16/10/2026
This is exactly what I’ve been talking about for the last month or so. Taking a dog from stressed to relaxed.
This is Morgan’s second massage at the shelter. Dogs barking, cars passing, people walking past the therapy room… not a relaxing environment.
Here’s exactly what I did, step by step. 👇
0–20 MINUTES | Panting, stressed, sitting in sphinx position
1️⃣ I regulated myself first.
I sat on the floor beside her, slowed my breathing, dropped my shoulders and consciously relaxed. Co-regulation starts with me.
2️⃣ I removed all expectations.
I didn’t want Morgan to lie down, sit down or relax. She was free to walk away at any point. She chose to sit in sphinx position.
3️⃣ I experimented.
I tried five different techniques and pressures, observing her responses. Gentle neck massage seemed to be the most effective, so that’s what I concentrated on.
20–30 MINUTES | Head down, beginning to rest
4️⃣ I continued with what was working.
I gradually introduced shoulder effleurage, triceps and foreleg flexor and extensor work. I stayed with the areas she responded well to and deliberately avoided her back.
30–50 MINUTES | Lying on her side
5️⃣ I adjusted my techniques and pressure.
Once Morgan lay on her side, I introduced gentle front-leg traction and slightly deeper pressure using the heel of my hand over her triceps.
She responded particularly well to the deeper triceps work.
The result?
Morgan went from sitting upright, panting and visibly stressed to lying on her side, resting.
No single technique produced that change. It was a combination of co-regulation, observation, adapting techniques and pressure, and allowing Morgan to progress at her own pace.
This is how I combine physical bodywork with nervous system regulation in practice. I just wish it worked this well every time!
