Beyond Dog Massage

by Jim Masterson

Overview

Work towards a deeper connection with your dog while relieving pain, improving mobility, and enhancing their overall quality of life right from your own hands.

Beyond Dog Massage introduces The Masterson Method®, a revolutionary hands-on approach to canine bodywork that improves movement, comfort, and longevity while fostering profound trust and communication between you and your pet. Developed by renowned equine bodywork expert Jim Masterson, this gentle method reads and responds to your dog’s subtle body language, creating a powerful, interactive dialogue through touch.

Whether you’re a dog lover, trainer, or caregiver, this comprehensive guide empowers you with the tools to reduce your dog’s tension, restore balance, and create a calming, healing experience that benefits both of you. With real-life examples, clear visuals, and access to instructional videos, you'll learn to spot and release hidden stress points—turning your daily interaction into an act of wellness.

Inside you’ll find:

• Step-by-step techniques with full-color photos and illustrations
  
• Tips for reading and responding to canine body language
  
• Anatomical explanations tailored for practical use
  
• Special exercises suited to your dog’s breed or activity level
  
• 20 QR codes linking to 38 minutes of expert video guidance
  
• Insights into how touch can strengthen your bond and your dog’s wellbeing

Whether your dog is a senior, athlete, or couch companion, Beyond Dog Massage offers a life-changing approach to comfort, connection, and care.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781646011377
Publisher:	Trafalgar Square
Publication date:	09/19/2023
Pages:	216
Product dimensions:	(w) x (h) x 1.60(d)

About the Author

Jim Masterson, Equine Massage Therapist for the 2006 and 2008 and 2010 USET Endurance Teams, and for equine clientele competing in FEI World Cup, Pan American and World Games competitions, teaches a unique method of equine bodywork to therapists and horse owners, in which the practitioner recognizes and follows the responses of the horse to touch to release tension in key junctions of the body that most affect performance. When he first became interested in equine massage in 1997, Jim recognized that the horse exhibits certain neurological responses to touch as it releases tension in the body. Using those responses to guide his work, he developed a system in which the horse participates in the process by showing the practitioner where tension has accumulated, precisely how much pressure is needed to release it, and when it has been released. The result is an effective method of bodywork that anyone can learn to use, to improve performance while at the same time opening new levels of communication and trust with the horse.
In 2006, Jim was invited to accompany the USET Endurance Team to the FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany. Team member Jennifer Niehaus said afterward, "Of all the things that were done for my horse Cheyenne, the bodywork Jim did was the most beneficial. He has truly never moved as nicely as he did in Germany." In 2008 Jim was again asked to accompany the Team to the FEI World Endurance Championships in Malaysia. Team member Meg Sleeper, DVM said of Jim, "It is impossible to overestimate Jim's ability to keep performance horses working at their peak level. Simply put, he is like having a secret weapon." Jim again supported our Endurance Team at the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY.
Jim has been a presenter to large crowds of enthusiastic horse owners at Equitana Asia Pacific (Australia) and Equine Affaire (US) equine conventions and has presented The Masterson Method techniques at many Horse Expos and Horse Fairs around the US. He was invited to present at the Your Horse Live event in the UK and the famed Equitana in Essen, Germany.
Jim currently works on 500 to 600 horses a year on the U.S. Hunter-Jumper Show circuit, including top equine competitors in events such as the USEF and Maclay Medal series, and FEI Grand Prix, Nation's Cup, Pan American and World Cup jumping events. He continues to help members of the USET Singles Driving Team (he helped them prior to the 2010 Championships in Italy) and members of the USET Jumping team.
Jim travels the world teaching the Masterson Method® seminars and Advanced courses to horse owners, trainers and therapists. For more information visit Jim's site: mastersonmethod.com. He lives in Fairfield, Iowa.
Stefanie Reinhold is a certified Masterson Method(TM) practitioner (MMCP) and instructor, and is the owner of Reinhold's Horse Wellness(TM) Equine Massage & Bodywork. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin.

Editorial Reviews

"Masterson (Beyond Horse Massage) created his trademark Masterson Method for horses. Although the species differ, Masterson recognized that both animals ignore or suppress physical tension and pain. He collaborated with veterinarian Robin Robinette for this book, which introduces using Masterson techniques on canines. The authors discuss factors that can produce tension or discomfort in dogs. They introduce (and frequently emphasize) the various practices used in this method, including “Search, Response, Stay, Release,” movement techniques, and “Hold, Wait, and Melt.” Anyone employing these methods should move slowly, use gentle hands, and follow a dog’s responses. The book explores various areas of a dog’s body that might benefit from this approach, including the head-neck, neck-trunk, hind end, and midsection. Readers can scan QR codes to view short videos with helpful explanations and techniques in action. Photos and diagrams help outline various aspects of a canine’s complex anatomy that would benefit from this method. This title also addresses how the Masterson Method can improve particular mobility/performance issues faced by many dogs and includes recommend readings for further research. VERDICT Written in a user-friendly style, this book would assist dog owners in improving their pet’s physical and mental well-being."—Library Journal

From the Publisher