December 2025 Canine Newsletter

Hi Everyone,

'Tis the Season to be Jolly!

'Tis the season to be jolly, and somehow the end of the year is already staring us down. Every December brings that same moment of surprise. How did this year slip by even faster than the last?

And if I am being honest, the pace of life makes aging feel a little more noticeable. It shows up in small ways. A stiff knee here, a slower morning there. What catches the heart even more is watching those changes in the dogs we love. My rescue, Nellie, has started to slow down, and seeing her age feels heavier than noticing my own.

Anyone who lives with an older dog knows how these shifts show up quietly. Nellie sometimes pauses before jumping onto the couch. She sleeps a bit deeper. She gives me that soft look that says she wants help but is not sure how to ask.

This is where the Masterson Method has become a gift. It gives me something real to offer her. Something she can feel right away. With gentle touch and stillness, she shows me exactly where she is holding tension. And when she releases it, even in tiny ways, it feels like I’m giving her a little piece of ease back.

Working with a light touch and quiet patience, I can pay attention to every small sign she gives. When her eyes soften, when she give me a large yawn of release, it feels like I am helping her to stay young, or at least, as young as she can. Senior dogs respond deeply to this kind of work because nothing is forced. Their body sets the pace, and their comfort guides the session.

The shift afterward is often subtle but powerful. Nellie moves with a little more ease, rests with more comfort, and carries less of the tension that age tends to pile on.

Using these methods on an older dog is not just bodywork. It is a way to show up for them in a stage of life when presence matters most.

So watch Jim as he works on JoJo (who happily lives with Weda, our accountant). Weda always knows when JoJo is sore as he starts to skip behind when they are on their walk.

From Jim: "We haven't met an old dog yet that doesn't have a lot of tension in the lower back and hind end."

The next time we see each other, we will all (potentially) be a year older. And one last thought about the Christmas holiday:

Dogs Think Christmas Morning Is Enrichment Day

Tearing gift wrap, sniffing stockings, and following the smell of treats is the canine equivalent of a puzzle-toy marathon. Many trainers actually recommend letting dogs “help” open gifts, because the sound and scent work the brain in healthy ways.

Enjoy your Holidays!

See you "around the corner and into the New Year!"

From our hearts to yours,

Conley & Jim

Hold, Wait and Melt Technique:

 Helping Your Older Dog Let Go of Tension

Hold, Wait, and Melt: Helping Your Older Dog Let Go of Tension

When dogs get older, they don’t just get stiff, they also get very good at hiding how much they’re compensating. One of the simplest, most powerful things you can do for an aging dog is the Hold, Wait, and Melt technique.

Here’s how I think of it when I am working on an older dog: I place my hand lightly on an area that tends to hold tension, maybe the poll, neck, or along the back, and then I do…well...nothing. I just wait. I soften my hand, soften my attention, and let the dog tell me what’s happening.

You’ll often see small signs at first: a blink, a change in breathing, a tiny lick and chew. If you stay with it, you may feel the tissue under your hand start to soften or “melt.” That’s the dog’s nervous system letting go, not you forcing anything.

For older dogs, that’s the key. We’re not putting any pressure on sore joints or asking for big movements. We’re giving their body a chance to release tension in a way that feels safe, respectful, and deeply relaxing. A few minutes at a time can make a big difference in how comfortably they move and rest.

Purpose: To release tension in areas where the dog is guarding, bracing, or unable to let go on its own.

Steps:

• Hold
• Place a soft hand or fingers on the area of tension.
• Move slowly in the area until you notice a blink or change of behavior.
• Stop. Do not push or search. Simply make contact.
• Stay quiet and relaxed so the dog can stay relaxed too.
• Wait
• Stay with the light contact and give the dog time to process it.
• Watch for small responses: licking, shifting weight, softening their breath.
• Allow the dog to guide the pace.
• This stage may take several seconds to a minute.
• Melt
• As the dog begins to let go, lighten your touch even more.
• Follow the softening in the tissue rather than directing it.
• The “melt” happens when the dog releases the tension on their own.
• Keep your body relaxed so the dog can continue releasing safely.

What it supports:

• Deeper parasympathetic relaxation
• Loosening of chronic tension
• Trust between dog and practitioner
• Improved mobility and comfort

(See Beyond Dog Massage pages 93 and 126).

Everyone Loves Fergus!

I know what you’re thinking… “That’s a horse, not a dog.” And you’re absolutely right! That handsome equine is none other than World-Famous Fergus, enjoying Masterson Method bodywork from Jim himself (check out the lower right-hand corner of the cover!)

But don’t worry, this book has something for you too. Flip to the back pages and you’ll spot a couple of pups sneaking in for their own moment in the spotlight. It’s a heartwarming, joyful read, and a perfect gift for the animal lovers in your life.

