Along with her passion for dogs, owner of Absolute Canine, Sarah-Jane, has developed a career following many years of dedicated study and a desire to learn more about our wonderful canine companions. Apart from offering dog grooming for small to medium sized dogs, catering for nervous or older dogs who need more patience and assistance when being groomed, undertaken in a dedicated ‘grooming room’ within her home environment, Sarah-Jane qualified Canine Merishia Massage Practitioner, Rehabilitation Therapist, Canine Kinesiology Taping Practitioner and a Canine Arthritis Management Advocate.
Just like their human owners, dogs also benefit from being massaged. Research shows that there are both physical and mental benefits for your dog as a result of touch. Dogs can suffer issues such as:
- Pulling on a lead/harness (stiff neck/back).
- Jumping into and out of a car/on and off the sofa or bed (stiff neck/back).
- Muscle weakness in older age.
- Musculoskeletal conditions which can cause restricted movement.
- Overexertion and ball chasing.
- Being uncomfortable after a slip or fall.
Canine massage not only works the muscular system but also benefits the cardiovascular, lymphatic, nervous, skin, respiratory and digestive systems in the canine body. Dogs have 700 muscles and these muscles, joints, ligaments and bones all work together to produce movement. Dogs use their forelegs for direction and shock absorption and their hindlegs for propulsion.
Common canine conditions where massage can help include:
- Essential muscular wellness throughout life.
- Arthritis.
- Obesity.
- Relaxation for nervous dogs.
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia.
- Luxating Patella.
- Intervertebral disc disease and many other conditions.
To help owners learn more about Swedish Massage techniques and lots more with their dogs, Sarah-Jane runs informal and enjoyable workshops. The prescribed massage therapy helps release endorphins in a dog’s system which can help reduce pain whilst helping both their mental and physical well-being. Therapy can also prevent tight muscles and joint stiffness which causes pain whilst delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues, helping to improve their blood circulation.
The workshops also help give comfort and relief to dogs suffering from arthritis. Unfortunately, 80% of dogs over the age of 8 years are likely to suffer from arthritis whilst some dogs also suffer from this painful and chronic condition from a young age.
The workshops cover:
- Basic canine anatomy.
- Canine Body Language so you can understand more about how your dog is feeling, as dogs are exceptionally good at hiding discomfort and pain.
- Swedish Massage Techniques.
- How to help prevent injuries in future as well as how to make your dog’s home environment easier to negotiate to help improve their quality of lie.
The workshops last 2.5/3 hours, are held indoors at West Challow Village Hall, near to Wantage. Class numbers are restricted to a maximum of six and the cost is £45.
Another great low impact activity for both dogs and their owners is the participation in Dog Parkour. This activity was established around 8 years ago and is a fabulous way for owners and their dogs to have fun, whilst your dog can build confidence and learn new skills. As dogs love to learn, this also gives them lots of mental stimulation.
Sarah-Jane runs Dog Parkour workshops for adults dog and also Puppy Parkour classes for any breed of dog, small or large. Dogs benefit hugely from participation as it helps build their self-esteem, increase their spatial awareness and helps with flexibility and joint health. Dogs enjoy climbing, balancing, crawling and jumping as they navigate their way through the surrounding environment.
One of the great aspects of Dog Parkour is that, unlike many other dog activities, Parkour does not require any specialised equipment. Owners can have fun with their dog using safe obstacles found in the home, garden or whilst out on walks.
After the introductory Dog Parkour course, dogs and owners can work towards the Dog Parkour UK Titles, which are completed in different environments. Each level adds new things to learn, e.g. balance, over, back-up, round and send to obstacle.
To find out more about Absolute Canine and how to book grooming, workshops and Dog Parkour, please visit absolutelycanine.co.uk
