Featured Class - Canine Massage Certification June 19 - 29, 2008

Fundamentals of Canine Anatomy & Physiology
24 Contact Hours
Dates: June 19-21 (Thurs-Sat)
Time: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Prerequisite: BCMT graduate or 3rd and 4th qtr. students, graduate of an approved 500-hour massage school, veterinarian or certified vet tech, or satisfactory completion of BCMT’s Canine Preparatory course.
Materials: (To be read prior to class start:) Canine Massage: A Practical Guide Jean-Pierre
Hourdebaigt, R.M.T. and Shari L. Seymour, R.M.L.T.
Course Fee: $475 ($430 AAM*) (Includes lab fees for the Anatomy in Clay Center)
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This in-depth class on canine anatomy and physiology teaches the student how to palpate bony landmarks and the major muscles of the canine body. It focuses on the origins and insertions of muscles as well as their actions in movement. The student will spend two afternoons building the deep muscles of the canine on a precise, specially made canine skeletal model, Caniken™. This seven-hour classroom exercise will provide the student with a three-dimensional view of canine structure and movement. The student will also learn to identify and assess canine behavior and communication, namely, pack psychology, submission and dominance. Two quizzes will be administered during this module.

Pathologies and Clinical Application of Canine Massage
24 Contact Hours
Dates: June 23-25 (Mon - Wed)
Time: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Prerequisite: Fundamental Techniques and Theories of Canine Massage
Course Fee: $395 ($350 AAM*)
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Gait and locomotion comparisons among different breeds and their conformations are
introduced in this module. Observation of gait in the walk and the trot will help the student
assess muscle imbalances and abnormalities. The student will study common canine diseases
such as hip and elbow dysplasia, orthopedic diseases and cancer, as well as medications and
their side effects. The student will be introduced to the many massage techniques used to relax
tight muscles and specific techniques of massage application for the many pathologies studied.
How to prepare a case history, SOAP notes of a massage session, case management and
communication with the canine’s companion and animal professionals will also be taught. This
module includes hands-on practice and a canine clinic.

Expanding Canine Massage Knowledge Through Acupressure
24 Contact Hours
Dates: June 27-29 (Fri - Sun)
Time: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Prerequisite: Fundamental Techniques and Theories of Canine Massage & Pathologies and Clinical Application of Canine Massage.
Course Fee: $405 ($360 AAM*) (Includes fee for the Introduction to Acupressure for Small
Animals packet)
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Acupressure techniques and the philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine will be taught in
this module. The human/animal bond, grief counseling and hospice massage will be discussed.
Due to the large number of clients a canine massage practitioner will see, coping and
communication skills will become an essential part of the work. The student will also learn
how to perform pre-event, inter-event and post-event sports massage as it relates to the
breed-specific activities of agility, racing and hunting canines. Business and marketing
strategies and insurance options will also be taught. This module includes hands-on practice
and a canine clinic. A written final exam covering all material covered in Modules 1 and 2 will
be administered in the morning of the first day of Module 3. A (hands-on) practicum will take
place on the last day of class.

Canine Massage Supervised Practicum
24 Contact Hours
Prerequisite: Modules 1-3
Course Fee: $250 ($225 AAM*)
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A practicum with supervision completes the certificate program. A practicum will be set up
which will familiarize the student with being out in the field of canine massage therapy.
Internships will be chosen from a number of possibilities such as: case studies, working at a humane society, veterinarian office, or hospital, working with competition or working dogs.
This course will be done on the student’s own schedule and does not involve classroom time at
BCMT. Documentation on all internships will be sent to the instructor for review and approval.
The student will be awarded the BCMT 100-Hour Canine Certificate upon successful completion
of all four modules.