It Ain't Scientific, But If It Works....?

My first encounter with energy work was almost 25 years ago. We were trying anything and everything to get my horse's trotting problem sorted out, including acupuncture, Rolfing, TTouch and yes, energy work. My riding instructors and I played around with it a bit and it seemed to help, even though we didn't understand it (they tried TTouch on me, and I couldn't stand up straight for a week!).

Anyway, through various events from then till now (material for several another blogs) I've been exploring "alternative" therapies - homeopathy (not so effective), reflexology (somewhat effective), aromatherapy (very effective) and more recently Reiki.

I can't remember why I got the book, but when I read "Animal Reiki" by Kathleen Prasad, I knew had to try it. I went to one Reiki practitioner, but the session left me unimpressed. However, my chiropractor has a practitioner on staff, and when hormones and life collided rather spectacularly a month or two ago, I decided to try again, and boy am I glad I did.

After the first session I was MUCH more relaxed (I even survived a family reunion!), and decided to pursue becoming a practitioner myself. I took the Reiki Level 1 course was last week, and Level 2 will be in two weeks. I'll probably go on to Level 3 as well.

My hope is that when I become more proficient my calmer "energy" will give me an edge with dogs and owners alike. Being able to help a dog who is "out of balance", should give me an edge with behavioral issues as well. As for the "communication" aspect discussed in "Animal Reiki" and in "Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats" by Diane Stein, well, I'm not so sure, but I'm keeping an open mind.

But I can hear the scientific minds out there screaming "but it's not scientific!!!". Well, while no animals suffered through lab experiments (some of the stuff in the text books isn't fun reading, even if it did, eventually, get us to R+ methods), there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that Reiki benefits animals. More scientific studies have shown that Reiki treatments can improve health and mood in humans, so why not critters?

Question of the day: What do you think about the concept of "energy", energy work and non-scientific/alternative options in training or behavior modification?

Day 1 - The Adventure Begins!

This all really started almost 6 years ago, when I realized I had the money to go back to school and get a degree. Do I become a REAL project manager and make a ton of money? Do I learn how to do proper English and sit at a desk writing, working on my "secretary's spread"? Or do I do something I really love, but which won't make me a lot of money, will get me bit and scratched, and probably break my heart time after time?

Yep, I decided on the later - I decided I would learn to work with dogs!

Unfortunately, I spent (i.e. wasted) several years trying to figure out how to accomplish this goal - I didn't want to make a mistake investing in the wrong option. (I DID figure out quite quickly that I didn't like the Koehler method). I spent (i.e. wasted) several thousand dollars on a course I didn't finish - I love to learn but I'm a lousy student. I've invested time and money (i.e. wasted?) on a bookshelf full of half-read books, several underutilized clickers and a dozen browser folders full of bookmarks to "useful" information - all of which I keep promising to "get around to".

So with that history of "success" behind me, how on earth am I going to actually help dogs?

I have a cunning plan!

First, this blog will be cathartic - allow me to put the past in the past, and allow me to move on. Second, this blog will help keep me on track and keep me honest - my goal is to pass the CCPDT practice test within a year. Third, this blog will be my regular affirmation, my "I AM becoming a dog trainer/behaviorist" announcement to the universe.

So here's my strategy:

1. Draw up an outline of what I need to study based on the CCPDT study objective document. 
2. Break the outline down into discrete modules.
3. Develop a reading list, practical exercises and assignments for each module.
4. Come up with a timeline, with milestones (the thing I should have done with the "proper" course).
5. Publish my "assignments" on Helium or here in the blog.
6. Once I'm through with my "coursework", I pass the CCPDT practice exam.

Oh yeah, I'm going to set aside time every day to actually train my poor dog!

Question of the day: How will I know if I get a passing grade on my "assignments"???