June 2025 Canine Newsletter

Hi Everyone,

Dog Jobs: The Real MVPs (Mostly Goofy Pals)

This month, I thought it would be fun to take a look at some of the unique jobs dogs do—and give you a behind-the-scenes peek at Nellie and Jupiter "hard at work" on our farm.

I stumbled across this gem in the AKC (American Kennel Club) newsletter: 15 Unique Jobs for Working Dogs.

We all know dogs were bred to herd, hunt, and retrieve—but today’s pups are doing some pretty niche work. Think beyond therapy or service dogs. Here are a few of the wilder gigs AKC highlighted:

• Whale Poop Detectors
• Art Protectors
• Truffle Hunters
• Runway Wildlife Control
• Wine Inspectors

Yes, you read that right. And no, Nellie and Jupiter don’t hold any of those job titles.

That said, they are technically farmhands—if barking at shadows, sleeping in sun patches, and getting underfoot during chores count. I've posted a video diary below that I’m calling: “A Day in the Life” (Spoiler: it’s mostly naps and chaos.)

Morning chores done, and after a nap on the porch, afternoon pasture mowing is the next farm chore in the line-up:

What a great crew! Big help, right?

Another nap on the porch and finally the last "chore" of the day:

Neither pup is getting “Helper of the Day” title anytime soon. But they are an essential part of the crew—especially when it comes to end-of-day snuggles.

Got a dog with a job—real or ridiculous?



Send us your photos or videos, and we’ll feature them next month!

There’s currently no room left on the couch, so I’ll sign off and find a place to rest my legs (and maybe a tail).

Conley

Dog and Horses: Photos sent in from last month

Last month we asked you to send in photos of your dogs and "their" horses. We received this diary that I think you will enjoy!

MM Canine Bodywork Facebook Page

Woof & Answer Wednesday

Question: I noticed my dog always sits off to the same side, the right side. Could that mean he's got some discomfort on the other side?

Answer: It could be your dog’s way of telling you something. Dogs who consistently sit off to one side may be showing a subtle sign of imbalance or tension in their hind end. This could be related to muscle tightness, joint pain (in the sacroiliac area), or even just restricted movement in certain tissues.

They naturally choose the position that feels most comfortable, so if sitting squarely is difficult, there may be some discomfort in the body they’re trying to avoid.

In this clip, instructor Valissa Willwerth celebrates how Patch, after his owner practiced the Masterson Method techniques learned in the Read and Release Online Course, was able to sit more evenly—a sign that the body had released tension and regained balance.

Canine Zoom Courses for 2025

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.

Mondays at 6:00pm CT, June 23, 30, July 7th, with Valissa Willwerth

Tuesdays at 11:00am CT, July 1, 8, 15, with Stef Watts

Fridays at 6:00pm CT, August 1, 8, 15, with Amelia Nalli

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.

Wednesdays at 11:00 am CT, July 16, 23, 30 with Kalin Finsand

Mondays at 6:00pm CT, July 21, 28, Aug 4, with Valissa Willwerth

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 Testimonial

In the post-course survey from the Introducing Movement course, we received this feedback from a student from Scotland:

“The courses have been very well presented and the tutors (instructors) are incredibly professional & personable. Zoom is never an easy platform to work with, but I think they did an outstanding job of bringing us together and it shows that distance is no barrier to learning.”

~Ellie Macaulay