Canine Massage - Boulder College of Massage Therapy

The Canine Massage Certificate Program offers practitioners the credibility and confidence to work with veterinarians and animal hospitals and to incorporate canine massage into their private practices. Complementary and alternative therapies that encourage the dog's own healing process are becoming increasingly desired and well received by owners and animal health care professionals. This program responds to the diverse medical needs of athletic, working, geriatric, injured, and rehabilitating dogs.

CANINE MASSAGE
Fundamental Techniques and Theories of Canine Massage
Canine anatomy and physiology will be presented, teaching the student how to palpate bony
landmarks and the major muscles of the canine body. Focus will be on the origins and
insertions of muscles as well as their actions in movement. The module includes two half-days
spent at the Anatomy in Clay studio in Boulder, 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.

Pathologies and Clinical Application of Canine Massage
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
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
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.

Registration
Please email BCMT for more information: continuinged@bcmt.org