For treatment every therapist works differently with regards where the treatments take place. Sometime they have a centre where we ask you to bring your dog, such as the Horsham therapy centre (exceptions are made for older dogs who are unable to travel and home visits organised). Most Galen Therapists come to your home.
We would then initially assess the dog and identify the areas which require attention. At this time a full consultation would be made and details of your dog’s history including any key events that may have impacted or been contributory to the issue being treated.
During this time of consultation we encourage your dog to freely walk around and invite them to meet us in a very low key manner so they can become familiar with us before we start the treatment. Also at this time we will observe your dog, how they move and present, managing simple movements that will give the therapist a good insight into how they are effected.
As a new handler we will then ask you to sign a terms and conditions document, this will give details of the treatment so you are clear about what your dog will be receiving.
The therapist will then introduce themselves properly to your dog and encourage them to sit with them so the treatment can commence.
During the treatment, as a handler you will be involved every minute. The therapist will want you to sit with your dog so they feel comfortable and secure. We will also a times want you to ‘read’ what your dogs facial expression is saying (as often we cannot see their face) to ensure they are happy with what it happening. It is inperitive to us that your dog is as relaxed as possible and understands that they can move away at any time -
WE NEVER FORCE OR OVERLY RESTRAIN A DOG DURING TREATMENT, we also very rarely use muzzles as these stress most dogs and this is counter productive to a sucessful treatment. The treatments we give work over very painful areas but as we work WITH your dog and do not inflict the treatment on them, they are relaxed and we can apply our treatment very deeply within their musculature with them being totally compliant.
As the owner, you will be included every step of the way and informed throughout the process so that you too can have an understanding of your dog and its physical requirements and given specific instruction how you can help when home.