Courses
Puppy Massage
This course is intended for puppies from 16 weeks to one year with some basic training; for those handlers who want to learn how they can help to provide a great start for their puppy, and what is ‘under their puppy’s skin’; also how that can not only benefit their puppy’s future mobility and joint development but can also serve as an early detection to issues that would benefit from Veterinary care.
Puppy massage techniques is an area that has been underdeveloped and one that can serve to benefit puppies and handlers alike. With enhanced knowledge and understanding of how puppies grow and develop will give handlers a better insight into how much is ‘appropriate’ exercise for their puppy in their own environment. With this knowledge together with ‘hands on’ practical guidance will help a greater understanding of the skeletal and muscular development and structure of their puppy that will give the handler informed knowledge and skills to aid good mobility and health along with longevity.
Main benefits (general)
- A greater bonding and connection between puppy and handler
- An owner is able to develop an awareness of their puppy’s body map they will know what is normal and conversely be able to identify if there is anything abnormal happening e.g. the effects of heat, swelling, lumps etc.
- A puppy becomes used to being touched, which creates a bond of trust, this is important for when Veterinary attention is required
Health benefits
- It gently encourages venous return, which encourages arterial delivery to help with growth and cellular development, minerisation of joints, and hormone delivery.
- Massage encourages lymphatic stimulation which supports their immune system. This is especially important when they are in contact with viruses, bacteria etc…
- It helps puppies to relax which, para-sympathetically, encourages good digestion – ‘rest and digest’
- Massage encourages neural pathways through physical stimulation (spatial awareness)
- It promotes good co-ordination through good neural and muscular synergy
A biochemical and clinical response to massage in pre-term infants was assessed. Cortisol levels were determined through blood samples, indicating that there was a cortisol levels post massage were decreased consistently after massage i.e. the babies were more relaxed after massage.
The sessions will be split into 4 evenings of two hour sessions over 4 weeks, this is to provide the handler with time to practice at home without over stressing the puppy.
Week One, Evening One (without puppy)
Instruction session to inform handlers of the importance and reason for correct exercise for their puppy’s.
- How can massage help their puppy?
- How to perform a basic massage on their puppy, demonstrating the techniques and importance of directional application (bring a soft toy to practice on!).
- Get to know your puppy’s body, where the skeleton fits under the skin!
- The importance of knowing the situations and conditions when not to massage.
Week Two, Evening Two (with puppy)
- Review the benefits of puppy massage
- ‘Go live’ practice the techniques and routine on your own puppy
- One-to-one tuition to ensure all the techniques are being applied correctly
Week Three, Evening Three(with puppy)
- Review the techniques and routine
- Discuss issues and effects seen in individual cases
- Discuss how massage interacts with other of the body’s systems and the importance of this
Week Four, Evening Four (with puppy)
- Review the techniques and routine
- Discuss the major muscles and their importance
- Review all learnt with questions
Please note there is a maximum of 6 puppies per class/tutor. All handlers must provide a valid and current vaccination certificate for inspection on the first evening of tuition.
| Course length | 4 x 2 hours (evenings or mornings/afternoons subject to demand) |
|---|---|
| Timings | 7.00 PM – 9.00 PM |
| Suitablitity | All levels |
The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 restricts the treatment of an animal by any persons other than a qualified veterinary surgeon, and the Customer acknowledges this. This workshop does not provide customers with any specific qualification to practice on any animal.
How to book
To book your place on this course, complete our booking form and return to us as soon as possible. If there are dates available, you can purchase the course using the appropriate PayPal link below.