Σεμινάριο: Εισαγωγή στην φυσική και προβληματική συμπεριφορά και στην αρωματοθεραπεία για τα ζώα!

Εάν σας ενδιαφέρει να μάθετε περισσότερα πράγματα για την συμπεριφορά του ζώου σας αλλά και πώς να του παρέχετε μια καλύτερη ζωή τότε ελάτε στο διήμερο σεμινάριο αυτό στης 15 και 16 Μαρτίου 2008 το οποίο διεξάγει η Μαίριλυν Πήτερς BSc MSc mIAAWE. Σάββατο 15 Μαρτίου 2008 3μμ-8μμ και Κυριακή 16 Μαρτίου 2008 10πμ-3μμ. Το σεμινάριο θα λάβει μέρος στην διεύθηνση Πλατεία Αγίου Δημητρίου 13 στην Κηφισιά.

Η αρωματοθεραπεία είναι η χρήση αιθέριων ελαίων, που είναι αποστάγματα από ιατροφαρμακευτικά άνθη, βότανα, και δέντρα για την καταπολέμηση σωματικών και ψυχολογικών νοσημάτων προωθώντας έτσι την καλή υγεία, γερό ανοσοποιητικό σύστημα και την ευζωία.

Τα αιθέρια και τα ζώα

Τα ζώα στην φύση διαλέγουν ότι χρειάζονται από το οικοσύστημα στο οποίο ζουν για να επαναφέρουν ισορροπία στον οργανισμό τους όταν νοσεί. Εξημερώνοντας τα, και συνεπώς κλείνοντας τα μέσα στα σπίτια μας τους έχουμε αναιρέσει τις επιλογές αυτές. Αυτά, λοιπόν, στα αιθέρια έλαια, αναγνωρίζουν τις ιατρικές ουσίες και ενστικτωδώς διαλέγουν από αυτά όπως ακριβώς θα έκαναν στην φύση. Οι συνέπειες της σύγχρονης ζωής μας έχει σοβαρές επιπτώσεις που οδηγούν τα ζώα μας στην παθολογία και στην προβληματική συμπεριφορά. Έχοντας κάποια γνώση σχετικά με την συμπεριφορά και τα αιθέρια έλαια μπορεί κανείς να αντιμετωπίσει τα θέματα του ζώου του.

Εδώ θα μάθετε:

1) Τις ιδανικές συνθήκες διαβίωσης του κατοικίδιου σας

2) Μια εισαγωγή στην φυσιολογική αλλά και προβληματική συμπεριφορά με παραδείγματα από την δουλειά της Μαίριλυν Πήτερς

3) Την γλώσσα του σώματος του ζώου σας

3) Μια εισαγωγή για το πώς χρησιμοποιούνται τα αιθέρια έλαια με τα ζώα

4) Τις ιδιότητες 10 αιθέριων ελαίων

5) Την ευκαιρία να βρούμε αιθέρια έλαια για ένα ζώο δικό σας και την ευκαιρία να ρωτήστε την Μαίριλυν σχετικά με το ζώο σας.

Βιογραφικό

Η Μαίριλυν Πήτερς έχει μεταπτυχιακό με θέμα την συμπεριφορά των ζώων και την πρόνοια τους (MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare) από το πανεπιστήμιο του Εδιμβούργου. Επιπλέων είναι αναγνωρισμένη διπλωματούχος αρωματοθεραπεύτρια για τα ζώα στο εξωτερικό όπου και διδάσκει (GEOTA και ΙΑAWE).

• Κόστος Σαββατοκύριακου: 120 Ευρώ

• Κόστος μονοήμερου: 80 Ευρώ

• Προκαταβολή 50 Ευρώ με την εγγραφή η οποία δεν επιστρέφεται με τυχόν ακύρωση.

Η τιμή περιλαμβάνει 5 ώρες διδασκαλίας κάθε μέρα, καφέ, τσάι και ελαφρύ φαγητό.

Οι ενδιαφερόμενοι να επικοινωνήσουν με την Μαίριλυν στο mpeters@ark.info. Λόγω περιορισμένων θέσεων θα τεθεί σειρά προτεραιότητας.

