Galen Myotherapy treatments are specific to your dog. I will work closely with you as the dog owner and give you clear information and instructions throughout the treatment process. I work with your dog at ground level, ensuring that your dog will be comfortable and relaxed. Your dog will always have a ‘choice’ and therefore will not be restrained in any way and they will always have the option to leave the area of treatment for a break.
For your dog to receive treatment, a consent form is required to be signed by your veterinary surgeon as per the Veterinary Surgeons Act of 1966. I am happy to discuss any potential treatment with your vet. As a Galen Myotherapist I am fully qualified, insured and I am a member or The International Association of Animal Therapists.
Prior to treatment I will request some information and or images and videos about your dog to allow me to do a full postural assessment. We will then arrange our initial consultation and treatment. I will take your dog’s history and it will give us the opportunity to discuss your dog’s case in detail, for you to ask any questions as well as to go through your dog’s specific needs and requirements.
As a Galen Myotherapist I work using the methodology of Positive PACT ®. This methodology was developed by Julia Robertson founder of Galen Myotherapy from observation and treatment of over 10,00 dogs. Positive PACT ® stands for Progressive Affective Cycle of Therapy. It is based on a cycle of choice led treatment involving the dog, their guardian and the therapist. It facilitates the dog to have freedom of movement during the treatment allowing them to have autonomy over their own body as well as where and how we treat. To read more about this, please follow this link to the Galen Myotherapy Website. Positive PACT | Galen Myotherapy
I want this to be a positive experience for your dog and I want to form a bond and connection with the dog from the first session and for the future. For your dog’s treatment to be successful, they must trust me. I will therefore not overstep their boundaries of what they are happy to let me do and what they are comfortable with. This will ensure that your dog has a positive treatment, leaves on a good note and will want to come back for further treatments.
The Environment
I treat the dogs in ‘The Pawsitive Pod’ at my home address in Surbiton. You will be present throughout the treatment and I will have fresh water for your dog. Please bring a mat or a blanket for your dog to lie on but please avoid bringing toys or treats. In exceptional circumstances if the dog is unable to travel or is unsettled in new places, I will travel to you but this will need to be discussed beforehand and may incur extra travel costs.
Before Treatment
Ideally your dog will have had a short walk before being treated. Please do not feed your dog up to two hours prior to treatment. Please also avoid using any spot on tick or flea treatments up to 48 hours before the treatment. If your dog is unwell, please let me know and where necessary consult with your vet as to whether the treatment would be suitable for your dog at this time.
During treatment
You will be present throughout the treatment. It is useful for you to help settle your dog. You can sit with your dog or just away from them but I would ask that you only interact with them if they become anxious. There will be opportunities throughout the treatment for some dialogue and questions but for me to fully interact and engage with your dog I ask that we go through most of these after the treatment.
As previously mentioned, your dog is free to leave the treatment space whenever they need to.
After Treatment
After each treatment, I will give you feedback as to what I have been doing and what I have felt. I will also where appropriate, demonstrate some techniques for you to do in between treatments as well as an exercise routine for you to follow.
I will send your vet a report after the initial cycle of treatments though they may of course contact me if they would like to in between treatments. I can also discuss with the vet the role of Canine Myotherapy in your dog’s treatment/management programme.
Treatment records are fully maintained and all personal information will be kept in accordance with The Data Protection Act.