Course & Program Details
Canine Massage Certification
We offer all the education you'll need to become a qualified, competent, and experienced canine massage practitioner. Our curriculum also prepares you for national board certification through NBCAAM.
Continuing Education
Expand your existing skill set with our variety of online courses and hands-on workshops. Many of our courses are RACE and NCBTMB approved to meet your CE requirements. All of our courses are approved by NBCAAM for continuing education.
Personal Enrichment
No need to be a canine professional to take our courses! All you need is a love for dogs and a willingness to learn new skills. There's so much to know about our canine companions, and so many ways we can enrich their lives. Check us out!
Take the path to greater learning
Canis Bodyworks Course Descriptions
Starting your Journey
Trust & Relationship-Building with Dogs
Canine Massage Fundamentals
The "basics" are so much more than basic...
Effective canine massage involves much more than applying massage techniques to the body. In addition to learning the techniques, participants learn the essential skills of palpation, which include understanding the basics of skeletal anatomy and an introduction to muscle structure, proper body mechanics, and how to engage your “thinking fingers” in order to assess the dog’s body. Participants will also learn how to use proper documentation to record massage sessions.
By the end of this two-part course, participants will have gained the tools necessary to provide a dog with an effective and safe massage to promote relaxation and wellness.
The Physical Dog
The essentials of canine anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and gait...
Understanding how a dog is put together and moves their body provides valuable insight into the dog’s health and well-being. Knowing what’s “normal” is essential in order to detect when something is not quite right.
In Part 1 of this course, students learn the structures and functions of each of the dog's body systems, as well as how massage benefits each system.
In Part 2, students take a more intensive hands-on approach to learning canine skeletal anatomy, major muscle groups, joint structure, and patterns of movement. This information is crucial for recognizing signs of pain, anatomical limitations, and physical and psychological stress.
In Part 2, students take a more intensive hands-on approach to learning canine skeletal anatomy, major muscle groups, joint structure, and patterns of movement. This information is crucial for recognizing signs of pain, anatomical limitations, and physical and psychological stress.
Powerful Techniques & Advanced Anatomy
Lymphatic Massage: The Common Denominator
This advanced technique is universally beneficial for dogs...
In this advanced workshop, participants learn specific lymphatic massage techniques that can be used after deep tissue work to help clear metabolic wastes from the body; after surgery or injury to reduce swelling; and during palliative and hospice care to help sick and convalescing dogs by boosting the immune system and clearing out toxins, which when accumulated can cause nausea, fatigue, and pain. These techniques are gentle, nuanced, and effective, and the relaxation effects are profound. Lymphatic massage can truly be used in just about every situation and in every session with a dog, making it the common denominator in canine massage.
Post-workshop case studies will be assigned to each student: Participants are required to choose 2 dogs and meet for 3 sessions with each, complete a thorough client intake, and record proper SOAP documentation to practice what they have learned in this specific course.
Post-workshop case studies will be assigned to each student: Participants are required to choose 2 dogs and meet for 3 sessions with each, complete a thorough client intake, and record proper SOAP documentation to practice what they have learned in this specific course.
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy & Orthopedic Friction
Advanced techniques that are game changers in this work...
Post-workshop case studies will be assigned to each student: Participants are required to choose 2 dogs and meet for 3 sessions with each, complete a thorough client intake, and record proper SOAP documentation to practice what they have learned in this specific course.
Myofascial trigger point therapy is one of the most effective soft tissue treatments for reducing and eliminating musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction in both humans and dogs. Many dogs that present with on-and-off lameness along with chronic dysfunction or limited mobility very often suffer from myofascial trigger points. Trigger points initiate a downward spiral that begins with limited range of motion and inhibited muscle contractibility; they are often responsible for a multitude of issues, including ischemia in the tissues, referred pain patterns, nerve impingement, and limited joint movement which adds to degenerative changes within the joints.