Help the Strays of Athens on the 28th October !

Για όσους δεν βλέπουν: Στις 28 Οκτωβρίου, το Stray.gr και το Coffeecatz, διοργανώνουν συναντηση για καφέ και φαγητό. Τα έσοδα θα διατεθούν για τους αδέσποτους σκύλους και γάτες που αναλαμβάνουμε σε όλη την Αττική. Ελάτε να γνωριστούμε, να φάμε και να πιούμε, συζητώντας τις ιδέες μας για να βοηθήσουμε καλύτερα τους αγαπημένους μας άστεγους τετράποδους.

Τιμή εισόδου: 15 Ευρό και Ώρα 12:00

Λεωφόρος Δημοκρατίας 90, Αγ. Ανάργυροι (απέναντι απο την αστυνομία, δίπλα στην Αlpha Bank). Δείτε χάρτι παρακάτω
Τηλ: 6981 593 946

For those of you who don't read Greek: On the 28th October 2007 stray.gr and Coffeecatz (2 large animal welfare organisations), are organising a meeting for coffee and lunch. The money will go towards the stray animals of Athens. Come to eat, drink and discuss ideas for more efficient action regarding the strays with like minded people.

Price: 15 Euros
Time: 12:00

Place: Leoforos Dimokrateias 90, Ag Anargirous (opposite the police station, next to Alpha Bank). See the map below.
Tel: 6981 593 946

Animal Aromatherapy Course

School of Essential Balance

www.essentialanimals.com

+44 (0)1984 678133

Certificate in Animal Psycharomatica:

Prospectus 2008

The use of essential oils, hydrosols, herbal oils, kinesiology, 5 Element Theory and your own healing powers to reduce stress and improve well-being in animals.

Essential Balance: Philosophy and Tools.

Why essential oils?

Essential oils have been used for millennium to help keep people and animals healthy. They have a wide range of actions from anti-inflammatory to sedative and work to increase health in both body and mind. Essential oils help to reduce stress, increase an animal’s ability to learn and overcome ingrained behaviours that lead to either social or physical problems. Essential oils are a safe, natural way to help your animals be healthy and happy.

Stress, the cause of all ills!

I believe that most of what we call disease could have been prevented if we had taken care of the early signs of stress in the body or mind. By understanding what causes stress in the body and mind we can create a healthy environment and prevent illness before it happens. The immune system, digestive system and endocrine system all suffer when stress is on-going, so by reducing stress you increase health.

The advantages of Kinesiology and TCM

Combining Essential oils and the Chinese medical understanding of the body/mind complex is a profound method for getting to the root of any problem. TCM helps us understand the psychological and physical climate that causes problems to arise. Kinesiology is a ‘modern’ therapy that uses many of the principles of Chinese medicine but taps directly into the body’s bio-feedback mechanism. This allows us to interact with and understand the mental, physical, chemical and energetic make up of an individual and what will help it heal.

The human/animal relationship.

For continued good health it is important to help the animal’s carer understand what the animal needs physiologically and psychologically. Each animal and each person is an individual with a unique set of circumstances, and a therapist must be a facilitator, working with tact and understanding from a quiet and centered space, so the course teaches centering and client skills. We also touch on Animal behaviour, the physiology of stress and how to manage your animal’s life so as to reduce stress.

Why this course?

No other course has such a fully rounded approach to animal wellness. It is designed for those who want to help animals live healthier, happier lives. Level one is for the animal enthusiast who wants to learn for their own interest and the good of their own animals, or animal professionals such as vets and massage therapists who would like to use it as a supplement to qualifications you already hold. Level 2 takes you to a professional level and gives you the tools you need to work confidently and effectively with any animal who needs help because of emotional or physical discomfort.

Course outcomes:

Upon successful completion of Level 1 and 2 and requisite case studies you will receive a Certificate in Animal Psychromatica from the School of Essential Balance and will be well prepared to work safely and professionally with animals and their owners. However you must abide by the laws of your country of residence in regards to animal care. Different laws apply in different countries; contact me for more detail.

