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The Healing Touch for Dogs: The Proven Massage Program for Dogs
Distinguished veterinarian and animal psychologist Dr. Michael W. Fox shares his pioneering 6-step dog massage technique, which is not only a healing tool and healthcare measure, but also affirms the bond between you and your animal companion. Drawn from more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Fox provides an orientation to basic dog anatomy, physiology, and psychology, and then addresses, through easy-to-read instructions and detailed illustrations and This newly revised and updated volume is an essential guide for helping and healing our animal companions.
- GenresDogsAnimalsNonfiction
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
121 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Michael W. Fox
109 books15 followersDr. Michael W. Fox is a well-known veterinarian, former vice president of The Humane Society of the United States, former vice president of Humane Society International and the author of more than 40 adult and children’s books on animal care, animal behavior and bioethics.
An expert in both medicine and psychology, Dr. Fox's training includes a degree in veterinary medicine as well as doctorate degrees in medicine and animal behavior/ethology. A strong advocate of animal rights, bioethics and environmental protection, Dr. Fox is an international veterinary consultant to various animal-related organizations.
A recipient of the Christopher Award for children's literature for his book "The Wolf," Dr. Fox has written more than 40 books for adults and children. He has also written more than 2,000 articles for professional journals and consumer magazines. Dr. Fox lectures extensively to an international audience of conservation and animal protection groups. He has appeared frequently on "The Tonight Show" and as a guest on other network television and radio talk shows and documentaries. He is a member of the British and American Veterinarian Medical Associations, the Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights and the American Holistic Veterinary Association.
Dr. Fox lives in Minneapolis with his wife, Deanna, and their animal companions. They jointly run the India Project for Animals and Nature (IPAN) in the Nilgiris, South India.
An expert in both medicine and psychology, Dr. Fox's training includes a degree in veterinary medicine as well as doctorate degrees in medicine and animal behavior/ethology. A strong advocate of animal rights, bioethics and environmental protection, Dr. Fox is an international veterinary consultant to various animal-related organizations.
A recipient of the Christopher Award for children's literature for his book "The Wolf," Dr. Fox has written more than 40 books for adults and children. He has also written more than 2,000 articles for professional journals and consumer magazines. Dr. Fox lectures extensively to an international audience of conservation and animal protection groups. He has appeared frequently on "The Tonight Show" and as a guest on other network television and radio talk shows and documentaries. He is a member of the British and American Veterinarian Medical Associations, the Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights and the American Holistic Veterinary Association.
Dr. Fox lives in Minneapolis with his wife, Deanna, and their animal companions. They jointly run the India Project for Animals and Nature (IPAN) in the Nilgiris, South India.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 23, 2015
I spend one day a week volunteering at my local animal shelter, so I see a lot of abused dogs. Many are desperately afraid of people, yet equally eager for human touch and affection. There's nothing more heartbreaking than watching a dog slink closer to you, its ears down, tail wagging madly, fully expecting a blow yet desperate for a pat.
I don't know what we did to turn independent wolves into creatures so frantic for human approval, but the results can leave you wanting to weep.
The worst part is that I'm still not sure how to make our interaction as soothing as possible. When I started, I was completely unaware of how much small dogs hate being pet over their heads or on their backs--they much prefer chests and necks. For many fearful dogs with a history of abuse, it's better to use one hand and leave the other still. I never realized how important it was to repeatedly stop petting the dog and see if it will re-solicit attention. I'm sure there are plenty of other aspects in which my interactions are found wanting, and I was hoping that this book would help me.
It didn't. Dr. Fox ascribes a certain mysticism to massage that I don't share. The first 40% of the book contains absolutely no useful information--it's just his strident defence of his technique. And to my mind, it needs all the defence it can get. Fox's method requires pinning down your dog and teaching it to accept the massage. To my mind, that indicate a problem with the massage itself, and it certainly is useless for a fearful shelter dog.
The book itself is quite short, and shorter still when you strip it of all the rhetoric. The illustrations are poor, and most of the information, such as dog anatomy, is probably too basic for the type of people who would pick up a book on dog massage.
I can't personally recommend this one, but if anyone knows of a good text on techniques for calming fearful or stressed pups, I'd love to hear about it.
I don't know what we did to turn independent wolves into creatures so frantic for human approval, but the results can leave you wanting to weep.
The worst part is that I'm still not sure how to make our interaction as soothing as possible. When I started, I was completely unaware of how much small dogs hate being pet over their heads or on their backs--they much prefer chests and necks. For many fearful dogs with a history of abuse, it's better to use one hand and leave the other still. I never realized how important it was to repeatedly stop petting the dog and see if it will re-solicit attention. I'm sure there are plenty of other aspects in which my interactions are found wanting, and I was hoping that this book would help me.
It didn't. Dr. Fox ascribes a certain mysticism to massage that I don't share. The first 40% of the book contains absolutely no useful information--it's just his strident defence of his technique. And to my mind, it needs all the defence it can get. Fox's method requires pinning down your dog and teaching it to accept the massage. To my mind, that indicate a problem with the massage itself, and it certainly is useless for a fearful shelter dog.
The book itself is quite short, and shorter still when you strip it of all the rhetoric. The illustrations are poor, and most of the information, such as dog anatomy, is probably too basic for the type of people who would pick up a book on dog massage.
I can't personally recommend this one, but if anyone knows of a good text on techniques for calming fearful or stressed pups, I'd love to hear about it.
October 19, 2018
Interesting
February 6, 2015
I thought the author did a good job covering all aspects related to massage, all starting with the basic anatomy/physiology of the canine body. It discusses the benifits of massage and how one can prepare themselves before performing massage. I enjoyed reading his massage routine and felt it will be helpful when I try it on my own. I will have to use the book as a reference. Towards the end of the book, he does discuss the importance of pet-health and care in general such as vaccines, nutrition, breeding, etc. Although good information, I thought it was a little outside of what the book was about in regards to massage. I understand as a veterinarian he would like to promote massage with the understanding that it is still important to see a veterinarian, however I personally thought it was something a little extra. That's probably why it is at the end.
I do wish however there were more figures and that they were organized differently. I found myself reading one section of the book and referring to a whole different section of the book just so I can see the figures. If they can put figures near the reference or create a whole reference section, that would be helpful.
Overal, I think it is a great starter book and easy to read and understand. I may however have to look up some videos on how to perform the actual massage since it is difficult to imagine what he is trying to convey.
I do wish however there were more figures and that they were organized differently. I found myself reading one section of the book and referring to a whole different section of the book just so I can see the figures. If they can put figures near the reference or create a whole reference section, that would be helpful.
Overal, I think it is a great starter book and easy to read and understand. I may however have to look up some videos on how to perform the actual massage since it is difficult to imagine what he is trying to convey.
June 12, 2015
This was an assigned book for a course that I am taking, but I am really glad to have read it! I learned about the benefits of and proper procedure for massaging a dog. Massage can not only help to relax and heal your dog, but also strengthen the bond between you and help you to notice any changes or health concerns in your dog's body that require veterinary attention. The next time I have a dog in my life I will definitely make sure that massage is part of our weekly routine!
May 14, 2012
I am a Reiki Master, purchasing this book & the the for cats by the same author was a waste of money as far as I am concerned.
December 31, 2018
Knew Fox at WU
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews