Preparing for your TTK9 training program

October 25, 2021

Congratulations on taking the first step and booking with Three Tree! …now what??

First thing’s first: give yourself a big ol’ pat on the back! You’ve made the first move and are on the path to Human-Canine Harmony. Next, take a deep breath. There’s no need to be nervous for your training sessions. I am here to help you and your dog reach your potential, strengthen your relationship, address the behavioral issues, and give you the knowledge, tools, and confidence it takes to be the leader your dog needs. I am so happy you reached out for help, so let’s get started!

In-Home Sessions

What do you need to have?
Each dog and situation is different, but there are a few things that will help in every session:

  • A dog bed (I use elevated cots to train, which have many benefits and can sometimes be easier for the dog to learn with. However, any dog bed in good condition will work just fine) 
  • A crate/kennel that is appropriately sized for your dog. If you already have the crate, perfect! I understand that some people have a negative association with crates or think it is a form of punishment. I’m here to tell you it is not. Please remember, you reached out for help for a reason. Crates are a big part of my programs and something that I believe every dog should have access to because of their numerous benefits. Giving your dog a designated space for structured down time and decompression after exercise and any stressful activity is essential.
  • A 4 or 6 foot sturdy leash. I use various tools such as slip leads and training collars, and will bring those along with me for the first session. Once I work with your dog a bit, I will make my recommendations on what tools we will use moving forward.
  • If your dog has bit, attempted to bite, or is a risk to bite (whether it be people, yourself, other dogs etc.) you will need to get a properly fitted basket muzzle. Chances are we have already discussed this topic during your consultation, but please reach out if you need additional information about purchasing or muzzle conditioning.  
  • You may want to take notes, so have a notebook or iPad at the ready. I do provide digital handouts on general topics, but training plans are developed intuitively with the dog and person in front of me. I do give “homework” and things to work on each week, so taking notes is very helpful so you have something to refer back to.

**Please note: Make sure you don’t over exert your dog before our session, and do not feed your dog directly before our session. In order to train effectively, we need some energy and (hopefully) some food motivation!

What should you do when I arrive?

If your dog is a bite risk, I ask that you put your dog in the crate, or in a different room when I get there. If your dog is human friendly, no worries! Seeing their normal greeting will help me to figure out what they need.

The first 10-15 minutes we will sit down and chat, and develop a plan. The rest of the session will be hands on and we we will get to work!

 

Board & Train Programs

Drop off will include a brief follow up to our consultation and will focus on discussing our training plan, as well as answering any questions you may have. Please plan for 20-30 minutes.

Midway sessions are 2 hours and will be scheduled during drop off. Go home sessions are 3 hours and will be scheduled during the last week of your program.

What do you need to send with your dog?

  • An appropriate amount of food for their stay. Don’t worry about portioning out, I have storage containers and measuring cups galore.
  • Any daily medications, supplements, or preventatives they are on. Please be sure to write out dosages if not already indicated. Additionally, if your pup has allergies or needs specific grooming supplies please bring those along.
  • Your ecollar and/or prong collar will be ordered by me prior to your dog’s program. Please bring your dog in a flat collar (with ID tag) and a sturdy 4 or 6 foot leash. I may recommend additional things such as a place cot, puzzle feeder, or specific toy that can be purchased before your dog completes their program.
  • Your pup will need to be current on vaccines (DHPP, Rabies, Bordetella) and Flea/Tick & Heartworm preventions. Please make any necessary arrangements to update these prior to your program start date, if needed. *We accept vaccine titers as well.

Thank you for your trust and the opportunity to help you and your dog. It is an honor to be a part of your journey.

Welcome to the Three Tree family!

8 Major Animal Chakras (and what they mean)

March 22, 2021

Why should you learn about the Animal Chakra system you ask?

The chakra system is made up of a series of energy centers throughout the body that play an important role in an animal’s overall health & well-being. When imbalances or blockages occur in these energy centers, it can result in physical, emotional, or behavioral issues. Pinpointing and addressing these can bring the animal back to a state of balance and optimum health.

While there are said to be many more chakras in & around the body, the animal system is made up of 8 major chakras. Let’s start at the top & take a look!

