How to Give a Dog a Massage

Lots of beefy treats and play time are fine ways to show a dog you love him. But you can even go one better when you give a dog a massage. No special training is needed, nor is any strangely scented body oil or a custom massage table. Just get your dog in front of you and follow a few simple steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Start at the neck. Open your hands as if you were lightly grabbing a basketball and place one hand on each side of the dog’s neck. Lightly press each finger, one by one, around his neck. Repeat for a count of six.

2. Move down her spine. Keep your fingers moving and gently kneading the dog’s muscles as you move them down her back. Go slowly and firmly but keep the touch soft.

3. Hit the spot right above the tail. Once you get to the base of his spine, use your thumbs to gently knead the spot right above the dog’s tail. Most dogs love this part, but some may absolutely hate it. There is no in between.

4. Go back up his back. Once you’ve finished the tail area, move back up the length of the dog’s body. Again splay your hands and move up her back a little lower from where you went down her back.

5. Move to his chest. Take your hands open like a butterfly, with the palms pressed gently on the middle of the dog's breastbone. Knead your fingers on either side of his chest. This is another favorite spot for many dogs.

6. Finish off with her head. Slide your hands up to the top of the dog’s head and cup them around her ears. Use your thumbs and forefingers to massage the points right behind the ears. Slowly move your hands around the sides of her face, cupping them beneath her chin. End with a kiss on the top of her head if you wish.

Tips & Warnings

• While lying on his stomach is the easiest position for a dog to recieve a full massage in, you can also adapt these same techniques for whatever position your dog is lying in. He may enjoy the stomach massage even better than one down his back.
• When you find a massage area your dog particularly enjoys, give him a little extra time in that area.
• Massages are great to calm down dogs in stressful situations, like in the vet's waiting room or on a trip.
• If a dog shows discomfort at any point during the massage, lighten up.
• If he gets cranky about touching any area, like the place above the tail, stop immediately and move on to the next area.