Skillful Paws Canine Massage

Meet the owner

I am a European licensed human massage therapist with years of experience in

the field of sports injuries, therapeutic and deep tissue massage.

In 2006 one of my dogs injured her knee and as she didn't need rehabilitation,

we really didn't have any options to help her. She was clearly not doing well, having problems with both her injured leg and other muscle groups from overcompensating. I decided to try working with her from a massage therapy point of view and saw major improvements. This encouraged me to get training in both therapeutic, and sports massage for dogs in 2007. The following year I went back and completed training as a Large and Small Animal Acupressure Practitioner and I offer bodywork for both dogs, and horses. Acupressure is a great ailment in helping with muscle tension and improves circulation.

In 2009 I completed courses in WaterWorks for dogs, which is in-pool therapy where the practitioner is in the pool with the dog. At this time we only offer WaterWorks if you have access to a pool.

I am a graduate from The Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage and a member of IAAMB, The International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork.

It is important to have a solid theoretical background, when determining the best suitable therapy for each animal. I graduated ABC Animal Behavior College's dog

trainer course in August 2007, and the past 12 years I have been educating

myself on body language and behavior. Behavior is a very important part of the equation when you assess the needs, and underlying issues causing muscle problems for an animal.

I am experienced in working with top level competition dogs in agility, IPO, Mondio Ring, and Conformation. I have experience in working with, among others, polo horses, dressage, hunter/jumpers, eventing, cutting, barrel racers, and ex-race horses.