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy is the precursor to using Orthopedic Friction techniques. Many times, practitioners working with soft tissue fail to apply techniques to address tendons, ligaments, and fascial attachment sites. Orthopedic friction is often the missing link. This form of soft tissue manipulation improves connective tissue mobility, breaks down and realigns scar tissue, and deactivates myofascial trigger points in ligaments and periosteum attachments of tendons.
Post-workshop case studies will be assigned to each student: Participants are required to choose 2 dogs and meet for 3 sessions with each, complete a thorough client intake, and record proper SOAP documentation to practice what they have learned in this specific course.
Learn From Home
Case Study Practicum
Putting it all together...
Dogs are our best teachers. Hands-on experience is the most valuable part of any canine massage therapy education. This home study practicum is ideal for the canine massage practitioner who wishes to acquire intensive, hands-on experience in the field while receiving individualized guidance and feedback from a Canis Bodyworks instructor.
Participants are required to choose 4 dogs and meet for 5 sessions with each, complete a thorough client intake, and record proper SOAP documentation.
Canine First Aid Concepts & Pathology
This online course is ideal for anyone with an interest in learning or reviewing the key concepts of canine first aid as well as understanding the fundamental principles of canine pathology.
Students working toward national certification in canine massage are encouraged to take this class as it contains information that will help during preparation for the national certification exam. Topics include common canine pathogens, modes of transmission, the chain of infection, inflammatory response, the lymphatic system, contraindications, and standard precautions.
Students working toward national certification in canine massage are encouraged to take this class as it contains information that will help during preparation for the national certification exam. Topics include common canine pathogens, modes of transmission, the chain of infection, inflammatory response, the lymphatic system, contraindications, and standard precautions.
Business of Canine Massage & Bodywork
The nuts and bolts of a business in bodywork...
The number one question we hear about the business of canine massage therapy and bodywork is “how do I market and sell my services effectively?” This workshop is intended to address the business skills and unique marketing strategies required for starting and growing a business.
Here, you will learn insights into the pet care industry, the nuances of building a private practice, and how you can use this work across a variety of pet care fields. In addition, participants learn communication skills and how to effectively work with pet parents and other pet professionals.
Here, you will learn insights into the pet care industry, the nuances of building a private practice, and how you can use this work across a variety of pet care fields. In addition, participants learn communication skills and how to effectively work with pet parents and other pet professionals.
Continuing Specialized Care
Continuing Specialized Care
Sports Massage & Exercise for the Canine Client
Advanced Continuing Education:
Every dog is an athlete. Regardless of age and activity level, dogs are driven to move their bodies, and they will walk, run, jump, and move in any way possible to the best of their abilities. Just like human athletes, dogs can overdo activity, even when they are uncomfortable, sore, or feeling pain because of joint disorders, muscle pathology, and disease. Dogs will also overdo it simply because they are willing to please, and we may not recognize when they've had enough.
In this advanced workshop, canine massage practitioners will understand the importance of exercise and fitness for dogs and learn fundamental exercises that can be tailored to each dog's unique needs. Students will learn pre-, post-, and remedial sports massage techniques that benefit canine athletes as well as couch potatoes. Additional focus will be placed on how to passively and actively stretch and mobilize joints safely and effectively. Students will also learn how to recognize pain and dysfunction and understand when to refer to a veterinarian. The key to success with sports massage and exercise is pet parent involvement, so students will learn how to effectively teach pet parents at-home massage and stretching techniques along with exercises suitable for their dog's capability and fitness level.
Prerequisites: Trust & Relationship-Building with Dogs (Parts 1 & 2), Canine Massage Fundamentals (Parts 1 & 2), and Physical Dog (Parts 1 & 2)
In this advanced workshop, canine massage practitioners will understand the importance of exercise and fitness for dogs and learn fundamental exercises that can be tailored to each dog's unique needs. Students will learn pre-, post-, and remedial sports massage techniques that benefit canine athletes as well as couch potatoes. Additional focus will be placed on how to passively and actively stretch and mobilize joints safely and effectively. Students will also learn how to recognize pain and dysfunction and understand when to refer to a veterinarian. The key to success with sports massage and exercise is pet parent involvement, so students will learn how to effectively teach pet parents at-home massage and stretching techniques along with exercises suitable for their dog's capability and fitness level.