CROWN CHAKRA (SAHASRARA)

💜 The Crown Chakra is located at the top of the head

💜 It is associated physically with the skull & brain, cerebral cortex, central nervous system, and pineal gland

💜 The Crown relates to the “life force connection”

💜 Imbalances can manifest as grief, depression, disorientation (cognitive dysfunction), fear, separation anxiety, or general stress/tension.

THIRD EYE (AJNA)

🧿 Located on the front of the head, just above the eye

🧿 It is associated physically with the pituitary gland, ears, eyes, nose, and fur/skin

🧿 The Third Eye relates to insight & telepathy, the way animals communicate with each other. This particular chakra is usually very developed in most animals

🧿 Imbalances can manifest as concentration issues, hair loss, hearing loss, hyperactivity, skin allergies, or post-traumatic pain

THROAT (VISHUDDHA)

💠 Located directly on the throat

💠 It is associated physically with the throat, thyroid, hypothalamus, & vocal chords

💠 The Throat relates to all aspects of communication & expression, as well as truth and wisdom

💠 Imbalances can manifest as excessive or lack of vocalization, metabolism issues, thyroid issues, or lack of discernment

*Balancing this chakra can help with communication between you & your animal as well!

HEART (ANAHATA)

💚 Located in the middle of the chest

💚 It is associated physically with the heart, thymus, respiratory system, circulatory system, and immune system

💚 The Heart relates to unconditional love and the human/animal bond

💚 Imbalances can manifest as anger, aggression, emotion-based behaviors, inability/reluctance to bond, arthritis, and blood disorders

BRACHIAL

⚫️ The Brachial Chakra is specific to animals, and is located above the shoulder blades

⚫️ It is associated physically with all organs & body parts

⚫️ The Brachial Chakra offers access to an animal’s entire energy field, as well as the other chakras

⚫️ Imbalances can manifest as instinct issues/confusion, weakness of spirit, or unhealed emotions

SOLAR PLEXUS (MANIPURA)

🔆 The Solar Plexus is located on the middle spine

🔆 It is associated physically with the stomach, gall bladder, pancreas, adrenals, liver, nervous system, and muscles

🔆 The Solar Plexus is the center of personal power, and relates to the sympathetic nervous system, the metabolism/digestive system, as well as emotions. It is the key center for physical communication

🔆 Imbalances can manifest as diabetes, GI issues, epilepsy, immune disorders, lack of confidence, obsessive behaviors, or nervousness

*These two chakras can work together to provide balance & confidence, and are especially important for nervous or anxious animals.

SACRAL (SVADHISTHANA)

🧡 Located in the lower belly

🧡 It is physically associated with the sex organs, spleen, intestines, and bladder

🧡 The Sacral Chakra relates to all aspects of physical life force & vitality

🧡 Imbalances can manifest as hormonal changes, mammary gland issues, lack of confidence, low energy, or weakness/fatigue

*Balancing this chakra can be very helpful for animals as they age or experience changes & new situations.

ROOT (MULADHARA)

⭕️ Located at the base of the tail

⭕️ It is associated physically with the kidneys, spine, colon, legs & paws, and skeletal system

⭕️ The Root Chakra relates to grounding, survival instinct, security/status, trust, and courage

⭕️ Imbalances can manifest as insecurity, fear-based behaviors, inappropriate elimination, and lack of trust

*This chakra is very commonly unbalanced, and one I work with quite often. Luckily, animals are very good at grounding themselves and getting back to balance!

Is your animal is experiencing any of these symptoms? Head over to the Services page to learn more about how chakra balancing can help!

How to use crystals in your home

February 8, 2021

Create a calm space filled with positive, healing energy for yourself and your animals!

Crystals have been an integral part of our lives for ages: everything from complex machinery & satellites to your watches & radios rely on crystals (quartz) to function. They are even found in our diets in the form of salt.

They have been used for healing for even longer. Native tribes from all over the world have used stones to predict outcomes of seasons, find disease in the sick, and to perform ceremonies & rituals.

