Canine Program Details

Overview

• This is a three day program.
• Class will begin on Friday morning at 9 am and conclude on Sunday at 5 pm
• Class size is limited to 4 students
• Exclusive of travel and lodging expenses, the cost of the program is $695. This fee includes textbooks. Lunch is provided each day.
• A non-refundable deposit of $200 is required with your application.
• With the receipt of your application and deposit, you will be forwarded pre-class home study materials. This material will be reviewed in class, however most of the class time is hands-on.
• A complete enrollment packet with travel and lodging information will be provided on request.
• The class will be held in Martins Ferry, Ohio. Martins Ferry is minutes from I-70. It is approximately 50 minutes from the Pittsburgh Airport.
• It is possible to combine both Canine and Equine programs into one extended class. These class dates are determined to fit the student's request. When a student enrolls in a second certification program, there is a $200 fee reduction for the second program. Total cost for both programs would then be $1390. Interested parties should contact us.

Class begins each morning at 9 am and continues until approximately 6 pm. Exclusive of travel and accommodations, the total fee for class and materials is $695. Payment may be made by check, cash, Visa, Mastercard or American Express. A $200 non-refundable deposit is required with your application, and the balance is due in class. Class is held in Martins Ferry, Ohio. There are many hotels/motels close by in both Saint Clairsville, Ohio and Wheeling, WV. There is easy access, approximately 45 minutes, from the Pittsburgh International Airport.

Your initial packet sent to you prior to class includes the course overview, canine anatomy charts and flashcards for study.

In class, you will receive an additional text, The Dog in Action, plus many more study aids.

For your use in class are both muscle and skeletal models and plush dogs of various breeds for practice between class time. In class, our canine ‘teachers’ include Fezz, a Coton; Dixie, a Pom mix; Abby, a Border collie mix; Reilly, a Lab; and Hank, a Great Dane mix. All of the dogs are rescue dogs, of various ages and sizes, as well as differing coat texture. All important factors in developing your touch.

A complimentary lunch is provided each day from a local restaurant. Vegetarian selections are available.

The Course

The canine massage program at Brandenburg Massage Therapy is an intensive three day course in deep tissue body work. It was developed from both my education and experience as a practicing therapist. The course is designed to be accessible to anyone who wishes to provide the benefits of massage to dogs.

Pre-class

Pre-class study material is forwarded to you at the time of your application and acceptance into the program. Each class session is limited in size to 4 students. Your pre-class material gives you an overview of the course and specific anatomy of muscle groups and their functions. Flash cards are included as a study aid.

Day one

Day One begins with a review of the canine anatomy and muscle function. We discuss basic physiology and the benefits of massage.

You will learn, and then practice massage strokes, on models, on the dogs and even on each other. We then begin to apply these strokes, in an orderly sequence, to the neck and shoulder of the dogs.

Day two

We review anatomy and the strokes. We review and practice the neck and shoulder massage sequence.

In addition, we learn the strokes and their application to the canine back and hindquarters.

Day three

Review and practice, practice, practice! Each student will have ample hands-on time with the dogs. The day concludes with a written exam and a practical exam.

Each day involves review and practice. Our goal is to build a competent and confident therapist. To this end, you will be given individual attention and guidance. Our class size is strictly limited to 4 students or fewer.

If your goal is to develop a business, Becky will give you the foundation for developing and marketing your practice. Each day there are business discussions, with information and advice to help you succeed.

After you have completed this course, Becky is still available to you for questions and support, should the need arise.

A limited number of dates are available for those wishing to host a class.