A typical canine massage program builds the course from a foundation of canine anatomy and physiology. Students learn how to palpate or feel along bony structures and major muscle groups--where they connect, intersect and move.
Some colleges require students to build muscles on a canine skeletal model called a Caniken, which provides a three-dimensional view of canine musculature.
Following introductory studies, students typically learn about the various gaits and locomotion between breeds. "Observation of gait in the walk and the trot will help the student assess muscle imbalances and abnormalities," according to Boulder College of Massage Therapy in Boulder, Colorado.
Shifting from the study of muscles and their movements, students advance to canine diseases, including orthopedic disorders and cancer, and the massage application for various ailments. Students learn techniques to relax strained muscles, how to document massage sessions as well as foster communication with animal professionals and dog owners.
A typical curriculum incorporates hands-on learning with canines at this stage of the curriculum. Massage practitioners, veterinarians and vet techs learn how to incorporate canine massage into their existing careers, and students without previous education learn how to work as adjunct in a veterinary setting.
Canine massage students must complete a supervised practicum off campus before certification. Students schedule practicum in diverse environments such as humane societies, veterinary hospitals or canine competitions around their own schedule. Massage instructors monitor student's progress through internship documentation sent in by the student. Certificates are awarded following the satisfactory completion of credit hours.