Easier Movement, Happier Dogs

You'll gain insights into becoming more aware of your and your dog's movement patterns, identify hidden imbalances, and understand the interconnected nature of physical and emotional issues. You'll realize the importance of working with the body's natural intelligence and avoiding forced movements.

As the two guest "hosts" summarize Mary Debono's book "Grow Young with Your Dog," you’'ll understand why it's a guide to rediscovering the joy of movement, deepening the human-canine bond, and unlocking the potential for healing and growth in both species.

Key Takeaways:

1. Debono Moves challenges assumptions about aging and mobility in both dogs and humans.
2. The method works by rewiring neural pathways through new movement patterns and increased body awareness.
3. Connected Breathing can deepen the bond between dogs and humans while calming both nervous systems.
4. Gentle anatomical exploration helps dogs reconnect with their bodies, especially after injury or as they age.
5. The concept of limbic resonance explains how dogs and humans can synchronize emotionally and physically.
6. Many movement issues stem from habitual patterns rather than permanent physical limitations.
7. Awareness and observation are crucial skills for identifying and addressing hidden imbalances.
8. The book emphasizes working with the body's natural intelligence rather than forcing movements.
9. Improving our own body awareness and movement patterns can positively impact our dogs.
10. Debono Moves can help you and your dog rediscover joy in movement and deepen the human-canine connection.

Resources:

Grab your FREE video training. https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DogHealthAndVitality

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you or your dog are unwell or injured.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the movement, well-being, and connection of animals and their human companions.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for the canine world. Her methods have helped dogs and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the canine-human bond

Mary's best-selling, award-winning book, "Grow Young with Your Dog,”  offers readers a unique opportunity to experience the benefits of Feldenkrais® while also learning her signature hands-on work for dogs. This transformative approach has helped both dogs and their people move with greater ease and confidence.

As a speaker and educator, Mary has touched the lives of animal lovers across the globe, empowering them to unlock their full potential through mindful movement and enhanced body awareness.

Discover the power of Debono Moves and transform your canine journey. Visit https://www.marydebono.com/you-and-your-dog. 

Learn about the impact of the body-mind connection on both humans and their canine companions. Host Mary Debono explores how our physical state, emotional well-being, and mental processes are intimately linked, and how this connection extends to our relationships with our dogs.

Mary shares insightful examples from her work with challenging cases, demonstrating how physical discomfort can manifest as behavioral issues in dogs. She emphasizes the importance of body awareness and tension release for both humans and dogs, offering practical techniques to enhance this connection.

Listeners will learn how to:

1. Cultivate greater body awareness during daily activities like walking
2. Recognize and release unnecessary tension
3. Use mindful techniques to improve their dog's body awareness
4. Break the cycle of anxiety between human and dog
5. Approach canine care with a sense of ease and optimism

Mary introduces concepts from the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ and her own Debono Moves approach, highlighting how improved movement and body awareness can enrich life for both species. She provides simple, actionable steps that listeners can immediately implement to strengthen their bond with their dogs and enhance overall well-being.

This episode is a must-listen for dog owners seeking to deepen their connection with their pets, address behavioral issues, and improve quality of life – especially for senior dogs or those with physical limitations.

1. The body-mind connection affects both humans and dogs, influencing behavior and well-being.
2. Increased body awareness and reduced tension can improve communication with your dog.
3. Simple practices like mindful walking and body scans can improve body awareness and enhance the human-canine bond.
4. Physical discomfort in dogs can manifest as behavioral issues, including aggression or anxiety.
5. Embodying a sense of ease, even with physical limitations, can positively impact your dog.
6. Introducing non-habitual activities, even simple ones, can improve your dog's body awareness and help create new neural connections in you and your dog.
7. Improvement is possible even for senior dogs or those with significant physical challenges.
8. Your physical and emotional state directly influences your dog's state and behavior.

Resources:

Grab your FREE 3-video training. https://www.marydebono.com/dog 💥

Join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DogHealthAndVitality

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you or your dog are unwell or injured.

Mentioned in this episode:

An Akita Overcomes Hip and Knee Pain - and Changes His Behavior Too
https://www.marydebono.com/blog/an-akita-overcomes-hip-and-knee-pain-and-aggression

In this episode, Mary challenges traditional quick-fix approaches to dog mobility issues. Instead, she introduces Debono Moves, a holistic practice that creates lasting benefits for both dogs and their humans.

Inspired by the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ and other modalities, Debono Moves combines gentle hands-on processes with mindfulness and gratitude. This unique approach enhances the physical and emotional well-being of dogs and their human companions alike.

Through personal stories and success cases, Mary demonstrates how Debono Moves can transform mobility issues in dogs of all ages and conditions. She emphasizes the power of presence, compassionate curiosity, and deep listening when working with dogs.

Beyond improving canine mobility, this practice offers broader benefits, including increased creativity and self-awareness for the human practitioner. Discover how this sustainable path can enrich your dog's life and your own!

