Content Outline

This course follows the textbook, plus a multiple-choice test and evaluation form at the end of the study guide.

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Learning Objectives

1. Correctly identify the scope of the practice outlined in this course.
2. Identify the physical, emotional and behavioral benefits of massage for dogs.
3. Identify the benefits of massage for older dogs and for dogs before and after surgery.
4. Identify at least five nonverbal areas of communication between the dog and human, including the signs of acceptance or refusal to massage.
5. Describe the key elements of the “pushing the tree” exercise.
6. Describe the massage exercises that help increase the therapist’s sensory awareness.
7. Identify the key elements of the assessment procedure.
8. Identify the benefits and contraindications for each of the following: grounding strokes, compression, stroking, skin rolling, body rolling and rocking, stretching the coat and limbs, percussion, and integration.
9. Describe the different types of Chi; identify at least five acupressure points and their locations on a dog, and describe the effects to the dog when the points are touched.
10. Identify the meridians’ properties and direction and recognize the contraindications to meridian work.
11. Describe the three lower energy shells; identify the chakras and their properties, and recognize the location of each chakra.
12. List the major filters through which a dog relates to him/herself and the environment.
13. Define intention and entrainment and their relationship to massage.
14. Describe the table requirements necessary for the therapist and the dog’s comfort, safety, rhythm and flow during the massage.
15. Recognize the body mechanics that enhance and restrict the flow of chi and list the high-energy points on a dog.
16. Compare and contrast the purposes of ruffling and unruffling and recognize the importance of motionless holding.
17. Describe the assessment sequence; identify common contraindications to treatment; recognize the recommended session sequence, and list the possible post-session responses of the dog.
18. Identify the author’s perspectives about the future of holistic animal care.
19. Identify at least one method to support the growth of holistic animal care.
20. Achieve at least 80% correct on the course test.

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Sample Text

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Sample Test Question

According to the exercises that connect yin to yang meridians near your dog’s head, start at the insides of the front paws and slide your hands

1. up inside the legs to the sternum, chest, throat and to the chin
2. up along the outside of the legs to the shoulders, neck and ears
3. up inside the legs to the elbow then outside the legs to the scapula, withers and ears
4. up along the outside of the legs to the upper arm then along the shoulder point to the dewlap

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