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Australian Dog Lover
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Physical issues are as common for dogs as they are for humans. Have you ever felt stiff and sore after physical activity? Your dog can too, and without a way to tell you about it, their discomfort can often go unnoticed.
Apart from obvious signs like limping or reacting to being touched, physical issues may even explain unusual or aggressive behaviour. Instead of just waiting for it to go away, why not consider a gentle, non-invasive therapy?
Bowen Therapy is named after Thomas Bowen (1916-82), a well-regarded 'old school' therapist from Geelong in regional Victoria. He learned his craft from a legendary manual therapist and, being a fan of dog racing, he naturally adapted his skills to help his four-legged friends.
A Gentle Approach to Healing
Keeping your dog happy and healthy is the aim of the therapist, and the quiet, gentle, calming nature of the treatment reflects this.
Your First Session: A Holistic Assessment
When you make contact to arrange a session of ISBT-Canine Bowen Therapy, you will briefly describe your concerns, confirm your dog’s current health status, and confirm if they are under veterinary care. In some cases, the therapist may need further veterinary information to decide if treatment is appropriate at the time.
Before the first treatment, a thorough case history will be taken, including any previous surgery or injury and your concerns. With you holding the dog, the therapist will quietly introduce herself and conduct a full body assessment using gentle palpation.
Aftercare Advice
After the session, you'll be offered some aftercare advice. This explains that dogs can often be thirsty or sleepy after treatment. The therapist will also give advice on exercise for the following few days and suggestions for any possible restrictions of movement.
The Science Behind the Soothing Touch
Canine Bowen Therapy involves a series of specific gentle moves at certain points, promoting healing through subtle soft-tissue manipulation.
These moves usually involve gentle movement of skin before applying gentle pressure, then a rolling move over specific muscles or tendons.
Therapists report that it’s normal for an animal to "bliss out" and become extremely relaxed after a treatment.
ISBT’s unique approach includes students learning some of the basic human techniques. This gives them a far greater understanding of how to work with Bowen Therapy on their pets, which is especially important if dogs are anxious or aggressive.
If you simply want to learn basic skills to help your own dog, the first two modules provide a wide variety of suitable techniques. Successful completion of the full course can lead to an ISBT qualification that achieves industry recognition.
Testimonials
Penny's Story
“We were heartbroken and feared she might never walk again. A few weeks later we also discovered Penny was pregnant, and the vets told us she would most likely need a caesarean. Jess worked with Penny through several Bowen Therapy sessions, and the results were incredible.
‘Natalie’ takes her dog to Jess regularly.
“We have had Jess working her Bowen magic on our 10-year-old Staffy Loui, for 8 months now. He not only moves more comfortably after each fortnightly visit, he has gained strength and confidence back in his little body.
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Is Your Dog in Pain? Here's How to Tell
This unique Australian therapy has since spread internationally, with a statue even erected in his honour in a Geelong park, reflecting his renowned generosity of spirit and skill in the community.
Just as you might see a remedial masseur or a Bowen Therapist for your own problems, a similar approach can be used when your dog is in pain.
A Gentle Approach to Healing
Keeping your dog happy and healthy is the aim of the therapist, and the quiet, gentle, calming nature of the treatment reflects this.
Your First Session: A Holistic Assessment
When you make contact to arrange a session of ISBT-Canine Bowen Therapy, you will briefly describe your concerns, confirm your dog’s current health status, and confirm if they are under veterinary care. In some cases, the therapist may need further veterinary information to decide if treatment is appropriate at the time.
Before the first treatment, a thorough case history will be taken, including any previous surgery or injury and your concerns. With you holding the dog, the therapist will quietly introduce herself and conduct a full body assessment using gentle palpation.
They’ll be looking for signs of muscle tension, soreness, or reactivity to touch. What they find will be recorded, along with your dog’s physical structure and general health condition. Your dog may then be assessed at the walk and the run for any lameness or gait abnormalities.
During the Treatment
After a thorough assessment, the therapist will select sequences that focus on the most effective areas to treat. The dog remains quietly under control throughout the session. Frequent pauses allow the techniques to be absorbed by the body, which are also calming times for the patient.
