The Treatment

CBT is a partnership between your dog, you as the carer/owner, and me as the therapist.
As we want to create a calm positive experience for your dog, it is best to arrange a CBT session for your dog when he/she is likely to be the most relaxed and not expecting to go out for a walk or to be fed.

Consultation

A typical first consultation can last up to an hour. Your dog may initially be nervous, and sometimes the first session will focus on building and establishing a relationship possibly with no hands on therapy. A consultation form is given or will be sent for you to complete before the session. Please take time to fill in the form and give as much information as possible. This, and chatting with you about your dog, helps me to build a picture of his/her lifestyle and habits.

In an assessment it is often helpful to watch the dog move, walk, turn or run, but this may not be appropriate for some dogs. The welfare of the dog is paramount, and he/she will never be asked to do anything that maybe uncomfortable or that they may be reluctant to do.

Before any 'moves' are made I will run may hands over the dog's body so he/she can get used to my touch and also to allow me to make further observations.

The Treatment itself

The small rolling type 'moves' are made in a gentle intentional manner whilst watching and feeling for any reactions by the dog. During or just after the move has been made some common reactions are; a change in breathing pattern, twitching/moving of the skin, turning to look at, licking or nibbling the area treated.

Once they are familiar with me and CBT, your dog will often position itself ready for treatment. An important part of CBT is in listening to the dog if he or she clearly presents a part of the body then this is the area that I work on. The idea that 'the dog knows best' is a major part of CBT.

The actual hands-on part of the session will usually last no more than 20 minutes.
During this time, there will be short breaks to allow your dog to absorb the information given by the CBT moves. Dogs are generally very in-tune with their bodies, and instinctively know when to take a break and when to come back for more.

Often, after a few moves, your dog may stretch, walk around, stare blankly into space, or go for a lie-down; it is common for them to rest in-between moves during a session.

Your dog will dictate the amount of CBT that he/she receives. Even after just a couple of moves your dog may indicate that this is all they need – their wishes are respected at all times.

Even just a couple of Bowen moves can have a profound effect the saying 'less is more' is often very true in relation to a CBT session.

Often only 1 or 2 treatments are all that's required to achieve a noticeable change. Some dogs, especially the elderly, those with chronic conditions or active working dogs may also benefit from regular maintenance treatments.