To be awarded a Certificate you must successfully complete Levels 1 and 2.

Who are your teachers?

Nayana Morag is one of the world’s foremost authorities on essential oils for animals. She has worked with animals all her life and always loved the ‘difficult’ ones. Over the years she has built a wide and varied depth of knowledge and understanding about how best to keep animals healthy and happy in a natural and stress free way. Her passion is facilitating people’s journey along the path of learning about, and from, animals.

Marilyn Peters is of Greek/English origin and holds a Master’s degree in Behavioural sciences. She integrates a scientific understanding of animal behaviour with an holistic approach to well-being. She teaches about animal behaviour on the course as well as helping Nayana throughout.

In the UK Nayana is also assisted by Pauhla Whitaker, Essential oil therapist, and reiki master and in the USA the multi-skilled Wendy Wolfe gives Nayana a hand.

Level one – Distance learning,

Course aims: the course will teach you how to use essential oils and 5 element theory for the health and well-being of your own animals or animals in your care. It also teaches about the effects of stress on animal health and behaviour and how you can reduce stress in your animal’s environment.

Pre-requisites: a love of and familiarity with animals

Suitability:

· animal owners

· animal massage therapists and other practitioners who would like to use essential oils as a supplement to their practice

· Vets and vet nurses

· Animal trainers and behaviourists.

· In most cases the minimum age is 18. Anyone under 18 and over 16 will be considered on a case by case basis.

Study includes

· 50 essential oils, 10 herbal oils and 15 hydrolats,

· How to use 5 Element theory to choose essential oils and recognise the patterns of disease

· Physiology of stress and the effect of stress on the body and mind

· Species specific management and reduction of stress

· An introduction to animal behaviour

You need to complete a total of 5 assignments on the above subjects

You also need

• to read Wild health by Cindy Engel £12,
• complete 4 Case studies on animals
• write a 2,500 word essay on an essential oil of your choice.

Cost: UK £350 US $695 Euro 500 when paid in full on registration

OR a deposit of UK£150 US $295 Euro 225 + 6 monthly payments of

UK £42 US $75 Euro 60

Payment can be made via cheque, bank transfer, or with credit card via paypal

A tutor will be assigned to you on enrolment, you can contact her at any time via email or at set times via telephone. The tutor will be there to encourage and support you throughout.

You will be awarded a Certificate of Completion for this section.

Total study time of approximately 160 hours.

Level Two – I week on-site practical learning, locations as listed on the website. (Level 2 needs to be undertaken within one year of completing Level1).

Pre-requisites:

Completion of Level One

Or demonstration of adequate knowledge of essential oils, 5 element theory, and animal husbandry, (to be decided by Nayana Morag on a case by case basis.)

Suitability:

· knowledgeable animal guardians

· animal massage therapists and other practitioners who would like to use essential oils as an integral part of their therapy

· Professionals in the field of animal well-being or training who want to work with their clients in a holistic way

· Aromatherapists who would like to broaden their client base.

· In most cases the minimum age is 18. Anyone under 18 and over 16 will be considered on a case by case basis

Level 2 initiates you in the art and science of kinesiology, an amazing and effective tool for balancing the body and mind. The week also involves lots of hands on work with animals and essential oils so you learn all the ways aromatic substances can help animals. You will learn how to work confidently and lovingly with animal guardians helping them to help animals. The knowledge you have gained in Level 1 will be deepened, broadened, put into practice and brought to life. Level 2 is intensive and uplifting, with days full of learning in beautiful surroundings, in the company of like-minded people. It has been described as a life-changing experience by many former students.