Resources:

Grab your FREE video training. Includes Rhythm Circles and Connected Breathing!
https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DogHealthAndVitality

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you or your dog are unwell or injured.

Mentioned in this episode:

10% Happier podcast with Dan Harris (A Buddhist Recipe For Confidence | Ethan Nichtern)

💥Mary will be offering an online group coaching soon that will provide personalized guidance for you and your dog! Be among the first to hear when she opens the doors by signing up here: marydebono.com/lovedog. 

In this episode of "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," Mary Debono builds on the previous episode's discussion about the power of novelty and variation in enhancing your dog's nervous system. She explains how changing the context or environment when working with your dog—whether during hands-on practices or training sessions—can create lasting improvements in your dog's movement and well-being.

Mary shares practical tips on how to incorporate these variations into everyday activities, making the experience more enjoyable and effective for both you and your dog.

Key Takeaways:

1. Context Matters: Changing the environment or context during hands-on work or training can significantly improve your dog’s ability to generalize and retain new skills.
2. Vary Positions: Incorporate different orientations—such as standing, sitting, or lying down—when working with your dog to enhance their nervous system's ability to integrate new experiences.
3. Incorporate Variations in Routine: Small changes in your dog's daily activities, like grooming or walking, can make a big difference in their learning and well-being.
4. Prioritize Comfort: Always ensure your dog feels comfortable and safe; avoid introducing anything that might cause discomfort or stress.

Resources:

Grab your FREE video training. Includes Rhythm Circles and Connected Breathing!
https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DogHealthAndVitality

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you or your dog are unwell or injured.

In this episode of "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," Mary Debono delves into the transformative impact of introducing novelty and variation into your dog's life. By gently shifting routines and creating new experiences, you can stimulate your dog's nervous system in positive ways that lead to improved physical health, reduced stress, and a more resilient, adaptable dog.

Mary explains how Debono Moves uses safe, non-threatening novelty to help dogs overcome both physical and behavioral challenges. This episode highlights the importance of gradual change, paying close attention to your dog's signals to ensure comfort and safety. 

These concepts can benefit you too, helping you break free from your own habits and experience life with renewed vitality.

Through simple, everyday changes, you can create a more joyful, connected life with your dog, where both of you thrive. Whether it's varying the way you walk, interact, or even put on your shoes, these small shifts can have a profound impact. 

Mary also shares insights from her book, "Grow Young with Your Dog," about how non-habitual actions can even alter your perception of time, making life feel richer and more vibrant.

Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Novelty: Introducing safe, novel experiences into your dog's routine can stimulate their nervous system and improve both physical and behavioral health.
2. Gradual Change: It's crucial to introduce changes slowly and pay attention to your dog's stress signals to ensure a positive response.
3. Mutual Benefits: The principles of novelty and variation apply to humans as well, helping you to become more adaptable, creative, and resilient.
4. Time Perception: Engaging in non-habitual activities can slow down your perception of time, making life feel more full and vibrant.
5. Practical Application: Start by varying small aspects of your routine with your dog, such as using your non-dominant hand or changing the order of daily tasks.

Resources:

Grab your FREE video training. Includes Rhythm Circles and Connected Breathing!
https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DogHealthAndVitality

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you or your dog are unwell or injured. 

Mary Debono challenges the common instinct to correct a dog’s posture or movement problems. Drawing from her extensive experience with Debono Moves and the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ, Mary explains why forcing a dog into a different posture may backfire by triggering the nervous system's protective responses. 

Instead, she advocates for a gentle, supportive approach that honors the body’s natural tendencies and gradually introduces new options. By working with your dog’s nervous system rather than against it, you can help your dog move more freely and comfortably, leading to lasting improvements in their mobility and well-being. 

This episode can change how you approach your dog’s health and movement challenges.

Key Takeaways

1. Rethink Immediate Fixes: Jumping in to correct your dog’s posture or movement issues may not be effective and can often create resistance.
2. Support, Don’t Contradict: Work with your dog’s nervous system by supporting what they are already doing, then gently introduce new options.
3. Debono Moves: This approach uses gentle, hands-on practices to help your dog feel and move better by honoring their body's natural tendencies.
4. Gradual Improvement: With gentle support and gradual hands-on “suggestions,” your dog can develop healthier movement patterns, leading to improved mobility and overall well-being.
5. Broader Application: These concepts apply not only to physical issues but also to behavioral challenges, offering a holistic approach to dog care.

Resources:

Grab your FREE video training. Includes Rhythm Circles and Connected Breathing!
https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DogHealthAndVitality

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you or your dog are unwell or injured.

Grab your FREE video training. Includes Connected Breathing!
https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

In this episode of Easier Movement, Happier Dogs, Mary Debono introduces the concept of the "power of the pause" and its profound impact on mobility, dog training, and overall well-being. 

Drawing inspiration from Tara Brach's teachings on mindfulness, Mary explains how taking a step back, even for a brief moment, can create a space for new possibilities in your dog's learning and behavior.