During the Treatment
After a thorough assessment, the therapist will select sequences that focus on the most effective areas to treat. The dog remains quietly under control throughout the session. Frequent pauses allow the techniques to be absorbed by the body, which are also calming times for the patient.
 |
| ISBT Canine Bowen Therapist and teacher, Jess Maher, working on a dog's upper thighs |
Aftercare Advice
After the session, you'll be offered some aftercare advice. This explains that dogs can often be thirsty or sleepy after treatment. The therapist will also give advice on exercise for the following few days and suggestions for any possible restrictions of movement.
The Science Behind the Soothing Touch
Canine Bowen Therapy involves a series of specific gentle moves at certain points, promoting healing through subtle soft-tissue manipulation.
 |
| This diagram illustrates the specific locations of canine muscles |
This positively impacts fascia, the body’s connective tissue that envelops and supports all internal structures, promoting better health.
Mindful that veterinary considerations are paramount, a therapist may apply this work for a variety of issues, including:
Mindful that veterinary considerations are paramount, a therapist may apply this work for a variety of issues, including:
- Acute injuries: Sprains, strains, and post-surgical recovery.
- Chronic conditions: Arthritis, hip/elbow dysplasia, and muscular issues.
- Behavioural concerns: Anxiety, aggression, and stress-related tension.
Therapists report that it’s normal for an animal to "bliss out" and become extremely relaxed after a treatment.
Dog owners often report how excited their dogs become when they see the therapist arriving to treat them.
Dogs don't need a physical problem to benefit from a Bowen treatment from a qualified practitioner. Working dogs, in particular, due to their dynamic activities, benefit greatly from regular "tune-ups." Canine Bowen Therapy is not a substitute for veterinary care; practitioners often work alongside vets.
Want to Learn How to Become a Canine Bowen Therapist?
Dogs don't need a physical problem to benefit from a Bowen treatment from a qualified practitioner. Working dogs, in particular, due to their dynamic activities, benefit greatly from regular "tune-ups." Canine Bowen Therapy is not a substitute for veterinary care; practitioners often work alongside vets.
Want to Learn How to Become a Canine Bowen Therapist?
 |
| ISBT's Suzanne Baker guides a student with a move |
Bowen Therapy for humans has increasingly been accepted, with schools such as the
International School of Bowen Therapy (ISBT), established in 1998, teaching this Australian therapy around the world. ISBT has successfully introduced its interpretation of Bowen’s work
into a public hospital system and part of a Masters of Physiotherapy course, unique for Bowen.
In conjunction with ISBT Directors Lisa Black and Col Murray, specific work for dogs has been adapted by internationally renowned equine manual therapist and ISBT therapist, Hong Kong-based, Suzanne Baker.
Suzanne is Principal of ISBT’s animal courses. The full course is over five two-day modules and includes a case-study component with personal feedback. From the first module, students learn skills that may positively impact a dog’s health.
ISBT’s unique approach includes students learning some of the basic human techniques. This gives them a far greater understanding of how to work with Bowen Therapy on their pets, which is especially important if dogs are anxious or aggressive.
If you simply want to learn basic skills to help your own dog, the first two modules provide a wide variety of suitable techniques. Successful completion of the full course can lead to an ISBT qualification that achieves industry recognition.
Testimonials
Penny's Story
‘Joan,’ took her Dachshund, Penny, to therapist Jess after a ruptured disc left her dog’s back legs paralysed.
Not only did Penny go on to give birth naturally, but she also recovered beautifully afterwards. Today she has full use of her legs again - only showing a little weakness when she’s very tired. We are so thankful for Jess’s care and healing support. She made such a difference in Penny’s recovery and wellbeing, and we couldn’t be more grateful.”
Loui's Story
‘Natalie’ takes her dog to Jess regularly.
Both spinal issues and a knee reconstruction from excess beach play were some things we weren't sure possible to mend. Loui absolutely loves Jess and sleeps like an angel for hours after her sessions are finished. We will keep going with Jess's Bowen sessions as the benefits continue for our boy!”
Ready to help your dog feel their best?
If you are interested in enrolling in an ISBT-Canine, Equine, and Human Bowen Therapy course, you can find more information or register below.
For inquiries, please contact Lisa Black at isbtlisa@gmail.com or visit www.bowen-therapy.com .
Upcoming Australian Course Dates
- East Malvern (VIC): Feb 28 / March 1, 2026
Gympie (QLD): April 4 / 5, 2026
Is Your Dog in Pain? Here's How to Tell
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