How to Deal with Uncooperative Dogs During a Bodywork Session

Jul 9, 20243 min read

If you are a canine massage therapist or student, you have likely had to deal with uncooperative dogs while trying to perform therapeutic massage and bodywork. This article will provide you with some suggestions to enable you to complete the session.

The Hyper Dog

Dealing with a dog that won't stay still? This can be extremely challenging for a massage therapist.

Pre-session Exercise

Have the owner exercise the dog before the session. Depending on the dog's energy level and any injuries present, this could consist of anything from going on a short walk to going on a long jog. Make sure you recommend a pre-session exercise that is appropriate for that particular dog.

Shorter Session Lengths

Hyper dogs usually also have shorter attention spans. Be sure to make your treatment sessions shorter with these dogs and utilize massage techniques that require shorter durations.

Take Breaks

If you notice that the dog is getting restless, take breaks through out the session. Allow the dog to move around the room or go outside for a few minutes and then continue with the session. Not only does this give them a break mentally, but it also gives their body time to process the work being done physically before going deeper.

Utilize Relaxing Techniques

Utilize techniques such as acupressure (specific acupoints can help calm the dog), swedish relaxation massage and craniosacral therapy at the beginning of the session to promote relaxation. Once the dog is relaxed and enjoying the session, you can then incorporate other forms of massage and bodywork that they may have been apprehensive to initially.

The Aggressive Dog

Aggressive dogs are not only frustrating to try to work on, but they can be dangerous as well. Always make sure to use proper precautions such as muzzles and restraints when working on aggressive dogs. Here are some additional suggestions.

Walk the Dog

I have found that when I personally take an aggressive dog for a walk and work on our relationship during the walk (don't allow the dog to pull you, but rather have them walk calmly along side you, looking to you for guidance), it can completely change their behavior and allow me to work on them without any issues. It may take time to accomplish this, so plan to add an additional hour or so to your treatment scheduled time.

Removing the Owner

Some dogs are aggressive when their owner is present because they feel protective of the owner or they may be picking up on emotions and concerns that the owner is projecting. Removing the owner from the room can often solve this problem and allow the dog to relax and enjoy the session.

Energy Healing

Utilizing forms of energy healing, such as Reiki, can allow you to start a session without having to touch or get close to the dog. Many times once the dog begins receiving the Reiki energy, they will calm down and allow you to begin using hands on techniques.

Have Many Tools in Your Toolbox

Being able to provide client's dogs with an array of different techniques can allow you to find the technique that will work best for that particular dog. Some dogs will enjoy hands on massages, while others will prefer less invasive forms of treatment such as craniosacral therapy, reiki and kinesiology tape. Having a lot of "tools" (modalities) in your "toolbox" can allow you to provide each dog with the best individual care possible.