August 2026 Canine Newsletter

Join us ALL MONTH in Celebrating

National Dog Day, August 26th

with a 26% off SALE - US ONLY

AND just for our Newsletter Subscribers:

Personally signed by Jim!

We are excited to celebrate with you National Dog Day by offering 26% off AND for our newsletter subscribers, your copy signed by Jim!

We are so sorry not to be able to offer this to those outside the US at this time.

When you purchase the discounted book directly from us, we also send you via email, a Thank-you video of behind the scenes with Jim showing some of the techniques used in the book.

Click on the button above to take you directly to the book to purchase. And enjoy!

The Dog Days of Summer

by Canine Instructor, Kalin Finsand

The dog days of summer are here, or in our case, the Dogo Days. When it’s too hot to go out and play, the dogs are out all night in the cool air, barking at the stars, and sleeping all day. Sounds like it’s time to put a little splash on life with some water fun to beat the heat.

First things first, we need to talk about water safety for our fur-friends. Maybe your dog is like mine, and he is more of a sinker than a floater, and he knows it. Maybe he is okay at the water’s edge, getting the toes wet, but any further in and it’s a big “No way, I’m outta here!” Let’s make this fun and safe for everyone.

According to the Guide Dogs For The Blind, it’s important to remember that water can present unexpected risks for dogs. Is the water source safe, clean, easy to get in and out of, and has little to no current? That's the place to start.

Ok, in your mind's eye you know just where to go, but first, a trip to your local pet sporting store should do the trick. It’s time to get this pup measured for a well-fitted, brightly colored life vest with a handle.

There are generally many styles available, from sleek vests to sporty solid safety colors such as yellow, neon lime, and orange. Unfortunately for our dogo, Zsasz, there was only one that fit his broad girth on this particular shopping day. Who says a stout Dogo Argentino can’t impersonate the Little Mermaid? Shhh… please keep any audacious comments to yourself! He thinks he looks pretty cool, and my other dog, Ecco says the tail is an entertaining perk for her to chase.

While you're at the store, pick up a few flotation toys if your dog is so inclined to bring them back once you’ve sacrificed them to the watery vista. Shopping done, it’s high time to take our pups to the neighborhood pond to cool off on this midsummer day, as temps are settling somewhere between 95 and 105 degrees.

Checklist:

1. Water bowl & water (not all dogs want to drink water they’re swimming in).
2. Toys (make sure they float).
3. Towels (they’re gonna get dirty).
4. Life vest.
5. Long leash.

Now let’s outfit the dog in his collar, leash, and life vest. It’s time to show him how fun this can be. Yes, we are going to get wet! On this day, Mike is out in the water, gradually introducing Zsasz to the water to show him just how nice this can be. It always helps to have a friend along who loves the water.

Letting the dog know he is safe is our number one priority. No tossing the pup out into the depths of the pond and flooding his senses! Here we gently hold him and water him down. He was resistant at first, but it didn’t take long before he melted in Mike’s arms at the water’s edge. You can see that Zsasz’s expression changes from concern to relaxation.

It’s going to be up to the dog if he decides to take this any deeper. Zsasz did get to cool off, and so did Mike. As a bonus, they both were clean, especially after a rinse back at home to remove any potential irritants from skin and dry out the ears. Although this swim did bring his residual skunk odor from last week to the surface, today Zsasz is sparkling white.

Keeping this water time short and positive, we can all look forward to more play days in the water. Stay safe and have fun!

Hold, Wait & Melt with the Hyoid Apparatus

You may be unsure of the Hold, Wait & Melt techniques. These are a group of canine bodywork techniques that use gentle, sustained contact over larger areas of the body and at key junctions. By waiting for the dog's response, we give the nervous system the opportunity to release tension held in the fascia and surrounding tissues.

Releasing the Hyoid apparatus allows the tongue to move more freely, aids in swallowing and assists with the movement of the jaw and TMJ. You will find an overview on page 6 in the Beyond Dog Massage book, and a Step-By-Step pictorial explanation of the Hyoid Release with Dr. Robinett on pages 65 - 67.

In this reel below, Masterson Method Canine Instructor Stef Watts demonstrates the Hyoid Release, one of the Hold, Wait & Melt techniques, with a lovely Cockapoo. Watch until the end and notice the yawn, a response we often see in correlation with this technique as the dog releases tension.

Sometimes the most meaningful part of bodywork isn't doing a lot... it's knowing when to simply hold, wait, and let the dog "melt". That's the essence of Hold, Wait & Melt.

Canine Facebook

Sometimes our students ask us about specific issues, like hip dysplasia, wondering whether just doing the Search, Response, Stay, Release technique is enough or if other movement techniques would help more.

Our answer is yes, other movement techniques can absolutely help, but no, they're not always necessary.

We always recommend starting with the Search, Response, Stay, Release (SRSR) technique and follow the dog's responses. Using light touch allows the nervous system to release tension without asking the dog for movement first. As discussed in this clip, you don't have to use movement techniques to help the dog release tension.

Once those releases begin to happen, movement techniques can be a wonderful next step. That's why we teach our online courses in this order; first in the Read and Release Course, then in the Introducing Movement Course.

Every dog is different, and the Masterson Method is all about staying under the dog's bracing response and following their responses to touch to help them release tension while remaining in a relaxed state.

See below a clip from one of our Zoom courses discussing this:

Canine Certification Program Opens Early 2027

We’re excited to announce that the Masterson Method® Canine Certification Program is planned to launch in early 2027. This new program is designed for students who are ready to deepen their understanding, refine their hands-on skills, and continue their learning in a small-group supportive learning experience through a highly engaged environment.

Certification in The Masterson Method® signifies that you have achieved a standard level of proficiency in its techniques and have developed the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful difference in a dog’s mobility, comfort, and connection with its human partner.

Canine Zoom Courses for 2026 - 2027

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.

Thursdays at 11:00 am CT, August 13, 20, 27, 2026 with Kalin Finsand

Fridays at 11:00 am CT, October 16, 23, 30, 2026 with Kalin Finsand

Mondays at 3:00 pm CT, November 9, 16, 23, 2026 with Leslie Kennedy

Sundays at 9:00 am CT, January 10, 17, 24, 2027 with Leslie Kennedy - new price

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, September 16, 23, 30, 2026 with Kalin Finsand

Fridays at 11:00 am CT, November 6, 13, 20, 2026 with Amelia Nalli

Tuesdays at 11:00 am CT, December 1, 8, 15, 2026 with Kalin Finsand

Look for a Certified Practitioner, Canine Near You!