Study includes:

Kinesiology –

• muscle testing for meridian balance (16 meridians +12 pulses)

• muscle testing for food sensitivities and allergens
• muscle testing for essential oils and other things that will strengthen the system

Essential oils –

· practical experience of using essential oils, hydrosols, vegetable and herbal oils with animals

· how to recognise and interpret responses in a variety of animals so you can facilitate their self medication

· how to educate animal owners in the use of aromatics with their animals

Animal Behaviour-

· How animals learn

· Animal welfare and species specific management

· The human-animal bond

· Some common problem behaviours and holistic solutions

Working with people –

· How to work professionally with clients

· Record keeping and procedures

· How to improve your effectiveness as an animal wellness educator

Additional reading: The Basic chemistry of aromatherapeutic essential oils, E. Joy Bowles , £20,

Cost:UK £ 695 or US $1500 or Euro 1000, when paid in full at registration

OR

a deposit of £250 or $500 or Euro 350 +12 monthly payments of

£ 45, $100, Euro 66

Payment can be made via cheque, bank transfer, or with credit card via paypal

Final assessment – In order to gain certification you need to complete:

A minimum of12 case studies to demonstrate your competence and professionalism.

Also 1 x 3000 word essay on a condition that you have treated with essential oils, to demonstrate you have understood how to look at dis-ease from the perspective of holistic health.

Cost: UK £50 US $99 Euro 75

All work to be completed within one year of the end of Level 2.

Your tutor will be available via email or telephone throughout the course to answer questions as they arise and support your learning.

You are responsible for buying set books and will also need to buy at least a basic kit of essential oils, base oils and hydrolats. Basic kits are available to buy through Essential Animals or check with me for other recommended suppliers.

If you would like anymore information either email nayana@essentialanimals.com, or call:in the UK Pauhla on - 01452 864 723

In the USA Wendy on - 715 824 2319

For Greece Marilyn on - + 30 210 8082795

Dominance aggression

Dominance aggression is one of the most common behavioural problems that I come across. It is also the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed problem. This behaviour is actually a ‘complex of behaviours’ which is aimed at control. The dog is trying to control situations by intimidating its owner and this is the key concept behind dominance. There are two different types of dominance aggression and these are 1) where the dog feels like it has total control and has no problem in getting the owners to comply and 2) where the dog tries to gain information about its social environment and the roles of each individual by pushing the boundaries and trying to control.

Dominance aggression has many causes but is thought to be an anxiety related disorder. It is correlated with social maturity (age at onset is 18-24 months old) and therefore also the rise in hormone levels. Testosterone is thought, in males, to exacerbate the problem.

The control complex involves other aggressions too. A dominantly aggressive dog will also be showing any or a combination of the following: food-related aggression, possessive aggression, territorial aggression, protective aggression, re-directed aggression.

It is wrongly believed that all dogs must be submissive and that an owner must dominate his/her dog in order to avoid problems in the future. This theory has started out from the belief that the dog must be dominated as a wolf is in its natural pack. As already mentioned, however, (in the domestication notes) the wolf and the dog do differ in the amount of aggression and visual communication that is displayed between individuals. Dogs rely on deference not overt aggression as hierarchy is no longer as important for the domestic dog’s survival as it is for the wolves.

A very common exercise during puppy classes is that of the a-roll where the owner forces the dog onto it’s back in an attempt to dominate and show the dog who is boss! This is not needed. We mustn’t begin to mimic dog behaviour when we lack the ability to communicate fully with them in their own language. A mother will be aggressive to her pup if she needs to be but she also understands all the signals that the pup is giving her, thereby knowing where to stop. It is the same with the scruff of the neck. Some trainers tell their clients to grab the dog by the scruff of the neck, as the mother would, to scold the pup and tell it who is boss. The mother, though, has sensory receptors in the gums of her teeth to guide her in the amount of pressure to use……….we don’t have such intricate receptors in our hands and so we are more likely to cause damage to the puppy. There is no need to overtly show your dog that you are boss by using physical contact as you most probably will give your animal the wrong message and he may begin to feel threatened. This is where you may get aggressive reactions in an attempt to defend itself rather than dominate. Physical methods may lead to 3 things:

1. the owner getting bitten and usually in the face

2. a very intimidated animal that begins to show fear responses to the owner’s presence

3. rupture in the owner-dog bond

What is important is to put boundaries while the dog is still young and from then on know the signs of dominant aggression. Remember dominance is not the same as dominant aggression. It is perfectly possible to live with a dominant dog as not all dogs are likely to be submissive as this is also a character trait. It is, however, impossible to live with an animal showing dominance aggression as this problem can become extremely dangerous for all involved.

