FAQ

FAQ: What is the Lang Institute for Canine Massage?

The Lang Institute for Canine Massage, home of the Lang System, is a teaching establishment founded in 1999 with one mission in mind: to provide our students with the most professional training available in canine massage. Meeting high standards for quality of instruction, the school is approved by the State of Colorado and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Private Occupational School Board.

FAQ: What is the Lang System?

The Lang System is a massage technique specific to dog anatomy and physiology that was developed by Joanne Lang, a Master Certified Massage Therapist, who has over thirty years of experience massaging people, dogs, horses, and even an elephant! Joanne saw a genuine need to consider the entire dog, not just one specific area: “Many times, when we look at an animal, we miss much of the picture. I teach how to look at a dog’s overall balance and structure and understand how it is all tied together.”

FAQ: What does your program include?

Our 688-hour program, created by Joanne Lang, the founder of the Lang System, is the most comprehensive course available in professional canine massage. Developed with board-certified, practicing veterinarians and other expert canine professionals, along with PhDs, education specialists, and a Master Certified Massage Therapist, it consists of two parts: a 652-hour home study program, and a four-day hands-on practicum where you’ll learn from Joanne and her experienced faculty how to put into practice what you mastered at home.

FAQ: How long does it take to complete the home study program? How soon will I be ready for the practicum?

The home study program is designed for students to learn at their own pace. With 652 hours of instruction provided through our online classes, homework assignments, and a comprehensive manual custom-designed for our program, you can complete this important part of the course at the rate that best allows you to successfully master these materials and pass each module’s tests. We encourage our students to thoroughly learn the home study topics so they are fully prepared for the hands-on practicum.

FAQ: Where is your school located?

The Lang Institute for Canine Massage is located in Loveland, Colorado, where our annual hands-on practicum is held. The remainder of the program can be completed at home using our comprehensive study materials.

FAQ: When is the next practicum?

Our annual practicums are typically held in June in Loveland, Colorado. Please contact the school for our practicum schedule.

FAQ: What does it cost to enroll? What is included in that fee?

We provide you with a comprehensive core curriculum—including our home study course manual, online videos, and attendance at our four-day hands-on practicum—for one low tuition of $3,900. You’ll learn a wide variety of massage styles, and practice on an assortment of dog breeds and temperaments, allowing you to establish a solid, professional foundation as a canine massage provider.

In addition, all graduates of the Lang Institute for Canine Massage receive: free repeat attendance at our hands-on practicums for continuing education; a certificate of completion from our Colorado state-approved training institute for 688 combined course hours and practicum; and membership in the Lang Institute’s private Facebook group of graduates, where you can learn from current canine massage providers and ask questions from the experts.

FAQ: How do I pay you? Do you offer special rates to veterans?

We accept checks, PayPal, MasterCard, and Visa, and offer monthly payment plans. Special rates are available for veterans, and we participate in the MyCAA program for military spouses. Contact us at lang@dogmassage.com for more information.

FAQ: I don’t have a college degree. Can I still take your canine massage course?

Yes! Joanne has guided many beginners through successful completion of the Lang Institute’s course. Here’s all you’ll need to bring to the program:

  • A love of dogs
  • A willingness to learn
  • A commitment to complete the home study and practicum

FAQ: How will your program prepare me to start my own business as a professional canine massage provider?

Our curriculum includes modules on how to set up your own business, client relations, ethics, and legal considerations of canine massage. Through our home study program and hands-on practicum, you’ll learn how to work with other canine professionals, including veterinarians, and how to work legally within the structure of the regulatory environment in individual states.

FAQ: What’s the difference between medical canine massage and canine massage?

While the massage techniques for canine massage and medical canine massage are the same, medical canine massage starts with a note from a veterinarian outlining a treatment plan. The plan specifies an exact goal, such as to help a dog use an injured limb; a time frame for treatment, e.g. six massages; and includes a reevaluation by the veterinarian of the dog after the specified treatment. Our program will prepare you to work with veterinarians in this manner.

FAQ: I’m a canine physical therapist who wants to add canine massage to my skills. What will I learn in this course?

Our expert faculty, all with advanced qualifications, are committed to providing you with a solid foundation in canine massage. From learning to improve the mobility of senior dogs, to working with high-performance and championship show dogs—a specialty of Joanne Lang’s for over thirty years—Joanne and her faculty can help you take your canine rehabilitation to a new level.

FAQ: Why does a dog need massage?

Dogs are just like people; during their lifetimes, they will experience bumps and bruises, injuries, or serious trauma. Sometimes, after such injuries are treated and healed by a veterinarian, your dog may continue to experience residual negative effects. These effects can be incorrect posture and movement, or a decrease in muscle flexibility. Eventually, these negative effects can accumulate to cause a noticeable decline in your dog’s overall well-being, energy, and zest for life.

Even if your dog has never suffered an obvious injury, as it gets older, chances are it has dug at least one hole too energetically, jumped off the sofa the wrong way, or met an unsociable cat face-to-face. For the aging dog, massage can get that old sparkle back and make them feel special.

Massage also benefits even the healthiest, most rambunctious dog, enhancing their talents and improving their well-being and longevity.

FAQ: How do I contact you?

You can reach us at 970-691-3985 and lang@dogmassage.com.

FAQ: How do I enroll?

Contact us now and learn to be a professional canine massage provider!