Crystals are fascinating entities! Their beauty, colors, and forms have always attracted attention, but their value goes far beyond that. Formed in the various layers of our planet, these stones have all different frequencies, vibrations, and healing properties. 

So let’s take a closer look at how we can use them for healing with our pets & ourselves… to create a calm, positive space to reduce anxiety or fear, promote healing, and invite in good energy.

Most importantly: anytime you bring crystals home, Cleansing is the first thing to do!

There are many ways to do this, so pick one that resonates and works best for you. Crystals should ideally be cleansed every 1-2 months:

  • Smudge – sage*, palo santo*, incense, florida water
  • Earth – bury in ground or sand for 24 hours
  • Moonlight – set outside or on a windowsill for full moon bath
  • Others: sound , visualization, candlelight

*over-harvesting of these resources has become an issue, please buy responsibly or use an alternative

Once your crystals have been cleansed, you can place them throughout your home and in spots that your pet spends time. Here are some suggestions for ideal placement:

  • Front Entry – black tourmaline, hematite, smoky quartz
  • Living Room – blue lace agate, fluorite, obsidian
  • Kitchen – carnelian, amber, tigers eye
  • Bedroom – amethyst, selenite, rose quartz, lepidolite
  • Bathroom – sunstone, citrine, clear quartz

Then, simply sit back and soak it all in!

A few reminders on Pet Safety with Crystals:

  • NEVER let a pet lick or ingest a stone, introduce & observe to make sure they will leave the stones alone.
  • You can “hide” stones if necessary – keep them in a dish or drawstring bag out of animal’s reach.
  • place stones around pet beds, on windowsills, on shelves, etc.
  • and most importantly: BUY FROM REPUTABLE COMPANIES. Unfortunately, there are fake crystals out there and they can have potentially dangerous effects (think leaching chemicals, harmful dyes, etc.).

Choosing your stones is a personal experience…check out your local metaphysical shops and use your senses to pick the ones that speak to you. HAVE FUN WITH IT!

If you’d like to learn more about crystals & crystal healing, please visit the SERVICES page!

5 Pet-Safe Essential Oils (and 5 to steer clear of)

January 15, 2021

Essential oils…it’s a term that we hear EVERYWHERE these days. The market is inundated with these little brown bottles filled with magical potions to fix all of our problems. With their rise in popularity, unfortunately (just like everything else) comes the negative consequences in the form of adulterated, synthetic products and misuse. It is SO important to do research and make educated decisions.

diffusion is easy & non-invasive

Essential oils are an amazing form of plant medicine. Humans and animals have been using these to treat virtually every ailment since the beginning of our existence. In addition to their topical uses, oils have been clinically proven to have a profound effect on the Central Nervous System, helping to reduce pain and release muscle tension. They also have many calming, sedating, uplifting, and positive emotion-stimulating properties.

Oil use for animals has so many wonderful health benefits, supporting emotional, behavioral, & physical body systems. You can diffuse oils, apply them topically, or use sprays on collars/halters/bandanas. The possibilities really are endless!

aromatherapy sprays are an excellent delivery method

The most important things to consider when using oils with your animals are:

  • PURITY of product (make sure you are buying from reputable companies such as this – not TJ MAXX)
  • PROPER APPLICATION & DILUTION. Animals are much more sensitive to scent, so only a few drops (mixed with a carrier oil for topical use) are needed for any method
horses respond especially well to topical application

Here are a few oils that are SAFE to use:

  • Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
  • Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)
  • Clary sage (Salvia sclarea)
  • Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)
  • Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)

And a few to STEER CLEAR of:

  • Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
  • Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
  • Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
  • Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
  • Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)

If you would like to learn more about essential oil use for animals, visit the AROMATHERAPY page.

You can also check out my line of Reiki-infused aromatherapy products for pets & people here.

3 Pet Friendly alternatives to smudging

January 8, 2021

As we welcome in the New Year, many of us are looking to the “out with the old, in with the new” adage. This includes improving the energy of our homes and personal spaces. “Smudging” is most simply known as the burning of herbs or other materials to purify and bless spaces, objects, and people/animals. (There is a much deeper, sacred meaning to this ritual used by Indigenous groups, and I encourage everyone to learn more about it. For the sake of this blog post though, we will keep it simple).