In my experience it mainly arises from the inability of the owner to set boundaries at a young age thereby giving mixed signals to the dog. Dogs that are also ‘spoilt’ or are seen as the babies of the family are also likely to develop this problem. It is true that the a-role is still a very prestigious one for a dog and if given the opportunity it will try to instinctively grab the position. A pack is never left without a leader. If the leader for some reason dies or is denounced there is always another wolf that will take over. So a dog that lacks a leader will also put itself in the position to take charge. This individual is also a very stressed and anxious animal and confused at the same time as it tries to attain the role while communicating inter-specifically in a different language to its own. A dog, therefore, does still need a leader to avoid the build of stress and therefore guaranty it a carefree life, however it does not need an aggressive oppressive leader but rather a respected guider.

Dominance aggression is also thought to be hereditary and therefore also has a genetic base. When two dominant dogs breed, as is often the case when breeding for morphology and not temperament, the offspring are very likely to be much more reactive individuals and hierarchically sensitive. There are also specific breeds that are more likely to develop this problem and these are:

Table 1: The symptoms of dominance aggression

Problem Behaviour

Symptoms displayed by the dog

Dominance aggression:

Growling, snarling or biting when stroked on head Growling, snarling or biting when corrected Growling, snarling or biting when eating Growling, snarling or biting when playing with toys Growling, snarling or biting when owners instigate eye contact Growling, snarling or biting when guarding passageways Growling, snarling or biting when owner handles feet Growling, snarling or biting when pushed on rump Growling, snarling or biting when disturbed by owner during sleep Growling, snarling or biting when pushed from bed or sofa Growling, snarling or biting when punished Growling, snarling or biting when mounting Growling, snarling or biting when straddling people Growling, snarling or biting when leaning on peoples feet and legs Pushes people Places paws on owners head neck and shoulders Talks back by barking Stares with dilated pupils and body tenses. Owners usually say that the dog changes and becomes a different animal prior to aggression

Any of the above, or a combination of few or many, must immediately show you that this animal is trying to control its owner and environment. If you recognise any of the above then seek professional help immediately.

Marilyn

Case of the month

Petit came to me with extreme separation anxiety. He was found on the street in bad condition a month prior to our first appointment so not much was known about his history. He howled, cried, and barked in a very distressed way for hours when left alone. His new owners were not able to leave him even for 5 minutes without his becoming distressed.

In addition, and as a result of his anxieties and fears of abandonment he followed his two female owners everywhere. He would not let them out of his sight. If they left the room and he wasn’t able to follow then he would sit and whine until their return.

They have resolved to taking him with them to work and having him with them all day long which didn’t help the problem.

He also marked the house by urinating and the owners had sought no prior treatment before visiting me.

It was my feeling that this dog was previously owned by a female owner who spoiled him tremendously. He was obviously handfed, not taken out of the house, and never left alone in the house. He was one of those poor dogs that have been raised as a baby or a doll! His previous owners, I believe, got rid of him after he started displaying his separation anxiety as they couldn’t deal with it. He may have also been aggressive towards his previous female owner in an attempt to dominate her. I did not believe that his problem was solely a product of his being left on the street, although I was sure that that was also a big shock for him especially after his luxury lifestyle. It was obvious that he had had the problem for a while.

My choice of possible oils:

Yarrow (Wood-Metal-Water):

I felt that yarrow was ideal for Petit as the first five years of his life were unknown and as there are suspicions of abuse (his front two teeth had been knocked out) it would help release any past emotional trauma that helped lead to his irrational behaviour. It would also help relieve him of the trauma of being left on the street.

Rose (Fire):

Rose is another oil that is ideal for animals suffering from past abuse and works well with yarrow. Petit was also in need of a little nurturing to the heart, that was trying so hard, but not quite succeeding, to keep things together. Rose might have also been needed to strengthen his imbalance in the triple warmer meridian that showed up in the kinesiology test.

Geranium (Water (Earth)):

Geranium was THE main oil for Petit. It is the oil to be given when an animal has moved to a new home or is subject of other destabilising events in their life. Geranium is given to make an animal feel secure in it-self after such events.

