When training in pet massage, be sure you enjoy dogs. You are going to be spending much of your time with them during the training. Even if you are planning on working with other animals, the courses currently focus on canines -- so the class will be full of them.
Things You'll Need
- Massage therapy class
- Anatomy book for dogs
- Physiology book for dogs
- Pool (optional)
Instructions
Sign up for a pet massage course. The International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork keeps a comprehensive list of places teaching the skills necessary to become certified. Some of the schools offer a full range of courses beyond bodywork. You can locate a program near your home.
Study the required books before the course begins. It will help to walk into the class as informed as possible, when it comes to the anatomy and physiology of dogs.
Follow the instructor's advice. They will go over everything from how the muscles work together to canine communication. As animals cannot speak, it is very important to be aware of body language.
Practice what you learn in class. This could involve working with your own dog or borrowing others to practice with, but the more you do, the better you will be at the technique.
Follow through with your certification. If you want to turn this into a personal business, you can go through the advanced curriculum to become nationally certified.