About Me
I’ve been working with animals for almost two decades now! In that time I’ve been blessed to be taught by thousands of amazing animals (and a great many humans too!)—each one of them a unique individual with their own drives and desires.
Through the varied settings and backdrops of shelters, boarding facilities, neighborhood walks, hikes, people’s myriad homes, and close-quarters coexistence, I’ve engaged with fear, anxiety, reactivity, possessiveness, impulsiveness, overstimulation, disregulation, and more (plus all the good stuff!); over all stages of life from young and able-bodied, to older or infirm; on the clock and off.
One of the key overarching lessons that I’ve learned is that there’s no “one size fits all” approach to animal behavior. The closest thing to any universally beneficial principle that I’ve found so far might be just to maintain an open and judgement-free presence of mind when engaging with other beings, and to be able to adjust and recalibrate when needed. That’s how I try to approach working with all my clients.
To me, behavior work is relationship- and community-building. There are many ways to have and maintain relationships, some more sustainable than others, and I do my best to practice the options that are most mutually-beneficial to all parties involved.
I don’t view myself as any final authority on animal behavior, but more a well-seasoned guide and translator. Somebody familiar with the terrain that can help you navigate the unknowns of this animal-world and bridge the gaps in skill or understanding.
If you’re ready to dive into a behavioral project, or even just looking to learn, I’d love to hear from you!
Kevin Gan
Dip. ABST, CTMT, SCMT
Why Behavior?
Your pets’ day-to-day behaviors are basically what you and them have determined is “normal”, even if you didn’t intend for it to be that way.
Changing unwanted behaviors comes from redefining what your “normal” is, and committing to improving upon it until your new “normal” is full of flourishing and happiness!
Why Massage?
Massage can help improve nearly any animal’s quality of life by providing pain relief, relaxation, increased circulation, improved immunity, improved range of motion, and improved emotional health.
Massages can be tailored towards senior, shy, or active animals, and can be done in the comfort of your home, in your yard, or out at the park. Whatever your animal needs really!
*Massage is a process. If your dog isn’t used to it, or hasn’t had it in a long time, it may take a few sessions before you begin to see progress. While we’re generally always happy to accommodate one-off massages, we recommend getting at least 3 for better results. The body takes time to process the feelings and waste products released by massage before flushing them out, so your animal may experience a little soreness following the first one. As treatments progress the body will acclimate. Ideally, there should also be fewer waste products, making it easier and easier for the body to process them.
*Canine massage is complementary to other modalities. It’s most effective to treat issues after you have seen and received a diagnosis from your veterinarian. Canine massage IS NOT a substitute for veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your veterinarian for specific questions regarding your pet’s health or diagnosis. I am happy to work with your veterinarian as a member of your dog’s wellness team.