Cedarwood (Water-Metal):

‘This oil grounds and centres you in your being giving the spirit strength to face up to every situation’ (essential oil course notes). Also it helps animals the strength to ‘keep it together’ in times of crisis. Cedarwood is another oil that is indicated in situations where an animal has moved home recently and is finding it hard to cope.

Frankincense (Earth-Metal):

I considered this oil due to its ability to distance the mind from worries and fears. I felt that Petit needed to be distanced from his past so that he could see the present clearer. I felt that he needed to let go of his past and his old attachments. Frankincense would also calm Petit down and allow him to breath.

Neroli (Fire):

Neroli is highly uplifting and calming. It is also indicated in cases of separation anxiety as it helps battle the panic that animals feel when left alone. Petit has also been through trauma as he was left on the street and as Neroli ‘re-connects body and mind after shock or trauma’ (essential oil course notes) I thought it suitable for him. His slow digestion would also benefit from Neroli’s action.

Nutmeg (Earth-Fire):

Nutmeg is known as a digestive remedy. Petit is in need of a lot of emotional support in order to let go of the past and the trauma of being thrown out on the street. Petit is also a dog that cannot get enough attention and love as he follows his owners everywhere. I thought Nutmeg mainly for his emotional neediness.

The kinesiology test showed that Geranium, Yarrow, and Valerian all in hempseed oil were the oils that would strengthen all Petit’s imbalances.

Petit’s reaction to the oils:

Petit was not very interactive with the oils. His reactions were mainly to choose his distance and lie down while inhaling the oils. The ‘a’ reactions meant that he inhaled deeply and sat closer to the oils. He did occasionally take a lick. B reactions are similar but at a further distance than the ‘a’ reactions. He definitely took to the oils as he showed mainly ‘a’ and ‘b’ reactions with a preference to Geranium in the first week. Valerian was his second preference up until the second week where his preferences changed and he started warming up to yarrow a little more.

Conclusion

Petit’s behaviour has changed a lot since the beginning of the therapy. He is a lot calmer and doesn’t follow his owners around that much. He will even sleep alone in his own bed outside the bedroom without whining. There are times when he will leave the room that his owners are sitting and go into his crate in the other room and sleep. He is also less wary as to their presence and a lot more independent. At work they are able to leave him alone in their shop while they pop next door for a cigarette. He may whine slightly but his reaction is nowhere near the full blown panic that he used to display before. When left alone at home he still barks but not as bad as before his treatment. He is still undergoing therapy for further improvement.

Ark and Animal Re-balancing

Do you have a problem animal that behaves in ways that you feel are not normal? Is your animal trying to tell you something? Animals communicate via body language that most people are not able to pick up. Frustration occurs and sooner rather than later the problem intensifies to levels that begin to cause problems for both the animal and its owner.

I myself am an animal behaviourist and animal aromatherapist.

I have an MSc in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare from the university of Edinburgh and a diploma in Essential oil therapy for animals. I am based in Athens Greece where I work with animals with the aim of providing a bridge between animal and owner. I use kinesiology and traditional chinese medicine theory (TCM) (5 element theory) to reveal imbalances in their meridians. Once found I use a mixture of classical behavioural methods, essential oils and flower essences to re-balance them thereby alleviating problem behaviours such as aggression, fear, stress, anxiety, separation anxiety etc.... by using the animal's instinct of self medication. Apart from problem behaviours the same methods can be used to combat any disease that has a psychological nature i.e skin disorders, seizures etc..... I believe that all dis-ease is a result of stress and therefore, at any level, dealing with the psychology of the animal and underlying energy blockages also helps classical methods (conventional medicine) work better.

I have worked with all different sorts of animals (farm animals, pets etc...) and also can work long distance. It is not imperative that I see the animal up close, although it is vital to get a very clear history of the animal and the problem. I am also involved with an organisation called IAAWE (International Association of Animal Wellness Educators) and travel the world (Europe and America) to teach Animal Behaviour and general Animal wellness.

My site www.ark.info is currently under construction. It should be completed by December 2007.