Tapping in Dogs

Just like people, dogs can also have emotional blockages that lead them to misbehave or feel unwell. In these cases, can we help our furry friends regain their inner peace? You should know the answer is yes. There are various techniques for achieving this, and one of the best known is tapping.

What Is Canine Tapping?

Tapping is a procedure that allows you, naturally and without any medication, to release the blockages that are keeping your adventure companion from feeling well.

This technique can be applied on its own or, in some cases, combined with other medical treatments.

Many people associate tapping with acupuncture, since in both cases pressure is applied to certain points. The difference is that, in tapping, no needles are used.

You simply need to channel your energy and press with your fingers on certain parts of the dog's body. What benefits can you get from this method? Let's see.

Benefits of Tapping

One of the main goals of tapping is to strengthen the bond between the dog and its caregiver.

This way, it's easier for the dog to release all its built-up stress, the kind that leads it to have problem behaviors.

It's also useful for reducing its pain and helping it relax. This treatment is especially recommended for dogs that:

• Have gone through a traumatic situation and need to release blocked emotions. For example, after the loss of a human or canine companion, a situation of abandonment, or a change of residence.
• Need to recover from a surgery or an illness, with as little stress as possible.
• Have some phobia that keeps them from behaving normally in all kinds of situations.

Tapping is, in fact, usually very useful for treating dogs' fear of fireworks, since it helps them face it with more calm.

Main Tapping Points in Dogs

The basis for this treatment to work is knowing the specific body points that need to be pressed.

Specifically, this therapy identifies up to 14 locations, although the most commonly used are the following:

1. On top of the head, at the highest point
2. In the center of the forehead
3. Where the eyebrows start, at their innermost part
4. The outermost side of the eyes
5. Below the eyes, in line with the pupils (use great caution)
6. Above the muzzle, right where it starts to form
7. Below the mouth.
8. Below the ear
9. At the joints between the torso and the front legs

To start tapping, the first thing you need to do is tune in to your furry friend and its blockage. That is, focus on the dog's problem you want to solve and connect with it.

Keep in mind that intention and focus are key in energy work, which is why it's recommended to define the goal with a clear phrase like "Rex feels depressed."

Next, locate the meridian points on the dog and start applying a series of gentle taps to them with one or two fingers.

Keep in mind these are light taps, which shouldn't cause any kind of pain or discomfort.

Ideally, start the tapping sequence at point 0, at the center of the heart, and give an average of 5 to 7 taps at each spot at a quick pace.

Other Options: Distance Tapping or General Tapping

Don't worry if the dog seems reluctant at first or doesn't manage to fully relax. That's normal. If you're consistent, you'll see its attitude gradually change, as the benefits of tapping become more evident.

Don't be surprised if in the end they're the ones lying down next to you so you'll keep doing the treatment! In more complicated cases, distance tapping or proxy tapping, which consists of pressing the points on yourself while the dog watches and the energy flows, is also an option.

Another valid alternative for the first sessions is doing general tapping, applying this type of tap all over the body and not just on specific areas.

To learn all the basics of tapping and how to apply it to your furry friend, there are various training courses, and there are also professionals who dedicate themselves to teaching beginners.

Conclusions

Tapping is, therefore, an emotional release technique that works on the dog's energy system, more than on the body itself.

In English this method is called Emotional Freedom Technique. Hence the initials EFT that many people also use to refer to this therapy.

Thanks to this natural treatment, which allows energy to be channeled between the caregiver and the dog, our furry friend can overcome some of its problems and achieve a greater level of wellbeing.

You've got nothing to lose by trying it, so now you know: if your furry friend needs to de-stress or overcome a mental block, get to work helping it! Let us know how it goes after the first few sessions! We're sure you'll manage to pass on all your love, strength, and health with every tap.