Mary shares real-life examples, including the story of Zoey, a dog who experienced a remarkable recovery through the simple practice of Connected Breathing. She also explains how the various hands-on practices she teaches, including Rhythm Circles, can be enhanced by incorporating pauses, allowing you AND your dog to release unnecessary tension and approach each interaction with less physical and emotional baggage. 

Whether you're dealing with a specific training challenge or looking to improve your dog's mobility and connection, this episode provides practical tips to help you harness the power of the pause. 

By integrating these small but significant breaks into your routine, you can foster a deeper, more harmonious relationship with your dog.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of the Pause: Learn how stepping back from a challenge can lead to breakthroughs in training and behavior.
• Incorporating Mindfulness: Discover how mindfulness practices can enhance your dog's well-being and deepen your bond.
• Debono Moves  Practices: Explore the benefits of Rhythm Circles and Connected Breathing, with a focus on incorporating pauses for optimal results. (See link in Resources below for a free video training on this!)
• Real-Life Application: Hear the inspiring story of Zoey, a dog whose recovery was accelerated by the practice of Connected Breathing.

Resources:

Grab your FREE video training. Includes Connected Breathing!
https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Read about Zoey and her recovery from hip surgery.

Join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DogHealthAndVitality

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you or your dog are unwell or injured. 

💥Grab your FREE video training. Includes Connected Breathing!
 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

In this episode of "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," Mary Debono delves into the incredible healing journeys of Scooter and Zoey, two dogs who faced life-changing injuries. 

Scooter, a small mixed-breed dog, was hit by a car, resulting in a broken back and pelvis. Despite his bones healing, he remained unable to walk—until Mary applied her unique method of using gentle touch and connection to communicate safety and movement to his nervous system. 

Similarly, Zoey, a small terrier recovering from hip surgery, wouldn't use her repaired leg. Through a process we call "Connected Breathing," and intentional touch, Zoey's person helped her dog rediscover her ability to move comfortably.

Mary emphasizes the importance of creating a safe, anxiety-free environment for healing, showing that even in the absence of traumatic injury, these strategies can be beneficial for any dog. 

By focusing on the quality of connection and using methods that engage the nervous system in a non-threatening way, Mary demonstrates how we can help our dogs heal, improve their movement, and enhance their overall well-being.

Key Takeaways

• The quality of connection between a dog and its human can significantly impact the healing process.
• Even when physical injuries have healed, dogs may need additional support to overcome anxiety and regain their movement.
• Gentle touch and intentional connection can help a dog's nervous system recognize safety and encourage natural movement.
• Creating a calm, safe environment is crucial for effective learning and healing in both dogs and humans.
• Connected Breathing can be a powerful tool for reducing anxiety and resetting the nervous system.

Resources:

Show notes for this episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/d32

Grab your FREE video training. Includes Connected Breathing!
 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Read about Zoey and her recovery from hip surgery.

Join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DogHealthAndVitality

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you or your dog are unwell or injured. 

Grab your FREE video training! https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Mary Debono delves into the importance of helping your dog feel safe, not just for their emotional health, but for their physical well-being and mobility too. Drawing on the story of Sunny, a five-year-old Labrador who struggled to recover fully after knee ligament surgery, Mary illustrates how respecting a dog’s bodily wisdom and creating an environment of safety can lead to profound changes. 

By using her hands-on approach, Debono Moves, Mary helped Sunny find relief from pain and rediscover comfort in his movement—without force or coercion.

This episode emphasizes that learning and recovery are most effective when a dog feels safe. Whether your dog is dealing with mobility issues, recovering from injury, or coping with emotional trauma, this episode offers practical insights into how you can support your dog’s journey toward better health and well-being. Mary also shares how you can incorporate these gentle techniques into your daily life with your dog, enhancing your bond and communication.

Resources:

Show notes for this episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/d31

Grab your FREE video training! https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DogHealthAndVitality

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you or your dog are unwell or injured. 

💥Watch your FREE video for more flexible knees! 💥

Ever wonder how you can enjoy more active time with your dog despite physical discomfort? This episode promises to teach you a gentle yet transformative approach to movement, inspired by the Feldenkrais Method. Learn how to enhance the flexibility of your knees and improve your overall movement, making activities like hiking, running, or playing with your dog more comfortable and enjoyable. We share insights on mindful movement, emphasizing how paying attention to your body can reduce strain on your joints and prevent wear and tear.

Tune in for a special seven-and-a-half-minute video lesson that focuses on learning how to move better rather than performing rote exercises. This inclusive lesson is designed for people of all ages and abilities. No need to opt-in—just click the link in the description and start your journey towards better movement and well-being. Remember, you and your dog deserve to feel great. Together. Thank you for joining this short but impactful episode, and stay tuned for more tips and insights to help you and your furry friend live a healthier, happier life.

Resources:

Show notes for this episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/d30

💥Watch your FREE video for more flexible knees! 💥

Join our free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DogHealthAndVitality

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you or your dog are unwell or injured.