While burning sage is the common form of smudging these days, it is not necessarily the best option for those of us with pets. The smoke and scent can be overpowering for their sensitive noses and eyes. Sage smoke can also linger, causing animals to have to contend with the effects for longer than a few minutes.

My next VERY IMPORTANT point is that because of the rise in popularity of wellness and spiritual practices, over-harvesting of white sage has become an issue. This has made it an at-risk plant and less accessible to the people & communities who use it as a sacred plant in their practices. Therefore, it benefits everyone to find smudging alternatives that are more sustainable and aligned with our intentions.

Luckily, I have 3 wonderful and easy alternatives for you and your four leggers!

  1. FLORIDA WATER

Florida Water is a powerful purification & protection agent. This blend of essential oils comes in a spray form to use in your home, office, or other spaces. It still has a lovely scent, but is much less strong than herb smoke. Bonus points: it is known to provide headache relief and lift your spirit!

Lucky for you, I happen to make a Reiki-infused version. You can grab yours here.

2. HERB AND CRYSTAL-INFUSED WATER

Simply mix up some of your favorite (dried or fresh) herbs like lavender, mugwort, rosemary or mint with a bit of salt in a bowl and combine with hot water. Let the mixture steep for a few minutes, then strain into a spray bottle. Add some purifying stones like black tourmaline or clear quartz and VOILA! A powerful potion with a subtle scent. Spray wherever you need a little cleansing.

Need herbs? Mountain Rose is a great, sustainable source.

3. SOUND

The vibration of sound can radiate through spaces, objects, people/animals and transmute negative energies into uplifting positive energy. This is a non-invasive clearing method that also provides some healing. Many animals really enjoy sound therapy. There are many different tools you can do this with, including singing bowls, gongs, or bells. Simply move through the space while playing your instrument, and set an intention to clear any negative energy.

Learn more about sound cleansing here.

Cleansing and purification rituals can be a fun, enlightening way to keep your spaces free of stagnant and negative energies, which benefits everyone. Be sure to set your intentions clearly before you begin any ritual. You can use these tools in your home, stable, chicken coop, or wherever your animals spend time. Try them out today!

If you’d like to learn about more pet-friendly aromatherapy, visit our Three Tree Collective line here.

5 Ways to keep your pet ZEN during the holidays

December 1, 2020

The holiday season can be stressful for everyone. However, things like travel, visitors, changes in routine, etc. can be especially overwhelming for your four leggers. The good news is there are many simple things you can do to keep your pet calm & happy amidst the chaos!

  • most importantly CREATE A “SAFE SPACE” for your pet if you don’t already have one. This can be a crate or separate room where they can go to decompress & rest uninterrupted. This space should be quiet and free of stress-inducing stimuli. Add some comfy blankets & their favorite toy. You can even incorporate soft lighting and/or relaxing music.

  • To build on that last one – USE CALMING AIDS if needed. Diffusing essential oils*, using aromatherapy sprays, and/or adding calming supplements** can help your pet relax more deeply.

  • PUZZLE & ENRICHMENT TOYS are also a great addition! These can help your pet stay busy and properly stimulated. Check out my recent post to get some ideas.

  • be sure to brush up on TRAINING if necessary. Having clear communication on basic commands such as sit, down, & leave it will make having visitors or traveling go much smoother.

  • MONITOR TREATS & SCRAPS. Animal hospitals see Pancreatitis cases absolutely soar during the holidays and each pet’s threshold for novel foods is different. It’s ok to indulge your pet a bit, just make sure it’s in moderation with foods that are safe.

*diffuse only pet safe oils, properly diluted. You can read more here.

** there are some wonderful non-pharmaceutical options out there such as CBD. Please do your due diligence in research and talk to your veterinarian before administering any supplement to your pet.

The Holidays are meant to be enjoyed by all, including our beloved sidekicks! Everyone have a safe & happy Holiday Season!

5 Delicious & Nutritious Enrichment Toy Ideas

November 18, 2020

Enrichment toys can be a fun way to keep your pup happy & busy! There are a ton of options out there: stuffed Kongs, filled bones, puzzle toys, snuffle mats, even DIY toys**….the list goes on!

Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise, and an enrichment toy can go a long way in helping your dog expend energy, stimulate their brain, and feel balanced. I personally use these types of toys with my pups August & Ruca for mental stimulation and anxiety release. One of their favorites when they go into their crates is a stuffed kong or bone. It’s pretty easy to just stick some peanut butter or a few freeze dried treats in there and hand it over BUT for the sake of fun and calorie consideration, I decided to get creative.

There are tons of nutritious AND delicious treat options out there. Pick a few from the list and get to stuffing…you are guaranteed to have a happy pup on your hands! Please note, make sure all of your ingredients are ORGANIC! I do toy prep on Sundays, stick them in the freezer, and we are set for the week.

  • vegetables – broccoli, green beans, peas, carrots, brussel sprouts, zucchini, cucumber, celery
  • fruits – blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, strawberries, apple, banana, cantaloupe, watermelon, mango
  • pumpkin or sweet potato (chunks or puree)
  • peanut butter –  make sure it’s Xylitol free!
  • freeze dried treats – choose high quality single ingredient

BONUS TIP – use egg cartons to store your toys neatly and mess-free in the freezer!

**stay tuned for more posts about all things DIY!

Animal Healing…

August 19, 2020

What actually is it? What does a Three Tree session involve? How can it help?

These are just a few of the common questions I receive on a regular basis. There are still many folks out there that simply don’t know about Reiki and other healing modalities… AND that’s where I come in! I love educating others about the power of Reiki and energy healing. Mostly because it is my passion, but also because i know what it can do.

When I started this journey, I was just looking to add another skill to my resume and implement another way to help the animals I knew. However, once I started my program, it became very clear very quickly that this was my calling. All these things began to click for me (“ohhhh, that’s what that was” or “ohhh now I know why that used to happen to me”) and I was fully immersed almost immediately. It appeared I had been doing my own versions of “healing” since I was a kid, now I was receiving the proper training to take it further.

Fast forward to the present: I have turned my passion into a full time business, helping animals to heal every day. I still can’t believe I get to do this! Each day is different & interesting. I have developed strong bonds with my clients and learn something new from each one. All while combining my passions and healing modalities to achieve the most important goal: healing animals.

So what is it that I actually do? I will admit, sometimes this is the hardest thing to explain to pet parents. Outwardly, there sometimes isn’t much going on during a session….the animal just sleeps, they run & play, they want to sit on the other side of the room. Other times, the animal will curl right up in my lap or push a certain area of their body into my hand for more attention. But it’s what’s going on energetically, physically, and emotionally that’s important. First and foremost, I don’t like to refer to myself as a “healer”. I prefer to call myself a “healing facilitator”. The body of an animal has the ability to heal itself – I am the one that helps that body return to a state of balance so that it may do so. Energetic blockages or imbalances within the body can wreak havoc on physical, mental, and emotional health. Using Reiki (healing) energy, I find these blockages and release them so that balance can be achieved. Other therapies can also be added in to amplify healing such as crystal therapy & aromatherapy.

What makes a Three Tree session unique is my holistic “Balanced Pet” approach. I like to look at all aspects of the animal’s life: medical history, training, home environment, nutrition, age, etc. to formulate the optimal treatment plan. We can address all areas and pinpoint issues or look into alternatives that may improve quality of life. I believe that each animal is unique and therefore, their treatment should be unique as well.

Have questions or interested in scheduling an appointment? Visit the Connect page today!

“How it is that animals understand things I do not know, but it is certain that they do understand. Perhaps there is a language which is not made of words and everything in the world understands it. Perhaps there is a soul hidden in everything and it can always speak, without even making a sound, to another soul.”

― Frances Hodgson Burnett

Welcome to the Blog!

July 28, 2020

Hello and welcome to Three Tree Healing Arts blog!

My name is Jess, owner and founder of Three Tree. I am charting new territory in the blog world but am very excited to get started! Please click on the link to explore more. I plan to use this space to talk more about my business and what I do, share information, give product recommendations, and much, much more.