How to Become a Dog Acupressure Practitioner

Dog acupressure is a developing field, and there are multiple levels of practice within the field. Acupressure, a form of massage rooted in Asia, operates on the principles that energy travels through the body in a network of channels and that applying pressure to certain points in this network can influence the functions of specific body organs or systems. Acupressure is being applied increasingly for general health and well-being in the animal world and is much touted for dogs and horses, especially those in competition or in professions such as law enforcement and rescue.

  1. Education

    • You can educate yourself in the theory and practice of dog acupressure on your own through books and videos. Some of these presentations are general, and others teach specific proprietary systems. One of the best known specifically for dogs is Tellington TTouch, developed by Linda Tellington-Jones, Ph.D., which includes not only acupressure bodywork but also some products and a philosophy of human/animal interaction. If you are interested, consult your veterinarian for advice on reputable sources. You can increase your skills at on-site clinics and demonstrations in which you practice techniques on your own dog or a "volunteer" rescue dog under the supervision of an instructor.

    Training

    • Some commercial programs offer home training programs in canine massage through study, examination and proficiency demonstration via video. Such programs offer a certificate, but a certificate is not a legal requirement for practice. The National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure & Massage maintains a list of schools that offer training in animal acupressure. The board offers advice on the ramifications of legal permission to practice dog acupressure, including local and state authorities, but does not itself offer actual certification to date.

    Certification

    • While the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges lists 27 accredited schools of veterinary medicine, only two organizations -- the Chi Institute of Chinese Medicine and the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society -- offer certification in animal acupuncture, which is a separate though closely related discipline that involves inserting needles into the skin. Both of these organizations require you to be a graduate veterinarian or a fourth-year veterinary student.

    Licensing

    • There is no current licensing requirement for the practice of any form of animal acupressure. Licensing as a massage therapist for humans might be an advantage, but to perform dog acupressure responsibly, you would need additional education and training in canine anatomy and physiology. You should consider massage therapy for animals as an adjunct to regular veterinary medicine, not a substitute for it. Those who practice it would be wise to do so under the aegis of a licensed veterinarian.