Prerequisites: Trust & Relationship-Building with Dogs (Parts 1 & 2), Canine Massage Fundamentals (Parts 1 & 2), and Physical Dog (Parts 1 & 2)
Canine Palliative/Hospice Care & Oncology Massage
Continuing Education and Personal Enrichment:
How can we best support our canine companions when they are at their most vulnerable: during and after cancer, chronic illness, or injury, and at the end of life? In this 2-day workshop, students learn approaches to palliative and hospice care that complement the care provided by a veterinarian.
Students also receive an overview of canine cancer and learn how massage and bodywork may help as an adjunct therapy. A blend of theory and hands-on practice, this workshop covers topics such as the unique needs of the palliative and hospice client, cancer myths and types of canine cancer, and guidelines for working with cancer patients as well as with patients who have other health-related conditions that require palliative and/or hospice care.
Additionally, students learn about pet parent education and empowerment and working with other caregivers. Special emphasis will be placed on learning safe and effective bodywork techniques that can be used by pet professionals and pet parents alike.
Prerequisites: None
Students also receive an overview of canine cancer and learn how massage and bodywork may help as an adjunct therapy. A blend of theory and hands-on practice, this workshop covers topics such as the unique needs of the palliative and hospice client, cancer myths and types of canine cancer, and guidelines for working with cancer patients as well as with patients who have other health-related conditions that require palliative and/or hospice care.
Additionally, students learn about pet parent education and empowerment and working with other caregivers. Special emphasis will be placed on learning safe and effective bodywork techniques that can be used by pet professionals and pet parents alike.
Prerequisites: None
Applied Acupressure Fundamentals
Continuing Education and Personal Enrichment:
Prerequisites: None
Acupressure, a bodywork technique based in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is a non-invasive approach to preventive care and pain management. Providing acupressure to your own dog and to the dogs in your care will allow you to play an important role in their overall mental and physical health and well-being. Acupressure can be used alone or combined with other modalities and is ideal for any dog at any stage of life.
This workshop will provide you with the basic tools to immediately give the dogs in your care a simple, but effective, acupressure session using points that deliver a boost to the immune system and specifically focus on musculoskeletal soreness, calming, and overall relaxation and comfort care.
This workshop will provide you with the basic tools to immediately give the dogs in your care a simple, but effective, acupressure session using points that deliver a boost to the immune system and specifically focus on musculoskeletal soreness, calming, and overall relaxation and comfort care.
Prerequisites: None
Recommended Path
Recommended Path
Intro: NBCAAM Certification & Program Cost
By taking the following Canis Bodyworks courses, you will meet all NBCAAM Canine Massage Certification Exam Requirements:
Step 1: Foundation Courses
Enroll in all the following prerequisite courses (in the following order) to progress to Step 2:
Step 2: Case Study Practicum (Online Only)
Practice what you learned in the Foundation courses by taking the Case Study Practicum to solidify the essentials. We have generally witnessed better success and understanding with students who perform the Case Study Practicum at this stage. As this is not a prerequisite for the following steps, feel free to sign up for the courses in Steps 3 & 4, if your schedule allows.
You will have 6 months to complete this 30-hour Case Study Practicum. These sessions do not count toward the Advanced Courses case study requirements, as explained in Step 3.
You will have 6 months to complete this 30-hour Case Study Practicum. These sessions do not count toward the Advanced Courses case study requirements, as explained in Step 3.
