You love it, so why not treat your best friend to one as well? Massage is a fabulous way to connect to your animal and can become part of a daily ritual for both of you. It can also give you greater awareness of your animal and clue you in on any changes or developments in his or her body before they become serious health issues.

There are many different techniques of massage and because it is not a precise science, you can relax and be confident that you are doing Fido some good. Charlie and I do different massage techniques in class, but I also like to begin and end grooming sessions with massage so my dogs associate pleasure with teeth brushing and ear cleaning, too.

Where to Start

Begin massage at the head and neck area using the flat side of your hand in long sweeping strokes. This will signal to your animal the start of a session and will increase their circulation and body awareness. Work your hand all the way down the spine. You will be stimulating the longest meridian, or energy pathway, of the body. Massage along both sides of the neck, continuing between the shoulder blades and running on either side of the spine all the way down the hind legs and to the base of the tail. Don't forget to continue the massage all the way to the tip of the tail, which is the end of the spine.

Not Too Hard and Not Too Soft

Trust that your dog will tell you what he or she prefers. Usually if a touch is too hard, or they are sensitive in a certain area, the dog will move away from the touch. Respect what your dog is telling you and ease up, or perhaps now is not the time for your pet to be massaged. Conversely, you will know when a touch is too light and you may even experience your dog leaning into you to get more pressure in a certain area.

Ears are a wonderful place to massage on your dog as they have so many pressure points. You want to start at the base of the ear and work toward the tip. You can place the ear between your thumb and index finger and applying a gentle pressure, rub in small circular motions and then slide your fingers down an inch and repeat. This touch is very calming to dogs and I recommend performing it before doing anything that your dog may find anxiety provoking, such as a visit to the vet or traveling.

Pay attention to your own breath as you perform the massage and keep your inhalations and exhalations even, deep and rhythmic. You will also be absorbing the benefits of the massage by lowering your own blood pressure and heart rate.

Let Your Fingers Do the Talking

If your pet has specific physical ailments or behavioral problems, he or she may need more focused fingers. Acupressure is like acupuncture, but using fingers instead of needles. Pressure is applied on the skin's surface along acupoints that are part of the meridians, or energy pathways, along the animal's body. These points also correspond with specific organs and emotions. Acupressure can be the perfect treatment for certain musculoskeletal conditions because it regulates and directs, or redirects, energy flow in the body to help disperse pain and strengthen muscles, bones and organs.

One sweet spot that energizes most dogs is called "stomach 36" and is found on the outside of the back leg just below the knee in the belly of the muscle. You can stimulate this point with gentle pressure using the fingers.

By keeping the energy flowing and balanced, acupressure is also a great way to maintain good health and to prevent disease. Pet acupressure and massage benefit humans as much as animals. The intimate contact and exchange of energy between person and pet is a wonderful way to establish closeness and build trust. Both you and your animal will enjoy a greater sense of well-being and relaxation.