The Fur and Feather Blog

Massage For Dogs Workshop

Does your dog deserve a little extra TLC? Whether they’re a high-energy athlete, a beloved senior, or just your favorite couch potato, massage can be a wonderful way to enhance their well-being and deepen your bond.

In this hands-on 2-hour workshop, you’ll learn simple massage and stretching techniques that can help your dog relax, relieve muscle tension, and even support recovery after activity. Animal physical therapist Beth Williams will guide you through dog-friendly touch methods and teach you how to recognize your dog’s comfort signals, so every massage feels like a treat—for both of you!  Massage is a wonderful way to teach dogs to value human touch. Prepare for a calming, interactive experience that will leave tails wagging.

No prior experience is needed, and all breeds, sizes, and ages are welcome. Please bring a comfortable dog bed (or two), yoga mat/s, and/or pillows to kneel on, as you and your dog will be on the floor for this class. We are able to accommodate a few clients who have difficulty getting up and down with a massage table, as long as their dogs are under 30 lbs – please let us know when you register if you’d like this option.

Details:

When: Sat. Jan. 25, 2025 at 4:00pm
Where: Fur and Feather Works: 9475 Double R Blvd Ste 12, Reno, NV 89521
Cost: $75

Spots are limited to 8 participants to ensure quality individual attention, so don’t wait—reserve your place today!

Relaxation starts here. ❤️

About Beth Williams:

Beth Williams, P.T., A.P.T. has been a licensed physical therapist since graduating with from California State University Northridge in 1985. Inspired by her heart-dog Nitro’s successful recovery from hip surgery, she opened K9 Wellness Center in 1999 to provide physical therapy and rehabilitation for dogs (and the occasional bunny/cat/goat/horse) in Reno. In 2004, Beth became one of the first two licensed animal physical therapists in Nevada, and has worked with many dogs recovering from injury/surgery, and those living with chronic neurological and orthopedic conditions. During her career as a physical therapist for humans, she served as a geriatric clinical specialist for 20 years, pursued advanced training in body work and movement education, was certified in Pilates, and earned a master’s degree in counseling and educational psychology. In 2021, she completed the Dancing Hearts Academy coaches’ training, and expanded her work to help people and dogs cooperatively live their best lives together.
Beth happily resides in Reno, Nevada with her beloved “pack”: husband Dave, Rottweiler KZ, several chickens and paint quarter horse Classy. She and her canine partner KZ enjoy training and competing in barn hunt and North American Sport Dog Association activities in their free time.

Contact us with any questions OR register now!

2nd Annual Pet Gear Swap Meet and Art Show

 

Are you a dog gear hoarder who has ended up with a whole bunch of stuff you never use? Wondering where all these collars came from? Or maybe you make cat toys or dog treats in your spare time? Well, boy do we have an event for you!

Artist credit: Connor Fogal

Fur and Feather Works is hosting our 2nd Annual Pet Gear Swap Meet! Everyone is invited to either sell or purchase, so tell your friends!

For the first time, we are also inviting local artists to showcase their talents. Join us for pet-themed art sales! Tell your artist friends, too! This is the perfect event to get your holiday shopping done for the animal lovers in your life.

Res-Que will be returning again this year with some sweet dogs who would love to meet you.

What: A swap meet for gently-used or new dog gear. Items like:

  • Collars, leashes, and long lines
  • Dog clothing – coats, sweaters, shoes
  • Training equipment
  • Crates or pens
  • Toys or enrichment feeders
  • Treats (home made or store bought)
  • Dog-related books

    Artist Credit: Black Poodle Studio
  • Dog-themed human clothing

A showcase of pet-themed art for sale, some of it customized for your pet. Items like:

  • professional pet photography
  • custom paintings of your pet
  • custom digital art

Where: Fur and Feather Works Training Center (9475 Double R Blvd, Ste 12).

When: Saturday, October 26, 2024

  • Selling begins at 2:30pm and ends at 5:00pm.
  • Setup will start at 1:30pm.
  • At 5:00pm, you may either take any unsold items back with you, or leave them with us. Fur and Feather Works will donate them to charity.

    Artist credit: Sara Kruglinski

Dog- and human-friendly dogs are encouraged to attend!

To stay informed and to preview some of the items that will be available, please join the Facebook event.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected]!

Success Story: Fuji!

Meet Fuji, the Aussiedoodle!

Despite living a very privileged life (early socialization, good nutrition, loving, gentle home), at around 1 year old Fuji started to display some fear based reactivity. This isn’t uncommon, actually, and often has a genetic component – think of human mental illnesses manifesting in early adulthood. She’s very worried about unknown dogs and humans, things that move fast (bikes and joggers), and basically anything she deems out of the ordinary – which can be a lot. She also hated people coming near her chews and treats. All in all, life was stressful for both Fuji and her people!

 

Here’s where training comes in.

Fuji has been working hard with our trainer Ericka on learning what to do when she sees a Scary Thing, and her humans know exactly what to do to help her feel better. She no longer resource guards her valued chewies. Day by day, week by week, Fuji has become much braver and much less reactive, and has even made some new friends – both human AND dog! (This is her with stimulus dog, Apollo.)

It’s NOT “all in how you raise them.”

Fuji would like you to know that sometimes, it’s not “all in how you raise them.” Troubled dogs are not always caused by anything their owner has done. Sometimes, everything can go right in how a dog is raised, and they just drew the short straw when it comes to “bravery genes.” Some of us need more support from our communities than others, and that’s okay! Go Fuji go, with your new brave self!

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