Education Division
Do you have a passion for pets? Are you considering a career in the Canine Massage and Wellness industry? Look no further. We are now proudly offering a 6 week Canine Massage Therapy Career Program (as well as few individual class options) to help you get all the training you need.
To sign up for our Canine Massage Therapy Career Program, click here.
For a downloadable/printable version of our Canine Massage Therapy Career Program info, click here.
Canine Massage Therapy Career Program
Start Date: August 19, 2024
End Date: September 27, 2024
Location: South Paw Massage and Wellness
6750 73rd Street
Vero Beach, FL 32967
Tuition: $3,900
Registration Deadline: August 1, 2024
This Canine Massage Therapy Career program is combined with online courses and live in-person hands-on practice. This program offers all the education you'll need to become a qualified, and competent canine massage practitioner.
Tuition includes Anatomy text book, First Aid/CPR Certification, and a course completion certificate that will allow you to obtain your International Board Certification through IAAMB. Half of payment is due at sign-up. Registration Deadline and Tuition must be paid in full by August 1, 2024.
Course Objectives:
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Provide students with an education specialty to help them succeed in the canine massage and
bodywork industry. -
Dispense knowledge of specific massage and bodywork techniques designed to ward off illness, stress and pain – improving canine health and wellness.
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Contribute a strong understanding of canine behavior and communication.
In-person classes are from 9:30am-4pm: (1-hour lunch break)
September 23-27 2024
*In-Person Classes are combined with PowerPoint slides and lots of hands-on practice.
*Online classes are combined with study material, homework, quizzes and one group Zoom conference call per week.
Canine Ethology, Communication and Low Stress Handling (16 hours)
Online Content, Homework and Quiz.
In-Person Practice: September 21, 2024
This course is also offered as individual workshop for $600.
Consists of dog-with-dog and dog-with-human observations and practice allowing students to learn the signs, signals and expressions of canine communication, what they mean and how to respond.
Dog Anatomy and Physiology (48 hours)
Online Content, Homework and Quiz.
This course is also offered as individual workshop for $900.
Canine Ethology, Communication and Low Stress Handling must be completed before starting this course.
Covers canine skeletal and canine muscular anatomy. Students will learn the names of the bones, major bony landmarks and the muscular system of the body – including names of the muscles, their origins, insertions and actions. Students will learn the functions of the 11 systems of the body. Directional Terms will also be covered. This class requires interaction and active participation with your own body.
Canine Gait and Conformation Analysis (6 hours)
Online Content, Homework and Quiz.
Reviews canine locomotion, gait patterns, posture and charting.
Palpation and Massage Techniques (48 hours)
Online Content, Homework and Quiz.
This course is also offered as individual workshop for $900.
Canine Ethology, Communication and Low Stress Handling, and Dog Anatomy and Physiology must be completed before starting this course.
Identifies the major bony landmarks and the associated muscles. Students will also learn palpation along with the safe and proper application Massage Techniques. This course is mostly hands-on practice.
Canine Pathology and Conditions (12 hours)
Online Content, Homework and Quiz.
Discusses the most common canine pathological concerns, how to identify the signs and symptoms and when a vet referral becomes necessary. Zoonoses, communicable diseases and abnormalities/conditions of specific breeds will also be addressed.
Palpation and Massage Techniques (continued)
Online Content, Homework and Quiz.
In-Person Practice: September 22-24, 2024
Explores the Fascial System. Students will learn more advanced techniques including Myofascial Release and Lymphatic Massage. This course is mostly hands-on practice.
ROM and Passive Stretching (10 hours)
Online Content, Homework and Quiz.
In-Person Practice: September 25, 2024
Focuses on stretching techniques and their safe application. This course is mostly hands-on practice.
Emergency Situations (5 hours)
In-Person Practice: September 26, 2024
PET-TECH First Aid and CPR Certification will be obtained upon completion of this class. Students will also learn how to manage other common emergencies. This course is mostly hands-on practice.
Proper Record Keeping (2 hours)
In-Person Practice: September 27, 2024
Discusses SOAP charting and how to properly keep and maintain patient records.
Ethics, Law and Standards (2 hours)
Online Content
Covers IAAMB ethics and other professional ethics, laws and standards related to the massage field.
OPTIONAL COURSE: Full Day of One-On-One Private Hands-on Training (6-hours)
NOT INCLUDED IN THE CAREER PROGRAM. +$500
In-Person Practice: September 28, 2024
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
In-Person Course Information: There is access to a full kitchen. Location is about 15 minutes away from stores and restaurants. This is a small and intimate class. Space is limited. Closest airports: Orlando (MCO), Palm Beach (PBI).
Registration and Payments: Contact Stacy (details below). An intake form will be sent to you. Upon receiving the intake form, a personal invoice will be created and sent out to you via email. You may pay by credit card (3% fee applies), or by mailing check.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations by South Paw are possible due to limited enrollment one week prior to the start date. If a workshop is canceled by South Paw, students are subject to a full refund or can enroll in a future workshop. Students who are unable to attend the workshop may apply their payment to a future course or can be refunded the full payment (minus 5% admin fee) if given 3-day notice before the first day of class. Failure to notify us of cancellation before the first day of class or failure to show up will result in forfeiture of payment. If any course content has been sent, the course is then deemed non-refundable.
Discounts: Discounts for the career program are only available for those who are currently employed in the Medicine or Veterinary Medicine fields or currently a license-holding human massage therapist/physical therapist.
About Stacy Gradel, The Lead Instructor: Stacy founded South Paw Massage and Wellness in 2015 after completing The Canine Massage Career Program offered by the Chicago School of Canine Massage, now known as Canis Bodyworks. She has completed numerous continuing education courses from FVMA, NAVC and other sources. Stacy became an instructor for Canine Massage Therapy and Water Therapy in 2021. With 7 years of experience and a full-time clientele schedule – Stacy’s knowledge and expertise is invaluable in the industry.
“Canine Massage Therapy is a HUGE missing link in the pet care industry, and I am honored to share my knowledge so we can all help more pets live longer and stronger!” -Stacy Gradel
Contact: Stacy Gradel, South Paw Massage and Wellness
Address: 6750 73rd St. Vero Beach, FL 32967
Email: southpawflorida@gmail.com
Phone/Text: (772) 766-1055