Dog Massage Training Course

Your dog will undoubtedly benefit from a massage

Massage relieves:
muscular tension, spasms and pain
intestinal gas and aid in digestion
alleviates age related disorders
improves tone in weak muscles and lameness
lubricates joints and can help ease arthritis
increases range of motion
increases circulation
secretes toxins
increases mental clarity required for performance
reduces stress and tension  - emotionally and psychologically lifts the dog

The goal of a massage can vary. A more vigorous type of massage is used to prepare active dogs  for peak performance. Relaxation massage is a smooth, gentle, flowing style that promotes general relaxation through relaxing the muscles.

A massage for relaxation should involve most of the body with mild to moderate pressure. A Sports massage should focus on specific areas.

Preparation tips:
schedule a time where there will be minimal distractions,
exercise your pet prior to dog massage session
allow a potty break before and after dog massage session

Contact
Pressure
Rhythm
Repetition

Stroking
Kneading
Stretching

Some dogs need a massage before an event. The pace of the massage should be stimulating and brisk. A pre- event massage is usually not more than 5 minutes in duration. You should bring warmth to the tissue and increase blood flow. The general rule of pre - event massage is that the closer the massage is to the time of competition, the less invasive it should be.

A warm-up massage is designed to enhance the body temperature. It is ideal to limit the warm-up massage up to 2 minutes.

Effleurage is used at the beginning of a session to enable you to get a sense of the dog’s body. It is also used as a filler to move between different strokes.

Kneading is a circular technique where tissues are lifted, rolled and squeezed.

There are 2 types of stretching - pre-event and post- event stretching.

Usually a pre-event stretching will last 3 minutes as part of a warm up. You should not push & pull the muscles right before the competition. Let the dog itself stretch out the muscles and soft tissues in preparation for the event (dynamic stretch).

Static stretch involves holding the position in a specific pose.

A post-event massage is designed to aid the dog in recovering from the activity. Before administering allow the dog to cool down and rehydrate. A post event massage should be slow,  with long and deep strokes, to relax the dog both physical and mentally.

The techniques learned in this course do not replace veterinary medicine.

Massage might not be recommended if your dog is suffering from an advanced condition of the immune system or lymphatic system.