A Cheerful Bit of Christmas Lore

Since we’re deep in the Holiday Season, here’s something to add a smile: long before social media gave us endless photos of dogs in sweaters, the Victorians were already doing it. Many of their Christmas cards featured dogs in little hats, scarves, or even full outfits. They used dogs as symbols of loyalty, warmth, and steady companionship, especially during the winter months.

And even earlier than that, some old European folktales describe the shepherd’s dog as the first animal to sit beside the manger, offering warmth during the night.

Whether or not the legend is true, the idea has stayed alive for generations. It fits the way dogs move quietly through our lives… steady, comforting, and always right there when we need them.

It’s a gentle reminder, as we wrap up the year, that dogs have always been part of our celebrations. They make the season brighter without even trying.

Hurry ...... Black Friday Sale - On NOW!

From November 24th to Thursday, December 4th, we'll be offering 20% off the price of the book, so you (or gifted to a friend) can enjoy the benefits of the Masterson Method techniques and save money.

And as a reminder, it's more than a book. The QR codes with each technique take you to videos of Jim demonstrating on a dog. A book and video in one!

Don't wait to receive yours. Already have it on your bookshelf? Start your Christmas shopping early and pick up a copy for a friend!

"It's a great visual breakdown of different massage techniques and skills and their uses. Beyond helping my two rescue cases, I've started using several of these methods with my other dogs, who suffer from reactivity and anxiety.....I cannot recommend this enough!"

Amazon Review

From The Masterson Method Canine Bodywork Facebook Page, "Why Wednesday"

Question:

My Dachshund is entering his senior years, and I’m concerned because I’ve heard that this breed can have back issues. Can The Masterson Method help prevent them?

Answer:

Dachshunds are indeed prone to back problems, so it’s a great idea to start using The Masterson Method bodywork with your dog. The techniques outlined in the Beyond Dog Massage book may help prevent back issues or reduce their severity if they arise later on.

One technique that can benefit your dog's spine and surrounding tissues is the Lateral Body Rocking Technique. The goal of this technique is to create a gentle, rhythmic, side-to-side movement that allows the vertebrae of the dog’s spine to move slightly while the body is in a completely relaxed state. Ideally, your dog should be lying down for optimal relaxation of the spine. In this position, you’ll use both the front and hind ends of the body to create a rocking motion around a central point.

Here’s How To Do It:

1. Position yourself next to or behind your dog.

2. Place one hand on the trunk behind your dog’s shoulder.

3. Place your other hand on the opposite side near the pelvis or rump.

4. Gently rock your dog’s body side to side, as demonstrated by Jim Masterson in the video.

5. Once you establish a rhythm, shift the placement of your hands along the rib cage and flank to target different areas.

6. Watch for subtle signs, like blinking, to identify where your dog feels tension. Focus on those areas by gently rocking back and forth over them.

7. Continue until your arms tire, or your dog falls asleep!

For small dogs like Dachshunds, you can use one hand or even just a few fingers to create the rocking motion. Remember, the goal is to "wake up" your dog’s nervous system in a way that helps him recognize and release accumulated tension. Tiny, subtle movements are more effective than larger ones—less is more!

Canine Zoom Courses for 2026

Read and Release Courses

(First in the Series)

Read and Release is the first course to start your journey with The Masterson Method Canine Bodywork. Enjoy learning from the comfort of your home.

Students will learn to recognize and use their dog’s visual responses to find and release tension. These visual responses give you insights into your dog’s physical and emotional needs. In this course, you and your canine companion will build connection, enhance movement, and improve comfort.

Saturdays at 11:00 am CT, January 17, 24, 31, 2026, with Kalin Finsand

Get your seat now and join others from all over the world!

If the course you are interested in is full, please email dog@mastersonmethod.com and we will add you to the wait list.

Introducing Movement Courses

(Second in the Series)

Introducing Movement is your next step after completing the Read and Release Course.

Adding to the foundation of using touch effectively and understanding what your dog is communicating, you are ready to start applying Masterson Method Movement Techniques. In this course, you will learn all movement techniques from the Beyond Dog Massage book and help your dog with easier and more natural movement.

Saturdays at 11:00 am CT, February 7, 14, 21, 2026, with Kalin Finsand

Only a couple spots left!

If the course you are interested in is full, please email dog@mastersonmethod.com and we will add you to the wait list.

Shameless Commerce: Get your

Masterson Method Canine Baseball Cap

Ok, I didn't want to leave you without reminding you about our Canine Baseball caps. I know, it's Shameless Commerce, but heck, they are cute, and who knows, your pup just might be waiting to play baseball but is waiting for a cap!

Masterson Method® logo on the front only.

Colors come in Khaki, Hunter Green, Denim Blue, Maroon and Charcoal.