to massage the muscles of your dogs. Learn which muscles are connected to what and how to massage them in what direction. Excellent for the lay person to learn and do a professional type of massage on their own dogs. Just remember once you have learned, they will want you to take the time to do it every day.

This little book is easy to read, easy to understand and comes highly recommended. It explains why massage is a good thing and instructs you on HOW to do it. If you buy this book and start massaging your dog, your dog will love you for it! Its a lovely little book, good value for money.

Lovely little bookSpeedy delivery

Good book but sometimes hard to follow

very useful

good book but the massages aren't that easy to follow, maybe my dog is just un co-operative! not bad though