Canine Massage Course

Lesson 1 • Skeletal System Overview

Covers the canine skeleton from skull to tail, emphasising joints and load-bearing structures. Establishes anatomical landmarks used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Connective Tissue and Fascia

Explains tendons, ligaments, and fascial networks and their role in force transmission. Prepares students to recognise tissue tension during hands-on work.

Lesson 3 • Muscular System Fundamentals

Introduces muscle fibre types, attachment points, and movement roles. Connects muscle function to palpation targets in later chapters.

Lesson 1 • Psychological and Behavioural Effects

Addresses stress hormone reduction, bonding hormones, and behavioural indicators of relaxation. Connects physiological changes to observable dog behaviour during sessions.

Lesson 2 • Muscle Tissue Physiology

Examines muscle tension, trigger points, and the stretch reflex in relation to massage. Provides the physiological basis for releasing hypertonic tissue.

Lesson 3 • Nervous System Interactions

Covers sensory receptor stimulation, pain gate theory, and autonomic nervous system shifts. Explains why massage produces relaxation or stimulation depending on technique.

Lesson 1 • Canine Stress and Safety Signals

Teaches recognition of stress, fear, and aggression signals to prevent bites and distress. Integrates behavioural reading into every session safety check.

Lesson 2 • Contraindications and Cautions

Catalogues absolute and relative contraindications including infections, fractures, and tumours. Teaches systematic screening to prevent harm.

Lesson 3 • Professional Ethics and Client Relations

Covers informed consent, confidentiality, and honest communication with dog owners. Builds the ethical framework students carry into professional practice.

Lesson 1 • Palpation Assessment Skills

Develops hands-on skills for detecting temperature, texture, tone, and tenderness. Palpation findings form the primary data set for treatment planning.

Lesson 2 • Postural and Conformation Analysis

Teaches visual assessment of stance, weight distribution, and structural asymmetries. Postural findings guide palpation priorities in the session.

Lesson 3 • Goal Setting and Session Planning

Translates assessment findings into measurable session goals and technique selection. Connects intake data to a structured, outcome-focused treatment plan.

Lesson 1 • Effleurage Strokes

Teaches long, gliding strokes used to warm tissue, assess the dog, and open and close sessions. Effleurage is the gateway technique connecting all other strokes.

Lesson 2 • Petrissage Techniques

Covers kneading, wringing, and skin rolling to mobilise deeper tissue and improve circulation. Builds on effleurage warm-up to access muscle belly effectively.

Lesson 3 • Compression and Direct Pressure

Introduces sustained compression and direct pressure for releasing trigger points and hypertonic areas. Requires accurate anatomical knowledge from earlier chapters.

Lesson 4 • Tapotement and Vibration

Teaches percussive and vibratory techniques for stimulating circulation and neuromuscular tone. Contrasts stimulating effects with the relaxation focus of earlier strokes.

Lesson 1 • Head, Neck, and Jaw Region

Addresses masseter, temporal, and cervical muscles with appropriate pressure for sensitive areas. Neck work directly impacts spinal mobility and head carriage.

Lesson 2 • Back and Thoracic Region

Covers longissimus, iliocostalis, and thoracic paraspinal muscles along the spine. Spinal work requires careful pressure management to avoid vertebral stress.

Lesson 3 • Hindlimb and Tail Protocol

Completes the full-body sequence with lower hindlimb, hock, and tail techniques. Tail work addresses coccygeal muscles and provides a calming session close.

Lesson 4 • Hindquarter and Pelvic Region

Addresses gluteals, hamstrings, and hip flexors, the primary power source in canine locomotion. Pelvic alignment issues identified here link back to postural assessment findings.

Lesson 1 • Anxious and Reactive Dogs

Provides desensitisation strategies and modified session structures for fearful or reactive dogs. Behavioural safety skills from Chapter 3 are applied in a therapeutic context.

Lesson 2 • Senior Dog Adaptations

Modifies pressure, duration, and positioning for dogs with arthritis, muscle atrophy, and reduced mobility. Gentle adaptations maintain therapeutic benefit whilst protecting fragile tissue.

Lesson 3 • Puppy and Juvenile Massage

Introduces age-appropriate techniques for socialisation, handling tolerance, and early body awareness. Puppy massage builds lifelong acceptance of therapeutic touch.

Lesson 4 • Canine Athlete Massage

Covers pre-event, inter-event, and post-event massage protocols for performance dogs. Timing and technique selection differ significantly across the competition cycle.

Lesson 1 • Building a Client Base

Covers referral networks, veterinary partnerships, and community outreach strategies. A strong referral network is the most reliable source of qualified clients.

Lesson 2 • Workspace Setup and Hygiene

Covers equipment selection, table height, sanitation protocols, and safe working environment design. A properly set workspace protects both practitioner and canine client.

Lesson 3 • Pricing and Service Structure

Guides students through service menu design, pricing strategy, and package offerings. Sustainable pricing reflects skill level, market context, and overhead costs.