What is the Canine Bowen Technique?
Canine Bowen Technique seeks to offer dogs (and their owners) a gentle, and non-invasive hands-on technique that aims to support and promote the body’s natural ability to heal, relax, and balance.
There is no hard tissue manipulation, no crunching or cracking of joints. The technique uses a gentle ‘rolling’ movement over precise points on the body to stimulate the tissue below (muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia (the bodies connective tissue)).
CBT is a complementary therapy and offers and holistic approach, in other words it ‘addresses the body as a whole, without referral to any named disease or condition’.
Your dog is ALWAYS given the choice if THEY wish to receive CBT. They will always be given the choice and freedom to walk away. I will NEVER force the technique onto a dog.
What is the history of the Canine Bowen Technique
Based on the principles of the Bowen Technique, a human hands-on therapy which was developed in Australia by its creator Tom Bowen (1916-1982).
In 2001, Bowen therapists and dog trainers/behaviourists Sally and Ron Askew adapted the technique to use on dogs alongside their canine behavioural and rehabilitation work.
In 2003 Sally and Ron founded the European Guild of Canine Bowen Therapists to train qualified human Bowen practitioners in a professional and skilled manner and to then regulate their conduct.
Having originally trained with Sally and Ron, Carole Justice Gray first taught CBT with them in 2013, taking over the training completely in 2014.
What happens during a CBT session?
First we will discuss the consultation forms, these will have been emailed or posted to you in advance of the appointment. We will talk about your dog, their history, any medical conditions, loves, hates, as well as about your household and lifestyle and all the information I require to help build the best picture of your dog, this will help me understand their needs.
It is very important that your dog feels comfortable with me and some dogs will benefit time to accept and trust me, so for some dogs this does mean that the first session may just be about us getting to know each other and very little CBT, or even none, may be offered. However, please be assured that this patience is rewarded once the dog trusts me.
Generally, hands-on time will last no more than around 20 minutes, it may be much shorter if your dog decides that they have received enough (there is no correlation to the amount of work received to the benefits that potentially may happen! Often with Bowen, less is more!)
During the session, you may observe a few short breaks, these will often be determined by your dog. Your dog will sometimes walk away or lie down for a brief period whilst their body ‘processes’ the work and may then come back to me asking for more.
Once the session is over you will receive some aftercare advice and know that if you have any questions, you only need to contact me!
(PLEASE NOTE: a CBT appointment can only be booked AFTER I have received the completed Veterinary Confirmation Form.)
Discover what Canine Bowen could do for your dog!
Why?
Conditions which are often seen during a CBT session can include:
- Chronic illness and degenerative disease – to help improve/maintain your dog’s quality of life
- Rescue/re homed dogs – to help with the relaxation of tenseness from previous trauma
- Pre and post surgery – as an aid to reducing recovery times
- Fear-based anxieties – such as thunderstorms or fireworks
- Behavioural problems – brought on by stress-related issues
- Acute injury – minor sprains and strains
- Maintenance – working or agility dogs
CBT can be offered to dogs of all ages, and breeds, ALWAYS alongside and never as a replacement for Veterinary care and attention.
Aiming to promote relaxation, confidence and balance naturally within the body.