November 2025 Canine Newsletter

Hi Everyone,

Happy Thanksgiving!

At The Masterson Method, we have a lot to be thankful for. And honestly, one day in November just doesn’t cut it. So, we’re doing what any grateful (and slightly dog-obsessed) organization would do… we’re celebrating Thanksgiving by giving thanks to YOU!

A heartfelt thanks to each of you who have purchased Beyond Dog Massage book and are using its techniques to support your dog’s best life. Your dedication carries Jim’s vision of helping every dog through the gentle power of the Bladder Meridian Technique by deepening connection and bringing comfort, ease, and well-being to dogs everywhere. Look below for more details on our THANKSgiving special.

Fall Colors

Although Iowa doesn't get much in the way of Fall Colors, this year it made up for it by growing Gigantic corn! This stand of corn that is at the border of our property, I am guessing, is about 8 feet tall!

Hind Leg Video

I was able to videotape Jim working on Nellie's hind legs. Jupiter, Nellie and I had just returned from a very long walk and I could tell that she was feeling a lot of tension in her hind end. As Nellie ages, we are starting to see both her energy level and activity level decrease. Jim to the rescue!

Once again, thank you for supporting our mission to have every dog on the planet have the experience of the Bladder Meridian Technique at least once.

Grab your dog, your friends dog, and any dog that wants pets - and try doing "techniques of opportunity". It's really fun, and so helpful to your four pawed friends!

Hold them close, and snuggle as the weather changes.

Thanks again,

Conley

Leftover Turkey? Here's an idea for your four-legged friend to enjoy Thanksgiving Leftovers!

TURKEY AND PUMPKIN LEFTOVERS

Treat your pup to as taste of Thanksgiving with these easy, healthy bites!

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked turkey (shredded, no seasoning or bones)

1/2 cup canned pumpkin (or fresh), not pie filling

1 egg

2 tablespoons oat flour (or whole wheat)

1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional, for anti-inflammatory benefits)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Scoop into small balls or flatten with a spoon onto a parchment-lined backing sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden. Cool completely before serving. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Tail wags guaranteed!

A Thank You, Black Friday Sale - Coming Soon!

As I said above, we want to thank you for making Jim's vision come alive. So, if you're already planning what to put in your shopping basket for Black Friday, make sure to include a copy of Beyond Dog Massage.

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!

Mark the date on your calendar now and get 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

Dr. Robin Robinett, DVM

From Beyond Dog Massage: Pages 164 - 165

"Holding the Head Crooked or Down"

Dogs, like people, carry a lot of tension in their heads and necks. They may hold their head down or not want to turn or bend their neck to one side, and move their front legs to look to one side, rather than turning their neck and head.

Excessive unilateral tension in muscles and ligaments in the Occiput-Atlas Junction and neck can lead to bending and resistance issues. A muscle that's tight or contracted on one side will cause crookedness in the neck. A contracted muscle can be due to the dog compensating for foot or leg pain or discomfort elsewhere in the body. However, if it is in the neck, it's usually caused by a problem located on the same side, where bending is difficult.

Like people, dogs have a more predominant side. They can develop unilateral tension patterns over time that may show up as a mobility issue or abnormal posture, such as holding the head down or crookedly. Regular releases of these tension patterns help to keep the dog moving more evenly and in balance.

Techniques that can help include:

• Lateral Cervical Microflexion
• Hyoid Release
• Head-up Release
• C7-T1 Release

Top tip: I often check for mobility in a dog's neck by having him reach and follow for a treat to see how well he can turn his neck.

For information on techniques that can help, check out pages 164-165 in the Beyond Dog Massage book or join one of our online courses (listings below).

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

Question: I have an 8-year-old Lab, and lately he’s been showing some discomfort at the back of his head. Could it be tension that I can help him release using The Masterson Method?

Answer: Many dogs carry a lot of tension at the Occiput-Atlas (OA) Junction (upper neck), which can affect the whole body. This tightness can extend down the neck into the shoulders and even along the back, causing stiffness in the hind legs. Tension in the upper neck can also restrict movement in the front legs.

The Occiput-Atlas (O-A) Junction is located between the top of the skull and the first vertebra in the neck. The main landmark you’re looking for is the bony bump towards the back of your dog’s head. It's easier to see on some dogs!

Using the Search–Response–Stay–Release technique, your dog will show you where he’s holding tension and where to stay with a light touch until he releases it.

Watch instructor Amelia Nalli demonstrate how to locate the O-A Junction and maintain a light touch on the spot. When tension is released at this critical junction, it can create a deep sense of ease and well-being for your dog.

Canine Zoom Courses for 2025 & 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 Amelia Nalli

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

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