Dates: April 12-13, 2025
Hours: 16 hours in the classroom
Tuition: $459 + GST
This entry level introductory course utilizes both theory-based knowledge training and hands-on massage for your canine partner. Some prior knowledge of canine anatomy and physiology will assist students to gain the most benefit from this course; however, it is not required. This course will give canine owners the ability to:
- Better understand what the body language of your dog is telling you about their comfort level.
- Recognize muscle soreness or dysfunction and basic massage techniques to address this.
- Recognize when it is time to contact your veterinary professional
Classroom Portion Details:
DAY 1:
- Safety, precautions, contraindications, benefits, when to see a vet, etc.
- Skeletal anatomy, including finding bony landmarks on the participant dogs (to use as reference points for massage).
- Muscular anatomy and find specific muscles on the live dogs.
- Separate canine massage techniques, one at a time, and try them on the dogs (about 10 separate massage strokes).
DAY 2:
- Discuss commonly tight muscles in different dog sports.
- Review canine front end anatomy.
- Do a full massage routine for the dog's front end.
- Review canine hind end anatomy.
- Do a full massage routine for the dog's hind end.
- Review canine face/trunk/tail anatomy.
- Do a full massage routine for the dog's hind end.
Please ensure you have the following:
- One flat bed or blanket for the dog to relax on during their massage.
- Plenty of tiny treats.
- Optional: Floor pillow for the human.
- Optional: Lickimat/snuffle mat for dogs who may need a distraction or who struggle to relax.
