September-October201.. - Dogs Naturally Magazine

y: Kathleen PrasadAggression, like any other physical oremotional issue a dog may face, is, froman energetic perspective, simply an imbalancein the dog’s energetic state. Asenergetic balance is regained, the symptomsof the issue improve. When the dogreaches a fully balanced state, aggressiondisappears. In this article, I’d like to introducethe idea that Reiki can be a wonderfulway to support a dog on the road torecovery from aggression.Reiki is a Japanese system of energy healingthat utilizes specific breathing andmeditation techniques to help the practitionercreate inner conditions of peaceand relaxation that stimulate self-healing.Often, there is a pronounced ripple effectwhen these Reiki techniques are used inthe presence of someone else needinghealing—in other words, relaxation andstress relief can often be seen in animalsthat are sitting with a person doing Reikimeditative practice. In this way, the selfpracticeof Reiki can also be used to supportan animal needing healing—for example,an aggressive dog. When an aggressivedog allows himself to fully relax,he can open to the possibility of peacewithin himself, the place where healingcan begin, and can take the first steps onthe road to becoming a balanced dog.There are many reasons for dogs to showaggression (growling, snarling, strainingat the leash), and many methods (such asa calm and consistent program of socialization)have been shown to prevent andalso heal this problem. According to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention,more than 4.5 million people arebitten by dogs each year, and 20 percentof these bites are serious enough to requiremedical attention. First and foremost,education is a wonderful way toprevent these bites before they happen:Children should be educated from anearly age about proper behavior arounddogs and dog safety. In addition, adultguardians of dogs showing the first signsof aggression should take immediate proactivesteps with a professional who isexperienced and qualified in this area. It’salso important to rule out physical reasonsfor the aggression through an examwith a trusted veterinarian. Once thedog’s guardians have educated themselvesand begun working with a trainedprofessional, a regular Reiki program canhelp support the healing process. Reiki isan easy way to empower yourself to helpyourself and your dog along the roadback to balance.Treatment ScheduleDogs exhibiting aggression should be offeredReiki treatments on a regular basisas the issues are worked on. OfferingReiki before and/or after a training orsocializing session is a good idea.Inner Awareness and FocusIn order to have a successful Reiki energeticconnection with your dog, it’s importantto create an inner state that yourdog will want to connect to, and also remainneutral and open. In other words,it’s important not to put our intentionsand wishes onto the dog as we offerReiki. This is not always easy, as we mayhave many emotional concerns and fearsregarding the aggression the dog is exhibiting.Allow yourself to examine your own emotionssurrounding the aggression issues ofyour dog. When you’re going to connectenergetically and offer Reiki, it’s importantto let go of these emotions and focuson maintaining an inner attitude ofpeace, calm and receptivity. To help youdo this, acknowledge your inner fear orworry, and then let it go like a cloud floatingby in the sky. Try not to hold onto it orattach yourself to it.Then, allow yourself to see your dog aspeaceful, calm and steady in every situationand with every being—in otherwords, as already healed and in perfectbalance. See it in your mind and allowyourself to believe it as if it’s already happened.Your own attitude of hope andpossibility will help support your dog. Setyour intention that you are there to supportyour dog’s healing process, for whateverhe is open to receive or nothing atall. Embrace the idea that any healingthat happens here is completely up toyour dog’s choice and openness.When offering Reiki to a friend’s dog or adog that you don’t know, be aware thatthe guardians of the dog may be unawareof or in denial about how aggressive thedog may be. If you are working with ashelter dog, it is possible that the staff isunaware of any aggression problems. Sofirst and foremost, think protection andprevention. Make sure the dog is either ina kennel or on tie-down. Offer Reiki fromDogs...Naturally! September/October 2010