Clean Run - February 2016 - 61

the lymphatic system, respiratory system,
skeletal system (without force), and the
integumentary system (skin).
Other advantages to massage are
increased performance, emotional
calming from stress, anxiety, and depression, increased trust and mood elevation, reversed muscle atrophy from
inactivity or disuse, rehabilitation assistance after surgeries and other traumas, and relief from the chronic pain
and discomfort of age-related problems
through endorphin release.

Look for Certified Practioners
I have years of experience working with
my dogs in the sport of agility, including helping to organize the Agility Association of Canada's (AAC) inaugural
National Championships at Spruce
Meadows in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
As a certified, canine massage practitioner, I worked at the AAC National

Championships at Leduc, Alberta, Canada, in August 2013, where I helped to
transform dogs through various means,
from working out strained muscles to
helping heal mental anxiety. I take great
pride and pleasure in seeing a dog go
from sad, injured, and timid to happy,
pain-free, and self-assured. Coursework and practicums prepared me to
understand canine behaviour, anatomy,
physiology, kinesiology, and deep tissue
massage techniques, but it is the experience of working with dogs in my own
practice where I truly see the benefits of
massage. Any time that I can help prevent injuries, relieve pain from competition or provide therapeutic relaxation
for our beloved companions, makes me
proud to do the work that I do.
As rules and legislations about canine
massage therapy become more structured
and regulated in North America, dog owners can seek out certified canine massage

practitioners to provide a safe, natural
way of maintaining their dog's health.
And as sports, like agility, continue to
gain popularity, it is comforting to know
that injuries to canine athletes can be prevented, and at the very least, repaired in a
non-invasive, therapeutic manner.
Note: Canine massage therapy should
not be used as a substitute for veterinary
medical care. However, when used in
conjunction with medical care, it will
not only help to maintain the health and
wellness of your dog, but it can promote
shortened recovery from illness, injury
or surgery as well.
"He is your friend, your partner, your
defender, your dog. You are his life, his
love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such
devotion." -Unknown D

Valerie Black is a certified canine massage practitioner, having graduated from the Northwest School of Animal Massage in Vashon, Washington. She holds certifications
in Maintenance, Performance (Sports and Other Related Disciplines), and Rehabilitation massage, as well as specializations in Trigger Point Therapy, Stress Point Therapy,
Myofascial Release Therapy and Manual Ligament Therapy. Valerie lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and is the owner/operator of Pawsitive Touch Canine Massage.

Why this DVD?
Because it's only fair that if you're
going to train your dog's mind to
focus and work optimally, you
should do the same for yourself.
Getting rid of YOUR mindset
gremlins can have a big impact
on your dog's performance.

WWW.CLEANRUN.COM
February 16 | Clean Run

http://WWW.CLEANRUN.COM

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run - February 2016