Evolved dog guardians recognize their pets as sensitive and emotional beings. They also educate themselves on the newest science based training and wellness methods. Reiki supports your positive training methods and it has a place in your dog training toolbox – right next to the treats and toys.
Reiki and positive training share three common elements. They are:
Ask Permission or Timing
First, when offering Reiki to animals we always ask permission. That may sound odd, but allowing the animal to choose is a fundamental step in the success of a Reiki session. It is also important to ask permission before you begin a training session. You want your dog to be engaged in the session, but if he or she is in the mood for playing, you efforts may not be rewarded. Timing is everything with a successful Reiki session.
If you feel a self conscious asking an animal permission, try this – sit quietly and take a few deep, slow breaths, then silently say, “I’m here to offer you Reiki (or training). You are free to accept as much or as little as you like.” Then be sure to pay attention to their answer. If it’s clear that your pet is not accepting the Reiki or training, stop and try again later. They may be telling you, “Not now.”
Allow – Never Force
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make when offering Reiki is forcing themselves on the pet, either by immediately touching them or restraining them so they can’t move away. Both are really bad ideas in Animal Reiki. Animals should never be restrained during a session. It’s fine to have a leash on them or be in a closed room, as long as the animal is free to move in and out of the Reiki energy.
Always begin a Reiki Session from a distance, and allow the animal to come to you. This reinforces the message to the animal that they do have the choice whether to accept Reiki or not. Animals are very clear when they want to be touched; they may sit on your lap, bump your hand with their heads, or position their body next to you.
Force free methods work in training too. Modern dog training has moved away from the dominant pack leader mentality. Positive reinforcement and gentle guidance allows your pet to understand what behavior you would like from him or her. You get much farther with ‘allowing’ instead of ‘forcing’ your dogs behavior.
Consistency
Reiki helps relieve stress, anxiety and pain in a gentle non-invasive manner. It needs to be done frequently and consistently. Think of Reiki sessions like peeling an onion. The onion comes off in layers. The same is true when working with Reiki. In order for the energy of Reiki to help remove stress or anxiety or pain, the sessions need to be conducted in frequent sessions, not one long session.
Consistency is important in training too. Shorter and more frequent sessions reinforce the behavior you would like from your dog. One long session is going to be frustrating and tiring for both you and your dog, and you won’t get the results you want. Instead, break the training sessions up into shorter but more frequent sessions. Not only will you get to see your dog actively engage in the session, you will both have fun working together.
Begin your session (Reiki or Training)
- Take a few deep, slow breaths. Relax your shoulders and neck. Continue slow deep breathing until you feel calm.
- Ask permission of the animal. Let the animal guide the session.
- Repeat frequently for best results.
If you would like to learn about Animal Reiki, contact Jamie Lee at www.animal-bonds.com or visit my Facebook Page, Jamie Lee – Animal Bonds.
