Most of us would try almost anything to help our dogs feel their best. So many have people shared how they discovered alternative treatments for the entire family by searching for a way to relieve their dog's discomforts.
If we've learned anything these last couple of years, we've learned how much comfort our dogs are during stressful times. But being our stress absorbing buddies takes it toll.
Our dog's pick up on annoying, frustrating or fearful vibes that we are affected by in our daily lives. The dog next door yapping, more frequent deliveries from more online ordering AND food deliveries!
Many of our selfless dogs will act like sponges to try and soak up anything that is bothering us. And just like that, your dog is whining, fretting, pacing or tearing up whatever they can grab. Your dog is stressed!
There was an uptick in vet visits for dogs with separation anxiety after so many people went back to work other than from home. I’m sure dogs the world over felt deserted!
Dogs may also have their DNA constantly urging them to what they were bred/intended to do.
Many dogs were originally bred for specific purposes, such as, to:
• Guard property, animals and their people, using force if necessary
• Watch dogs sound an alarm (bark)
• Livestock guard dogs trot the perimeters of their area and bark. ALL. NIGHT. LONG. This lets everyone know they are on the job
• Herding dogs were bred to chase livestock and keep them under control
• Retrievers, spaniels, other hunting breeds and hounds trailed, flushed, chased or retrieved birds and game
If they are not doing the work their DNA urges them to do their chakras may become unbalanced. Your Great Pyrenees will not understand why it is not necessary for them to circle your five acre yard, while barking from dusk until dawn. Or how we feel when someone tells us we are not living up to their expectations or our abilities, the family honor. It's enough to unbalance chakras - dog and human!
Balancing your dog's chakras was probably the last thing you'd be putting on your To-Do List today, yet here we are!
We share tools to help your dog’s energy centers regain balance…Sensible, no-cost methods that are not too woo-woo. Promise! OK, maybe a little woo woo.
Positive thinking, imagining, and visualization are powerful tools for this work…Wishing doesn't work.
You may be familiar with Reiki, an ancient holistic healing practice. While it may sound a bit unconventional, virtually every culture has had some form of energy work throughout time, just with different names.
From laying on of hands to kiss it and make it better to Reiki, our human inclination is to reach out to comfort those in need with a helping hand or hug. This timeless way we comfort begins the healing process.
Helping Your Dog Release Accumulated Energy
Grounding & Preparation
First step is a bathroom break for you and your dog, if needed. Next, find a quiet-ish spot where you both feel safe and comfortable. Turn your phone off/on silent and leave it in another room. If needed, put a Do Not Disturb sign on the door.
Let’s Do This!
Sit with your dog and exhale. Exhale again and let your muscles relax (especially the knots in your shoulders and neck). Pet your dog and tell them what is happening. I know that may feel silly, but I have a feeling if you’re still with me you talk to your dog out loud already.
If Your Dog Resists
Very rarely a dog resists. Usually it is one of two extremes, afraid of responsibility or too much in control.
They may be afraid to let their defenses down and leave you unprotected. Assure them you are ready for them to relax.
Some dogs are so tied to their job as protector they refuse to release control. Thank them for their flawless dedication, that this exercise is to replenish their energies, like a tune-up.
Relax and Be Greatful
As you allow yourself to be completely relaxed, pet your dog. Just pet them and let them know how grateful you are they have taken on stress and anxiety for you and your family. Talk to you dog or think about what you’d like them to know.
Tell them what a great job they have been doing as your stress absorber and give them permission to let all that tension go. You may suggest they bury the stress or put it in the trash can to be taken away or watch it float into the sky.
Pet them for a bit as you visualize them dealing with the tension in the manner you suggest (imagine them burying a lot of anxiety and kicking dirt over it to release that spent energy).
Thank Them & End Exercise
Thank your dog for spending this time with you and for being open to this process. Keep petting your dog until you feel the process is complete. That is it! You did great!
Allowing the Light To Cleanse & Clear
Grounding & Preparation
Take a quick bathroom break for you and your dog, if needed. Now, find a spot where you both feel safe and content. Turn off your phone/on silent and leave it in another room. If needed, pop a Do Not Disturb sign up.
Letting in the Light
As you get comfortable take a deep breath and exhale a couple of times. Let your muscles relax (especially your neck and shoulders). Pet your dog and tell them what is happening and check in to see if they're ok with it. You can talk to them out loud or mentally. It's all good.
If Your Dog Is Unsure
Occasionally a dog is not be completely receptive. They may be afraid that if they let their defenses down you will be unprotected. Assure them you are prepared for them to relax.
Some dogs are so tied into their role as guardian/protector they don’t want to release any control.
Thank them for the exceptional job they do and assure them this exercise is to reward them and replinish their energies. Tell them even the most powerful guardian needs to replenish their energies. This process is to support and celebrate their abilities and strength.
Letting the Light In
As you allow yourself to relax, take a few deep breaths and pet your dog. Let them know again how grateful you are they have taken on stress and anxiety for you and your family.
Imagine a door to your heart opening and a pure light beam of love to pour out. Then, imagine a door to your dog’s heart opening and a golden or white light beam starts to glow. Watch that light move from your heart to your dog’s heart, back and forth in a beautiful circle of unconditional love.
Now, imagine the light absorbing your dog’s stress, anxiety, tension, fear, all of the unwanted energy they’ve accumulated. The light gets brighter as it pulls in every bit of the stressful burden. See your dog willingly release the burden they have carried so graciously.
Next, thank the light and give permission for the unwanted energy to leave to be dissipated by the light. Sit with your dog and pet them until you feel the energy is gone. This may be very subtle, like an exhale or it may take a few minutes. It may feel freeing and empowering or there may be tears. Sit with your dog until you both have completed the release.
Ckearing & Balancing Your Dog's Chakras
Exercises Let It Go! and Let the Light In! helped clear and align your dog’s energy centers sometimes you may feel a need to go deeper. In this exercise you will be focusing on their chakras/energy centers.
Grounding & Preparation
As in exercises 1 and 2, ground and prepare the space. Enjoy sitting and being with your dog. Thank them for unselfishly absorbing stress and anxiety for you and your family.
Check in with them for permission to help clear this accumulated energetic sludge. Refer to Exercise #2 If Your Dog Is Unsure if you sense any reluctance.
Allow Energy To Clear Their Chakras
Take a deep breath, exhale and allow your hands to hover over your dog’s body, not really touching your dog, just above them.
Chakra Alignment
Yes, it is hard not to overthink this process. Our Bliss Tip would be to let go of what any of this "should" be and allow it to just be a lovely, yet purposeful time spent with your dog.
Allow all the love you feel for your dog to pour through your heart into your hands, then onto and into your dog. If you feel so moved, you may even say a prayer or affirmation and ask for any extra love and gratitude to be sent to your dog.
Start anywhere you want, there is no specific order to go in.
You may feel a bit silly or think you aren’t “doing it right” but I promise there is no wrong way to send your dog love.
Allow this energy flow to continue until your dog lets you know they have had enough for this session or you feel it is time to stop.
Your dog may become restless, whine or get up and walk away. Or your dog may be one of thoser who would soak up the vibes for hours. Some dogs are through in under a minute and ready to play.
End the dog chakra healing session whenever it feels you should, you will know. TIP: If you actually ask yourself, “Are we through?” you are.
Thank You!
Thank you dog for being open to this process. Sit with them until both of you are ready to go about the rest of your day energized and replenished.
When you finish reading this article grab your dog and give one of the three exercises above a try. If you wait for the perfect moment of zen-like tranquility…it will never happen. Let us know how you do!