Step 3: Advanced Courses
Before continuing to further Advanced Courses, you must first complete:
Step 4: Final Courses (Online Only)
These are the last 2 courses required to become eligible for taking the NBCAAM Certification Exam! As these courses are not prerequisites for each other, you can choose which to take first before continuing to the next:
Getting NBCAAM Certified
Once you have received all coursework certificates from Canis Bodywork, you can apply to take the NBCAAM Certification exam. You will be given details on exam preparation, application processing, expectations, and more in the Business of Massage & Bodywork Live Webinar.
All Canis Bodyworks instructors are NBCAAM-certified professionals and always available to answer any questions you have during this process!
All Canis Bodyworks instructors are NBCAAM-certified professionals and always available to answer any questions you have during this process!
CE: Continuing Education
Once certified, NBCAAM will require Continuing Education to maintain your membership status. All Canis Bodyworks courses qualify as CEs approved for NBCAAM. So, don't forget to check out our Special Interest Courses!
Where We Teach
Chicago, IL
Most of our Chicago-based workshops take place at Anti-Cruelty Society in downtown Chicago
St. Louis, MO
Our St. Louis-based workshops are located at The Academy of Pet Careers in St. Charles
Virginia
Virginia-based workshops are taught at Middleburg Humane Foundation in Marshall, and at the Richmond SPCA
Ontario, Canada
Our Canada-based workshops are located at the Animal Massage & Movement Education Centre in Frankville, Ontario
2022 Workshop Dates & Locations
Trust & Relationship-Building with Dogs
CHICAGO
ST. LOUIS
VIRGINIA
CANADA
- March 5-6
- June 4-5
- September 3-4
ST. LOUIS
- March 19-20
- July 9-10
VIRGINIA
- March 19-20
- July 16-17
CANADA
- April 23-24
- July 9-10
- October 1-2
Canine Massage Fundamentals
CHICAGO
ST. LOUIS
VIRGINIA
CANADA
- March 25-27
- July 1-3
- September 23-25
ST. LOUIS
- April 8-10
- July 29-31
VIRGINIA
- April 1-3
- August 12-14
CANADA
- April 26-28
- May 13-15
- July 29-31
- October 21-23
The Physical Dog
CHICAGO
ST. LOUIS
VIRGINIA
CANADA
- April 8-10
- July 22-24
- October 7-9
ST. LOUIS
- May 13-15
- August 12-14
VIRGINIA
- April 29-May 1
- August 26-28
CANADA
- November 11-13
Lymphatic Massage: The Common Denominator
CHICAGO
ST. LOUIS
VIRGINIA
CANADA
- May 7-8
- August 20-21
- December 3-4
ST. LOUIS
- June 25-26
- October 1-2
VIRGINIA
- May 21-22
- September 24-25
CANADA
- Dates TBD
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy & Orthopedic Friction
CHICAGO
ST. LOUIS
VIRGINIA
CANADA
- May 27-29
- August 5-7
- October 28-30
ST. LOUIS
- February 25-27
- June 3-5
VIRGINIA
- June 3-5
- September 9-11
CANADA
- Dates TBD
Canine Palliative/Hospice Care & Oncology Massage
CHICAGO
ST. LOUIS
VIRGINIA
CANADA
- June 18-19
- November 12-13
ST. LOUIS
- August 26-27
- November 4-5
VIRGINIA
- June 11-12
- October 29-30
CANADA
- Dates TBD
Business of Canine Massage & Bodywork
ZOOM (Live)
- May 22
- August 28
- November 6
Applied Acupressure Fundamentals
CHICAGO
ST. LOUIS
VIRGINIA
- July 9-10
ST. LOUIS
- Dates TBD
VIRGINIA
- May 14-15
- December 3-4
Sports Massage & Exercise for the Canine Client
CHICAGO
ST. LOUIS
VIRGINIA
- September 17-18
ST. LOUIS
- October 29-30
VIRGINIA
- Dates TBD
Founded on compassion for animals, and dedicated to teaching aspiring professionals how to communicate safely and respectfully with dogs through healthy touch.
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