Hi dogrrrl,
Have found working off the body or beaming usually works or just letting Reiki flow while petting or during Tellington touch massage. Guess a hand on the body that isnt moving might feel restrictive to some animals. Knew a RM who raised a kitten with Reiki & that one developed into a Reiki hog, would go to sleep with hands on her & purring. You could pick her up & she would still be totally relaxed & limp..
peace & joy,
holobon